Peace Project Water Use Plan - BC Hydro

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Peace Project Water Use Plan Annual Report: 2010 compared to sites on the west bank of Dunlevy Inlet, as indicated by fact that trees affected by erosion appear to have been dead for some time. The shoreline has a much less steep slope compared to the typical condition on the west bank, which may make low water access easier to achieve. Substrates at the site were generally similar to those at the existing site. The upland area is wooded but appears to have a generally manageable relief. Users would need to drive approximately 7 km further to reach this site, compared to the existing Dunlevy site. Land ownership at this site is not certain, although it seems unlikely to be private. The Online Cadastre of British Columbia5 does not show any ownership or ownership type at the site. In contrast, the Online Cadastre does show the private ownership at the Torwood Resort and other areas on the southeast side of Dunlevy Inlet. The iMapBC GIS system6 shows that most of the west side of Dunlevy Inlet is subject to licenses of occupation for Summer Extensive Use and Winter Extensive Use for commercial recreation. This suggests the land tenure would allow for a new boat launch ramp in the vicinity, but this must be verified. The land ownership must be definitively identified if this site is to be considered further. Elizabeth Creek The Elizabeth Creek site is located on the south side of the Williston Reservoir, Peace Arm, close to the WAC Bennett Dam. Access to the site is over the dam and down a well-maintained gravel road. The upland area at the site is limited. The road that provides direct access to the site has been widened to allow parallel parking. A similar parking area is available uphill, on a road parallel to the main access road. Pit toilets are provided at this second parking area. The high relief at this site makes the provision of any further parking area difficult. The concrete boat launch ramp is in good condition, with only minor spalling in a few locations. A low riprap breakwater protects the ramp over most of its length. There is minor evidence of sedimentation (pea gravel) on the inner side of the breakwater near the bottom of the ramp. The topography adjacent to the ramp itself is very steep, more so than in the general upland area. The slope immediately adjacent to the ramp is protected by riprap. Most of the upper slope is rocky, with minor erosion at the top of the bank. The need for upgrades at the sites was not immediately obvious from the site visit. Later discussions with boat users3 indicated that the problem was associated with high waves at the site, particularly at low water. This is consistent with the general exposure of the ramp, and the presence of the (rather low-crested) breakwater. It would also be desirable to have a dock at which launched boats could be tied up. Halfway River Existing Site The Halfway River existing site features a boat launch area immediately south (downstream) of the Highway 29 bridge over the Halfway River, on the east bank. The site is approximately 40 km from Hudson’s Hope and 50 km from Fort St John, BC Hydro Page 30
Peace Project Water Use Plan Annual Report: 2010 directly between the two locations. Access to the site from Highway 29 is via a short gravel road, which connects directly to a turnaround and to the launch ramp access. The water level at the site was unusually high (approximately 433 metres relative to geodetic datum at the 97th percentile) at the time of the site visit. The water was also unusually turbid. Consequently, the physical condition of the boat launch ramp could not be investigated as part of the reconnaissance survey. Information was obtained from BC Hydro staff, boat users, and the underwater contours from the hydrographic survey. The launch ramp is located adjacent to the riprap protection for the Highway 29 Bridge over Halfway River. According to BC Hydro staff, it is often necessary to clear riprap that has fallen onto the ramp during the winter. The river is often frozen during winter. There is a sandbar that lies generally shore-parallel, starting at the central bridge pier and connecting to the logjam south of the boat launch. Generally, it is preferable for ramps to be oriented such that vessels are launched in the downstream direction rather than the upstream direction. At this site, the water depth in the downstream direction is too shallow to make this feasible without dredging. According to Mr. David Woinarski of Landsong Heritage Consulting, the water level can be lower in the afternoon than in the morning. Boaters unfamiliar with the site are sometimes caught on this sandbar on their return. Parking at the site is limited to the turnaround area and the approach to the old Highway 29 Bridge. According to Mr. Woinarski, the parking and turnaround area are occasionally backed up with traffic; more parking would be needed if the boat launch were improved. One boater encountered by the Project Team in Hudson’s Hope commented that she would use the boat launch more often if the approach were not as steep. An additional amenity offered by the site is a gravely beach, suitable for picnicking, located south of the boat launch. Advantages of the site are: � Very easy access from Highway 29; � The existing access road is in good condition, although the approach to the ramp is very steep (up to 18 percent); � The site is protected from the highest currents by the bridge pier; and, � The site is protected from winds by the topography. Disadvantages of the site are: � Dredging will be necessary to provide sufficient water depth for year-round launch, although dredge quantity would be minimal and it seems likely the maintenance of the dredged area could also be minimal; � The upland area is relatively high relief, and there is limited level area available for additional parking; and, � Halfway River is often blocked by ice during the winter. BC Hydro Page 31
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