Adams Lake

On Archibald MacDonald's 1827 map, the river is called "Choo-chooach".{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=43 (39)}} On S. Black's 1835 map, the lake is unnamed.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=33 (29)}} First Nations Chief Sel-howt-kin, who lived on the lakeshore, became a Roman Catholic. When Father Nobli baptized him, he received the name Adam.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=43 (39)}} Chief Adam (sometimes spelled Atahm) was a prominent Secwepemc chief in the mid-nineteenth century. By most accounts, the lake is named after him.{{Cite book |last1=Norton |first1=Wayne R. |last2=Schmidt |first2=Wilf |title=Reflections: Thompson Valley Histories |year=1994 |page=149 |publisher=Plateau Press |isbn=978-0969884200}}{{Cite book |last1=Coffey |first1=John |last2=Gottfriedson |first2=G. |last3=Mathew |first3=R. |last4=Walton |first4=P. |title=Shuswap History: The First 100 Years of Contact |year=1990 |page=18 |publisher=Secwepemc Cultural Education Society |isbn=9780921235200}} Adam died in the 1862 Pacific Northwest smallpox epidemic, which, according to James Teit, killed over half the local Secwepemc population.{{Cite book |last=Teit |first=James |title=The Shuswap, Memoirs of the American Museum of Natural History |year=1909 |volume=IV |issue=Part VII |page=466 |publisher=G.E. Stenchert & Co |isbn=}}

Although Walter Moberly mentioned Adams Lake in his journal in July 1865,{{BCGNIS|173|Adams Lake (lake)}} the earliest newspaper use of the name was September 1866.{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/dailycolonist18660917uvic/page/n1/mode/2up?view=theater&q=adams |page=2 |title=Daily Colonist |date=17 Sep 1866 | website=archive.org}} George Mercer Dawson surveyed the area in 1877, 1882, and 1898, producing maps during this period.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=33 (29)}}

Pictographs found upon rock faces on opposite sides of the lake at White Bluffs and north of Tshinakin Point indicate a cultural significance of the locations. Momich Lakes Provincial Park includes culturally modified trees. A small cave up the slope was a source of ochre, which when mixed with animal fat produces ceremonial paint.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=41 (37)}} Evidence of a winter village at the lake outlet{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=38 (34)}} and archaeological sites between Woodpole and McIvor Points have been found, indicating the importance of salmon as a food source.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=37 (33)}}

The Adams Lake Band occupies the Hustalen Reserve at the southeast end of the lake, the adjacent Toops, and a small reserve at Squaam Bay.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=39 (35)}} Members continue to hunt and pick berries at the north end of the lake, which is called Mumix{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=29 (25)}} in the Shuswap language.{{Cite web| title=Secwepemc Historical Sites| work=Secwepemculecw, Land of the Shuswap| accessdate=2012-09-06 | url =http://landoftheshuswap.com/placename.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023119/http://landoftheshuswap.com/placename.html| archive-date =2016-03-04| url-status=dead}}

According to one account, the lake is {{convert|63|km|mi}} long and {{convert|1.6|to|3.2|km|1}} wide. The surface elevation is {{convert|404|m}} above sea level. The mean depth of {{convert|299|m}} and maximum depth of {{convert|457|m}} make the second deepest lake in BC (next to Quesnel Lake, which has a maximum depth of {{convert|511|m}}) and 7th deepest lake in the world by mean depth.{{cite web|url=https://www.bclss.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Adams-Lake-report-FINAL-2020.pdf|title=The Importance of Adams Lake & its Watershed|publisher=BC Lake Stewardship Society and the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy|access-date=2020-06-15|archive-date=2020-06-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615035344/https://www.bclss.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Adams-Lake-report-FINAL-2020.pdf|url-status=dead}} Another account gives a maximum depth of {{convert|397|m|ft}}{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=12 (8)}} and length of {{convert|72|km|mi}}.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=13 (9)}}

The size and depth help trap sediments entering upstream from smaller tributaries and some erosion in the Hiuihill (Bear) Creek valley. This keeps the water cool and clear, which benefits the salmon spawning habitat of the lower river.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=12 (8)}}

The lake divides the upper and lower parts of the Adams River.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=16 (12)}} A main channel and a series of smaller channels of the river enter the lake through a narrow, curved, steep-sided valley.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=17 (13)}} These steep slopes become gentler toward the southern end.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=15 (11)}} Other significant tributaries are the Momich River and Bush Creek.

