Lower Lake Mary, the furthest downstream of the two lakes is located directly below the upper lake. It is the smaller, and the first to be developed, of two lakes, reaching a maximum length of during wet seasons. At its maximum capacity, the lake fills the valley from the small earthen dam at its head to the foot of the dam holding back Upper Lake Mary. During dry seasons, however, the lake has a tendency to dry up completely. The lake is named after Mary Riordan, a daughter of the wealthy lumber barons who built the dam in 1904 for a water supply for Flagstaff. Due to its tendency to dry up, the Lower Lake Mary does not have the water sports appeal of its upstream sibling. The lake is regularly stocked with
rainbow trout during wet years. Any
fish species that is found in Upper Lake Mary can be found as well as a result of Upper Lake Mary spilling. Both lakes are also home to populations of
elk and
deer. The waters themselves attract various
bird species including the
great blue heron and the
bald eagle. During the warmer summer months, the region becomes a popular destination for birdwatchers. ==See also==