Diamond Benchmark is a geographic feature located in Kittitas County, Washington. It stands at an elevation of 5,440 feet (1,658 m) and is surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes. Though not a hugely popular tourist destination, Diamond Benchmark and the surrounding area have an intriguing history and geography that have inspired the following 36 riddles. Read on to test your knowledge of this scenic locale!
Riddles about Location and Geography
What U.S. state is Diamond Benchmark located in?
Diamond Benchmark is located in the U.S. state of Washington. Specifically, it resides within Kittitas County in central Washington.
What county in Washington state contains Diamond Benchmark?
Diamond Benchmark is situated in Kittitas County, Washington. Kittitas County comprises the central part of the state.
What is the elevation of Diamond Benchmark?
Diamond Benchmark reaches an elevation of 5,440 feet (1,658 meters) above sea level. This places it high up in the Cascade Mountain range that runs through Washington.
What major mountain range is Diamond Benchmark part of?
Diamond Benchmark is part of the Cascade Mountain Range that extends from British Columbia through Washington and Oregon. This range contains several volcanic peaks.
What is the nearest city to Diamond Benchmark?
The nearest city to Diamond Benchmark is Ellensburg, Washington. Ellensburg sits in the Kittitas Valley, about 13 miles from Diamond Benchmark by road.
What river flows closest to Diamond Benchmark?
The Yakima River flows closest to Diamond Benchmark, passing within 3 miles. The Yakima River basin supports agriculture in central Washington.
What lake does Diamond Benchmark overlook?
Though not situated directly on a lake, Diamond Benchmark offers views looking down on Lake Kachess, a reservoir on the Kachess River formed by Kachess Dam.
Riddles about History and Culture
What Native American tribes traditionally lived around Diamond Benchmark?
The Yakama Tribe has traditionally lived around Diamond Benchmark and considers the area part of their ancestral homeland. Their territory encompassed much of central Washington.
For what 19th century industry was the area surrounding Diamond Benchmark known?
In the late 1800s, the mountains near Diamond Benchmark became well known for mining precious metals and minerals. Gold, silver, and coal were all mined in the region.
What food crop is grown near Diamond Benchmark today?
The irrigated Kittitas Valley surrounding Diamond Benchmark now produces hay and other crops used to feed livestock, especially dairy cows used in production of milk-based products.
What 20th century novel features locations close to Diamond Benchmark?
Jack Kerouac’s novel “The Dharma Bums” takes place in locations around Diamond Benchmark, including climbing Mt. Hozomeen and working as fire lookouts on nearby peaks.
What recreational lake did Diamond Benchmark overlook before dam construction?
Before Kachess Dam was built in 1912, Diamond Benchmark overlooked a natural lake known as Lake Easton, a popular recreation lake for camping, boating and fishing.
For what outdoor activity do people visit the area today?
Modern visitors come to hike scenic trails, camp, fish, boat, and partake in winter sports around Diamond Benchmark and in nearby mountain wilderness areas.
Riddles about Climate and Weather
What biome characterizes the climate where Diamond Benchmark is located?
Diamond Benchmark falls within the temperate coniferous forest biome characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
What is the average annual rainfall around Diamond Benchmark?
Diamond Benchmark receives approximately 35 inches of precipitation yearly, mostly accumulating as snowfall in the winter months.
What is the average July high temperature at Diamond Benchmark?
July is typically the hottest month, with average high temperatures around Diamond Benchmark reaching about 80°F (27°C).
Does it frequently snow near Diamond Benchmark?
Yes, heavy snowfall accumulations are common around Diamond Benchmark during the winter, with annual averages exceeding 10 feet at higher mountain elevations.
What severe weather events occur near Diamond Benchmark?
Windstorms, wildfires, flooding from snowmelt, thunderstorms, and wet heavy snow at higher elevations are among severe weather risks around Diamond Benchmark.
What causes most wildfires near Diamond Benchmark?
Lightning strikes igniting extremely dry forest vegetation in the summer months lead to most wildfires occurring in the Cascade mountains by Diamond Benchmark.
Riddles about Flora and Fauna
What types of trees grow around Diamond Benchmark?
Douglas fir, western hemlock, ponderosa pine and western red cedar are the predominant conifer trees growing around Diamond Benchmark.
What large bird of prey nests around Diamond Benchmark?
The bald eagle nests in areas surrounding Diamond Benchmark, using tall trees next to rivers and lakes to build nests and raise eaglets.
What medium-sized predators roam the region around Diamond Benchmark?
Bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and badgers are mid-sized predators that inhabit the mountains and forests surrounding Diamond Benchmark.
What rodents are common around Diamond Benchmark?
Beavers, porcupines, squirrels, marmots and pikas are all rodents frequently found in the Diamond Benchmark ecosystem.
What varieties of fish live below Diamond Benchmark?
Rainbow trout and kokanee salmon are popular game fish caught in lakes and rivers below Diamond Benchmark like Kachess Lake and the Yakima River.
What common bird has declining populations around Diamond Benchmark?
Once abundant American dippers, a songbird species dependent on clear mountain streams, have seen steep declines near Diamond Benchmark as water quality falls.
Riddles about the Name Origin
What does the name “Diamond Benchmark” indicate?
The name references survey benchmarks used to precisely mark elevations on geographical surveys. This benchmark’s height resembles the precious gem diamond.
What government agency installed the first benchmarks near Diamond Benchmark?
The first regional elevation benchmarks were installed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as they systematically mapped the area starting in the late 1800s.
When was the current Diamond Benchmark marker likely installed?
The modern Diamond Benchmark survey marker was likely installed sometime in the late 20th century as previous wooden and stone benchmarks weathered over decades.
What shape is the benchmark elevation mark?
The Diamond BenchmarkSurvey marker contains a small brass or aluminum cap set in rock or concrete stamped with the elevation and benchmark name.
What information does the benchmark record?
The USGS benchmark records the exact height of Diamond Benchmark along with the coordinates, date installed, and official benchmark name for precise geospatial reference.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed testing your knowledge of Diamond Benchmark’s history, geography, climate and wildlife by solving these 36 riddles. Though a relatively remote mountain locale, locations like Diamond Benchmark have played important roles in Washington’s development while providing recreational escapes. Check how many riddles you answered correctly about this unique place!