The northwest side comprises granite igneous intrusions. These altered volcanic materials are usually grey in the lower part and green in the upper part of the series of schists. The latter also contain irregular beds of limestone.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=14 (10)}}

Squaam Bay, on the west shore, is the only major indentation of the shoreline.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=16 (12)}}

File:Sternwheeler Helen Adams Lake.jpg on Adams Lake, c.1920]]

The Interior Cedar-Hemlock zone continues south along both sides of the lake. The primary species are western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, hybrid white spruce, birch, and trembling aspen.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=22 (18)}}

In 1907, two Americans formed the Adams River Lumber Co (ARLC),{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=117}} which secured

{{convert|80|mi2|km2|0|order=flip}} of timber limits.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=117}}

During the early 1910s, the ARLC ran two steamboats on the lake and settlers operated three gasoline-powered boats.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0060111#p532z-3r0f:%22Adams%22 |page=533 (D457) |title=Minister of Lands annual report, 1913 |website=library.ubc.ca}} The ARLC paddle steamer A.R. Hellen towed logs to the dam during 1909–1925.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=31 (27)}} An ARLC boat skipper gave his name to Mcleod Point on the east shore.{{cite thesis | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/media/stream/pdf/831/1.0106826/1 |last=Akrigg |first=Helen Brown |page=155 (129) |title=History and economic development of the Shuswap area |year=1964 |type=MA |website=library.ubc.ca}}

By 1912, timber close to the shoreline became depleted, requiring log flumes for trees farther up the slopes. In 1918,{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=117}} the {{convert|4.5|km|mi|adj=on|1}} Brennan Creek flume was erected midway up the west shore.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=32 (28)}} A major logging camp existed on flat ground at the top of the flume. At various times, at least 24 ARLC logging camps were found throughout the Adams watershed.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=36 (32)}}

The ARLC built wharfs at Brennan Creek and the head of the lake.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=33 (29)}} In 1925, the ARLC ceased operations.{{Cite web | url=https://www.memorybc.ca/adams-river-lumber-company |title=Adams River Lumber Company |website=www.\memorybc.ca}} Although a large economic setback for the valley, contractors continued supplying cedar poles to utility companies.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=129}}

The federal forest service operated a ranger station 1906–1930 at the south end of the lake.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=36 (32)}} During the 1920s and 1930s, their boat operated southward from Brennan Creek and the provincial service Aspen ran northward.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=33 (29)}}

In 1942, Percy F. Tarry established a sawmill on the present mill site on the west shore at the south end of the lake. The next year, Arthur Holding became a partner. When destroyed by fire in 1945, the mill was rebuilt the same year, and the business was renamed the Holding Lumber Co.{{Cite web | url=https://www.communitystories.ca/v1/pm_v2.php?id=story_line&lg=English&fl=0&ex=00000724&sl=7368&pos=1 |title=Holding Lumber Co |website=www communitystories.ca}}

In 1976, Interfor purchased the mill.{{Cite web | url=https://interfor.com/location/chase |title=Interfor: Adams Lake Division |website=interfor.com}}

