November 2010 - BC Hydro

Duncan Dam Reservoir Archaeological Overview Assessment Final Report
The availability at Selkirk College, Castlegar of black and white pre-dam air photos facilitated
the development of focused survey strata. Based on their handwritten numbered sequence, the
collection appear equivalent to other ca. 1949/50 datasets commissioned in advance of the
Columbia River Treaty / North American Water Agreement, a major mapping initiative
conducted under the Columbia River Basin MS Mapping Series. Stereoscopic analysis was
conducted to delineate a number of specific geographic loci to serve as sampling strata
amenable to intensive visual field inspection. The initial sampling strata were defined as
thirteen linear transects, each chosen to traverse as much of the defined landform settings
and/or sedimentary strata as possible. The thirteen proposed transect locations along with their
associated model ascription are described below in Table 4-2:
Table 4-2. Proposed Transect Locations with Model Ascription
Transect
(TR)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Description Model
Glacier Creek fan in immediate vicinity of an outlet of Duncan Lake.
Transect will sample riverbank / fan toe that controlled the lake level. A
unique setting that has not yet been surveyed.
Beach and lacustrine deposits in small valley behind previously recorded site
EcQf-2. Transect will include an elevational sequence that could contain early
terraces; a unique setting which has not been revisited.
N across lower and relict fan complex of Griz Creek to North Creek. A unique
complex of fans that may be graded to all past lake levels contained within
the reservoir.
N across lower Little Glacier Creek fan, fine sediment depositional
environment near head of pre-dam Duncan Lake. Previously subject to
cursory survey in 2002.
NW across S edge of Howser Creek delta-fan. Transect of unique set of
terraces eroded into delta-fan and possibly depositional terraces (fluvial point
bar) at head of pre-dam Duncan Lake, potentially graded to higher lake
levels.
N across mapped relict beach deposits between Howser and Gravelslide
Creek, May be related to past level of ancestral Kootenay Lake. Not
previously surveyed.
NW across Gravelslide Creek fan. Fine sediment depositional environment
not previously surveyed.
NW across Pat Creek fan. Fine sediment depositional environment not
previously surveyed.
NW across mapped relict beach deposits between Pat and Clancy Creeks,
probably related to past level of ancestral Kootenay Lake.
NW across fine sediment depositional environment on recent and relict
Clancy and Dunn Creek fans, potential location of elevated fluvial point
bar/terraces graded to higher lake levels. Unique location possibly at the
head of the Ancestral Kootenay Lake.
Eagle Vision Geomatics & Archaeology Ltd. 30 November 28, 2010
1, 2
1, 2
(3? depending
on landforms)
1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2
2?, 3, 4
2?, 3
1, 2
1, 2
2?, 3
1, 2, 3