Spotted Lake (Kliuk): A Geological Wonder of Mineral Deposits and Patterns

Nestled in the southern interior of British Columbia, Spotted Lake (known locally as Kliuk) is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon. The lake’s surface is covered by hundreds of vibrant, multicolored spots that change in size and color throughout the year, creating an ever-evolving landscape. This striking appearance is the result of its unique geological formation and the mineral-rich waters that dominate its environment. But what exactly causes these spots to form, and how did this remarkable lake come to be?

Geological Formation of Spotted Lake

Spotted Lake was formed over thousands of years through a combination of geological and climatic factors. Located in an area that experiences hot, dry summers, the lake’s geological features play a critical role in shaping its unique characteristics. The surrounding landscape consists of arid, desert-like terrain, punctuated by mountains and valleys. Underneath the lake, a vast system of underground springs feeds water into the lake, but this water is far from ordinary.

The lake is located atop a highly mineralized area where several salt deposits and minerals are abundant. As the lake’s water levels fluctuate throughout the year, a critical natural process begins—evaporation. During the warm summer months, the heat causes the water to evaporate rapidly, leaving behind the concentrated minerals. Over time, this evaporation leads to the formation of rich mineral deposits that crystallize at the lake’s surface.

Mineral Deposits

What makes Spotted Lake particularly fascinating is the diversity of minerals found in its waters. The lake contains a range of salts, sulfates, and calcium deposits, among others. Some of the most prominent minerals include magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, and sodium sulfate. These minerals are naturally occurring in the surrounding environment and have been gradually concentrated in the water over millennia.

As the water evaporates, the minerals become more concentrated and form crystalline deposits that appear as vivid spots scattered across the lakebed. The color of these spots varies depending on the mineral content and its concentration. For example, the calcium deposits give rise to white spots, while sulfur and magnesium salts contribute yellow and greenish hues. The patterns shift throughout the year, particularly during the hot summer months when evaporation rates are highest.

Interestingly, the mineral concentrations also fluctuate with seasonal changes. When the lake is full of water, the mineral deposits are submerged, making the surface look smooth and uniform. However, as evaporation takes place, the water level recedes, leaving behind exposed patches of minerals that can be seen as vivid, colorful spots.

Patterns on the Surface

The most striking feature of Spotted Lake is the patterned surface that forms as a result of the mineral deposits. When the water level drops and evaporation accelerates, the exposed patches of minerals create irregular, but remarkably consistent spots across the lake’s surface. These spots can range in size from small, round patches to larger pools of concentrated minerals, some of which can hold water for a while, further intensifying the contrast in the landscape.

The arrangement of these spots is not random—rather, it is a result of the unique interplay between evaporation and mineral crystallization. As the mineral-rich water evaporates, certain areas of the lake dry out faster than others due to slight variations in topography or water flow. These areas are where the mineral concentrations are higher, and the resulting crystallization creates the characteristic spotted appearance. Over time, the lake transforms as the minerals continue to accumulate and the spots change in shape, color, and size, producing an ever-shifting mosaic on the surface.

The minerals were historically used for medicinal purposes

The Okanagan First Nations people historically used the minerals from Spotted Lake (Kliluk) for their supposed medicinal properties. The lake’s high concentrations of magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, and other minerals were believed to aid in healing wounds, reducing inflammation, and alleviating skin conditions. Warriors from the Okanagan Nation were said to bathe in the lake’s mineral-rich waters to recover from injuries after battles.

The lake was also considered sacred, and access was historically limited to members of the Indigenous community. Even today, out of respect for its cultural significance, public access is restricted, and visitors can only view the lake from a distance.

How Old Is Spotted Lake?

Spotted Lake’s formation likely began at the end of the last Ice Age (~10,000 years ago). However, the mineral accumulation in the lake has been happening over thousands to millions of years, depending on the weathering rates of the surrounding bedrock. The minerals that give the lake its distinctive appearance have built up gradually as dissolved ions from groundwater became trapped in the basin.

Although Spotted Lake has remained largely unchanged in geological terms, climate fluctuations and human activity (such as past mining operations) have influenced its appearance over the past century.

Comparing Spotted Lake to Other Evaporite Lakes

Spotted Lake is part of a global family of evaporite lakes, which include:

• The Great Salt Lake (Utah, USA) – A much larger hypersaline lake formed by a similar endorheic basin process.
• Lake Natron (Tanzania) – A highly alkaline lake with a deep red color caused by salt-loving microorganisms.
• Death Valley’s Racetrack Playa (California, USA) – A dry lakebed that accumulates evaporite minerals but lacks permanent water pools.

Unlike these lakes, Spotted Lake’s small size and extreme mineral concentration make it unique in terms of its striking spotted pattern and high seasonal variability.