In the 2000s, logs continued to be barged down from a log sort area at Momich River and held in log booms at the mill.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=39 (35)}} During 2007–2012, an extensive modernization cost in excess of $100 million. This included a biomass heating system installation to dry lumber and heat buildings, which consumes wood waste instead of natural gas.{{Cite web | url=https://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/interfor-to-build-bc-sawmill-1000064423 |title=Pulp & Paper Canada |date=3 May 2007 |website=www.radionl.com}}{{Cite web | url=https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/projects/2008/09/construction-underway-at-interfors-adams-lake-sawmill-dcn030529w |title=Journal of Commerce |date=11 Sep 2008 |website=canada.constructconnect.com}}{{Cite web | url=https://www.canadianbiomassmagazine.ca/sustainable-investment-3575/ |title=Canadian Biomass |date=13 Aug 2012 |website=www.canadianbiomassmagazine.ca}}

During 2020–2021, a $4.3 million drying kiln was installed.{{Cite web | url=https://www.radionl.com/2020/12/30/71623 |title=Radio NL News |date=30 Dec 2020 |website=www.radionl.com}}

Just below the outlet of the lake,{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=19 (15)}} a {{convert|15|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} high splash dam existed 1907–1921 to raise the lake level. In the late summer, the stored water was released to flush logs down the river to Little Shuswap Lake for the ARLC sawmill at Chase. In 1945, the dam was demolished.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=11 (7)}} The dam not only impeded the early summer upper Adams salmon run from reaching its spawning area, but also harmed the late run sockeye of the lower river, because the log and water release scoured the river bottom, destroying salmon eggs.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=19 (15)}}

Early settlers paddled their supplies along the lake.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=31 (27)}} No regular steamer service existed.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0225860#p53z-3r0f:%22Adams%22 |page=54 (F52) |title=Minister of Lands annual report, 1923 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In the 1930s, George Todd of Squaam Bay carried light freight on the McLeod.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=31 (27)}}

In the 1920s, David (Dave) Fraser worked on the A.R. Hellen, before later running his own tugboat business for freight and passengers.{{sfn|Eberts|2004|p=31}} In 1927, he purchased {{convert|32|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} gasoline launch Nola,{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=58}} which pushed scows and towed cedar poles. He later built a larger boat,{{sfn|Eberts|2004|pp=29, 32}} retiring in 1972.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=58}} Son Frank (Ink), who took over the business, retired in 1996.{{Cite web | url=https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/kamloopsthisweek/name/frank-fraser-obituary?pid=200317304 |title=Frank FRASER obituary |website=www.legacy.com}}

During the mid-1930s, a punt guided by rope crossed the river at the north end of the lake, which was replaced by a basket aerial cable crossing.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=66}}

In 1973–74, a bridge was erected across the river at the foot of the lake.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0376296#p116z-3r0f:%22Adams%22 |page=B117 |title=Minister of Highways annual report, 1973–74 |website=library.ubc.ca}}

Adams Lake has been the site of two Secwepemc blockades, one in solidarity with the Kanesatake Mohawk in 1990, and the other in March 1995, to prevent the development of a 60-unit recreational vehicle park over a Secwepemc burial ground.{{Cite web | url=http://wiinimkiikaa.wordpress.com/secwepemc-history-of-resistance |title=Secwepemc History of Resistance |website=wordpress.com|date=4 July 2007 }} That June, the free access to local residents was threatened.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1995-06-16-02 |page=2 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=16 Jun 1995 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} Once the road closed, the province brought a barge and tugboat from the Arrow Lakes in mid-July.{{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1995&f_month=7&f_day=28 |page=A1 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=28 Jul 1995 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}} The 7 am to 8 pm ferry service, which crossed the lake on the hour,{{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1995&f_month=7&f_day=23 |page=A4 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=23 Jul 1995 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}} provided the only access to about 50 families, who resided or owned recreational lots on the eastern side of the lake.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1995-08-14-03 |page=3 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=14 Aug 1995 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} The Adams Lake band blocked vehicle access by removing a cattle guard. In September, arson destroyed the {{convert|87|m|ft|adj=on}} wooden bridge over the river.{{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1995&f_month=9&f_day=13 |page=A7 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=13 Sep 1995 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}}

