description Lake Pontchartrain Overview
Lake Pontchartrain is a large, shallow brackish estuary in southern Louisiana, United States, situated immediately north of New Orleans and connected to the Gulf of Mexico through natural channels and man-made waterways. The lake covers approximately 630 square miles and has an average depth of only about 12 feet, making it one of the largest estuaries on the Gulf Coast. It is spanned by the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, a bridge over 23 miles long that links the New Orleans metropolitan area to communities on the North Shore and is recognized as one of the longest continuous bridges over water in the world.
help Lake Pontchartrain FAQ
How large is Lake Pontchartrain?
Lake Pontchartrain covers approximately 630 square miles. It is a broad, shallow estuary immediately north of New Orleans.
Is Lake Pontchartrain freshwater or saltwater?
Lake Pontchartrain is brackish, meaning it contains a mixture of fresh and salt water. Its salinity changes with rainfall, river flow, and exchange with the Gulf of Mexico.
How is Lake Pontchartrain connected to the Gulf of Mexico?
The lake connects with the Gulf through natural channels and engineered waterways, including the Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass. The Industrial Canal also links the lake with the Mississippi River system.
What is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway?
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is a pair of bridges crossing the lake between Metairie and Mandeville. The longer bridge is about 24 miles in length.
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