Throughout the winter, an ice-breaking tug kept a passage clear for the car ferry.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1996-02-07-03 |page=3 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=7 Feb 1996 | website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} Service increased to 11.5 hours daily and 16 hours on Thursdays and Fridays.{{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1996&f_month=11&f_day=3 |page=A3 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=3 Nov 1996 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}}

In December 1996, a new cable ferry was installed, operating 18 hours a day, seven days a week.{{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1996&f_month=12&f_day=20 |page=A1 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=20 Dec 1996 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}} However weight restrictions prevented the ferry from carrying cement trucks.{{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1997&f_month=2&f_day=11 |page=A11 |title=Kamloops Daily News |date=11 Feb 1997 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}}

The 6:30 am to 1 am (winter){{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1997&f_month=10&f_day=12 |page=A5 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=12 Oct 1997 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}} and 6:00 am to 1 am (summer){{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1998&f_month=7&f_day=8 |page=A5 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=8 Jul 1998 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}} schedule was extended in August 1998 to 22 hours daily, with emergency service available at all times.{{Cite web | url=https://arch.tnrl.ca/pages/search/index.html?browse=false&s=ferry&f_pub=-1&f_year=1998&f_month=7&f_day=22 |page=A1 |title=Kamloops This Week |date=22 Jul 1998 |website=arch.tnrl.ca}}

Around 2013, WaterBridge Ferries took over from Western Pacific Marine as the service provider.{{Cite web | url=https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/921072 |title=Adams Lake Cable Ferry |date=3 Jun 2009 |website=www.shipspotting.com}}

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) commissioned Capilano Maritime Design to partner with Waterbridge Steel Inc. in a design-build contract to supply four new cable ferries. In each, a John Deere 4045 diesel engine with 110kW output powers a DC alternator for onboard electrics and a radial piston hydraulic motor to a dual bullwheel traction winch.{{cite web | url=https://www.capilanomaritime.com/case-studies/bc-inland-cable-ferries | title=Adams Lake II, Glade II, Harrop II, Arrow Park II | website=www.capilanomaritime.com}}

Launched in 2017, the Adams Lake II was the first vessel to be delivered under the Waterbridge contract.{{Cite web | url=https://kootenaybiz.com/nakusp/article/waterbridge_steel_in_nakusp_b.c._is_ferrying_change_over_west_kootenay_wate |title=Kootenay Business |date=11 Sep 2018 |website=kootenaybiz.com}} The carrying capacity was 10 vehicles and 48 passengers.{{Cite web | url=https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/driving-and-transportation/passenger/inland-ferries/contracts/contract-form-arrow-lakes-ferry-agreement-and-schedules.pdf#page=261 |page=261 |title=Adams Lake Ferry Agreement |date=1 Dec 2018 |website=www2.gov.bc.ca}}

The ferry operates under private contract with MOTI and is free of tolls, as are all inland ferries in British Columbia.{{cite web | url=https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/water-travel/inland-ferries | title=Inland Ferries | website=www2.gov.bc.ca}} Departures are on demand 24 hours per day, but 3 am to 5 am is emergencies only. The ferry capacity remains unchanged.{{cite web | url=https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/water-travel/inland-ferries/adams-lake-cable-ferry | title=Adams Lake Cable Ferry | website=www2.gov.bc.ca}}

At present, the various communities comprise a mix of permanent and seasonal residents.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=39 (35)}}

In the mid-1920s, the ARLC camp called the Depot closed with the company. In 1934, a group of about 50 Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) from Grants Pass, Oregon, led by Doc Jenkins, established a community in the vicinity of the camp remnants. That summer, the SDAs built homes and a dual school/church about one kilometre from the lake. That winter, Hazel Newman, the leader's daughter, gave birth to a son, contracted pneumonia, and died soon after. Despite winter snow and a summer mosquito infestation, the community persevered for two more years, before dispersing.{{Cite web | url=https://www.saobserver.net/columns/column-the-shuswaps-first-intentional-community |title=Salmon Arm Observer |date=2 Jul 2021 | website=www.saobserver.net}}

Over the decades, the log buildings have reduced to decayed remnants. The only lasting relic is the bronze plaque set in concrete above Hazel's grave. In 1974, Ken Harrison and his wife Carol purchased a {{convert|315|acre|adj=on|order=flip}} property a few kilometres up from the lake. Three more families joined them but in like fashion left a few years later.

In 1907, Daniel L. Smith built a spacious ranch house called Cariboo Lodge as a hunting resort at the mouth of the Momich River. A few advertisements placed in eastern game magazines attracted a couple of parties in the fall. After closing for the winter, the hotel never reopened. Smith wintered in Kamloops, where he attempted to pass a forged US Treasury cheque. His true identity was found to be ex-Captain Daniel T. Keller, who had served with distinction in the US Army, but had already successfully cashed three such cheques in the US. After extradition, he received 40 years in Leavenworth.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/mherald/1.0311424#p3z-3r0f:%22Adams%22 |page=4 |title=Mail Herald |date=11 Aug 1907 |website=library.ubc.ca}}{{Cite web | url=http://archive.org/details/dailycolonist19631208/page/n45/mode/1up?view=theater&q=adams |pages=46–47 |title=Daily Colonist |date=8 Dec 1963 | website=archive.org}}

Over the years, trappers and miners established homesteads on the limited level, low ground at the river mouth.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=38 (34)}}

Billy Brennan, was a federal timber cruiser in the region.{{Cite web | url=https://www.todayinbc.com/opinion/the-last-one-room-school-at-brennan-creek |title=Today in BC |date=2 Apr 2015 | website=www.todayinbc.com}} By 1908, four or five families lived in the vicinity.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=36 (32)}}

After the ARLC closure, the only remaining area resident was William (Bill) Henderson, who died in 1933.{{Cite web | url=http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/Results?search=Search&as.type_death=true&as.registration_num=1933-09-485505 |title=Death Certificate (William HENDERSON) |website=www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca}} The next year, Jerome Bishop Eberts,{{Cite web | url=https://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/a89092cb-fc62-482b-85a2-564cd6052401 |title=Death Certificate (Jerome Bishop EBERTS) |website=www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca}} former editor of the Vancouver Sun, and his family, moved into the two-room log cabin north of the creek.{{sfn|Eberts|2004|p=8}} A couple of years later, they erected a larger log house.{{sfn|Eberts|2004|p=56}}

Percy Jacques, who had arrived with them, lived for a period in a one-room shack behind the property.{{sfn|Eberts|2004|p=41}} Leonard May, the only nearby permanent neighbour,{{sfn|Eberts|2004|p=24}} froze to death on the lakeshore{{sfn|Eberts|2004|p=29}} in December 1944.{{Cite web | url=http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/Results?search=Search&as.type_death=true&as.registration_num=1944-09-656792 |title=Death Certificate (Leonard MAY) |website=www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca}}{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/nelsondaily/1.0417185#p1z-2r0f:%22Leonard%22 |page=2 |title=Daily News |date=4 Jan 1945 |website=library.ubc.ca}}

When the Eberts left in 1946, recently married McGarry (Mac) Allen and wife Mabel.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=82}} (Marnie) (eldest child of Dave Fraser) became the next occupants and developed their logging company.{{Cite web | url=http://www.inmemoriam.ca/view-announcement-31446-mabel-eleanor-allen-nee-fraser.html |title=Mabel Eleanor ALLEN (Nee FRASER) obituary |website=www.inmemoriam.ca}} A school opened in 1958 for children of logging families. A hydroelectricity dam was installed on Spapilem Creek, which supplied power until the BC Hydro transmission lines arrived in 1975. At the old Brennan Creek landing, the present large log community hall was built in 1984. The school closed in 2012. By that time, Mac Allen's son Pat ran the logging business.

A resident for 68 years, Marnie died in 2009. The location, now known as Marnie's Bay, is an RV resort and public campground.{{Cite web | url=https://rs.locationshub.com/Home/LocationDetail?rsLocationId=081-10134279 |title=Marnie's Bay Resort on Adams Lake |website=rs.locationshub.com}}

The name Agate Bay, used on a 1915 map, was possibly chosen because quartz in the area resembles agate. The adjacent reserve is called Squaam,{{Cite web | url=https://shuswappassion.ca/history/the-fascinating-sinmax-creek-valley-ranching-and-mining-near-adams-lake |title=The Fascinating Sinmax Creek Valley – Ranching and Mining Near Adams Lake |website=shuswappassion.ca}} which means 'choppy waters'.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=2}} In 1933, Skwaam Bay became the official name.{{BCGNIS|21544|Skwaam Bay (bay)}}

In 1892, three prospectors discovered the Homestake claim about {{convert|2.5|mi|km|0|order=flip}} up Sinmax Creek.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=2}} In 1895, the new mine owners built a wagon road to haul ore northwest to Louis Creek.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=6}} The 1919 forest fire destroyed the mine infrastructure.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=9}} About {{convert|22|mi|km|0|order=flip}} by road west of Squaam Bay, Blucher Hall provided a general store and post office.{{Cite web | url=https://www.barrierestarjournal.com/life/squam-bay-remembers-cap-fraser-and-blucher-hall |title=North Thompson Star |date=23 Jul 2012 |website=www.barrierestarjournal.com}}

In 1905, Charlie and Mable Todd settled their family, registering their lakefront property in 1913.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|pp=20–21}} By 1906, four families lived in the immediate area.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=36 (32)}} The school established in 1916, which was little more than a small shack, was replaced in 1918 by a larger one-room log building. In 1933, the school relocated closer to the Homestake mine.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|pp=226–227}}

In 1926, newcomer Dave Fraser married the Todd daughter Jessie.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=57}} In 1938, they moved up the lake to the bay.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=58}} Their large house was the hub of activities.{{sfn|Eberts|2004|p=31}} Son Frank (Ink) was also actively involved in community responsibilities such as managing the water works and plowing snow. The school relocated back to the bay in the 1950s, closing in 1964.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|pp=227–228}}

Charlie and Hallie Kelly settled in 1912.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|p=30}} Son Clinton was a resident for about 90 years.{{Cite web | url=https://www.barrierestarjournal.com/obituaries/clinton-charles-keller |title=North Thompson Star |date=3 Jan 2011 |website=www.barrierestarjournal.com}}

In 1937, Tom and Evelyn LaFave arrived. In the late 1940s, they established a hunting and fishing lodge, which developed into several rental cottages for tourists. In 1964, they sold the property.{{sfn|Forseille|2000|pp=71–73}}

The annual Squaam Bay Fishing Derby has been held since 1955.{{Cite web | url=https://www.clearwatertimes.com/community/valley-voices-squam-bay-fishing-derby-held-since-1995 |title=Clearwater Times |date=9 Oct 2019 |website=www.clearwatertimes.com}} Presently, the bay offers a resort and cabin accommodation for visitors.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=39 (35)}}

By 1895, a wagon road stretched about {{convert|6.5|mi|km|0|order=flip}} northwest from

Squilax to the foot of the lake.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0063737#p63z-3r0f:%22Adams%22 |page=64 (416) |title=Commissioner of Land and Works annual report, 1895 |website=library.ubc.ca}}

In 1912, Frank Sturgill built the 12-room Adams Lake Hotel for the ARLC. Sturgill was the proprietor until the Potters purchased the hotel in the 1920s.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=36 (32)}} A post office operated 1913–1934 at this location.{{cite web |url=https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record?app=posoffposmas&IdNumber=6672 |title=Postmasters |website=www.bac-lac.gc.ca|date=25 November 2016 }}

By 1944, the Adams Lake community had erected a school, a store and community hall.{{BCGNIS|174|Adams Lake (community)}} By the mid-1970s, student numbers had fallen too low,{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0376301#p75z-3r0f:%22elementary%22 |page=D76 |title=Department of Education annual report, 1973–74 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and the school appears to have closed around this time.

Residences exist on both shores and a Girl Guide camp and general store on the west one. Mill workers either live nearby on the lakeshore or in newer subdivisions in the hills above the lake.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=39 (35)}}

File:Adams Lake.jpg

Adams Lake Provincial Park and Momich Lakes Provincial Park occupy parts of the foreshore.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=46 (42)}}

Around the lake, sockeye spawn at the mouth of Bush Creek, coho along the shorelines of the lower lake, and both along Sinmax Creek and the Momich River. Anglers also fish the lake for rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, and bull trout.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=25 (21)}}

Not as crowded as the nearby Shuswap Lake, the lake attracts recreational boating.{{sfn|Cal-Eco Consultants|2006|p=44 (40)}}

The area around the lake is popular with campers and is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. During the autumn and winter people hunt for game birds and big game such as mule deer, black bear, and cougar (mountain lion).{{fact|date=February 2023}}

• Average Hours of Sunshine: 2,000+ per year
• Average Rainfall: 304.7 mm (11 in) annually
• Average Snowfall: 139.8 cm (55 in) in the valleys. Up to 644 cm (253.5 in) on the mountains
• Frost Free Days: 120–175 days annually

Average maximum temperature (summer): 28.4 °C (84 °F) Average minimum temperature (winter): -8.8 °C (16 °F)

• {{Cite web | url=https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~2162~200068:Rand-McNally-Official-1925-Auto-Tra?title=Search+Results%3A+List_No+equal+to+%275215.002%27&thumbnailViewUrlKey=link.view.search.url&fullTextSearchChecked=&dateRangeSearchChecked=&showShareIIIFLink=true&helpUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV75D%2FLUNA%2BViewer%23LUNAViewer-LUNAViewer&showTip=false&showTipAdvancedSearch=false&advancedSearchUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV75D%2FSearching%23Searching-Searching |title=BC map |year=1925 |website=www.davidrumsey.com}}
• {{Cite web | url=https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/workspace/handleMediaPlayer;JSESSIONID=83caf6bd-5c13-4a2d-8744-65fde1e6d603?lunaMediaId=RUMSEY~8~1~212315~5500350 |title=Shell BC map |year=1956 |website=www.davidrumsey.com}}
• {{Cite web | url=https://bcparks.ca/heritage_rivers_program/reports/upper_adams3_map.pdf?v=1663372800065 |title=Adams Lake heritage map |year=2006 |website=bcparks.ca}}

• List of lakes of British Columbia
• List of Inland Ferries in British Columbia

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book | url=https://bcparks.ca/heritage_rivers_program/reports/adams_river_chrs_background_study_march_31_06.pdf?v=1665705600065 |last=Cal-Eco Consultants |title=Background Study – Full Version Adams River, British Columbia Proposed National Heritage River Nomination; Prepared for B.C. Ministry of Environment |year=2006 |website=bcparks.ca}}
• {{cite book |last=Eberts |first=Tony |title=Pioneering through the Mid-Life Crisis, A Family Taken to the Woods |publisher=Western Canadian Wilderness Committee |year=2004 |isbn=1-895123-29-1}}
• {{cite book |last=Forseille |first=Susan |title=Silver seams, tall timbers & red earth: shared memories of the settlement of Squam Bay, Fadear Creek and the west side of Adams Lake |publisher=Goss Publishing |year=2000}}

{{British Columbia hydrography}}

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Category:Lakes of British Columbia

Category:Shuswap Country

Category:Kamloops Division Yale Land District