GOVDC CA3 AL Lsthoriar^a^Ar.a t< OMR 9 1975 04 2 REGIONAL LAKES PERSPECTIVE

OLDMAN RIVER REGION

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1. INVENTORY

OLDMAN RIVER REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 1975 J GOVDC CA3 AL OMR 9 197 5 042 Oldman River Regional Planning Commission Oldman River region : regional lakes perspective. 1. Inventory 35057007687147 OLDMAN RIVER REGION

REGIONAL LAKES PERSPECTIVE

1. INVENTORY

Project Co-ordinator: John L. Kovacs, Associate Planner Report & Research: Lynda Paterson, Research Officer

Michael Luco, Research Officer

Published by OLDMAN RIVER REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION October, 1975 FOREWORD

In December, 1974, the Preliminary Regional Plan for the Oldman River Region was approved by the Provincial Planning Board. The Plan con­ tains guidelines and policies for the development and betterment of the Oldman River Region. Among other things, the Plan established that a com­ prehensive plan for outdoor recreation and open space facilities is required for the Region and that such a plan should be consistent with municipal, provincial and federal objectives.

This report entitled, Oldman River Region — Regional Lakes Perspective 1. Inventory is the first stage of an evolving regional plan for out­ door recreation and open space. It contains a summary of relevant data nec­ essary for management planning of our region's lake resources.

This inventory was made possible through assistance provided by the Land Use Forum's Technical Committee on Lakes and Lake Shorelands and methodologies developed by its participating agencies.

This inventory on lakes also forms part of the survey phase of the Southern Alberta Recreation Enhancement Study set up through Alberta Environment to assess and enhance water based recreation in Southern Alberta. The Oldman, Medicine Hat and Calgary Regional Planning Com­ missions are participating in the Study.

Your comments on this report and suggestions for utilization of our lake resources would be appreciated. l.t)JLrfk L. O. Smith, Executive Director. CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION 1

THE OLDMAN RIVER REGION 3

INVENTORY PROCEDURE 4

THE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND DATA BASE 5

LAKES IN GROUP 1 9

LAKES IN GROUP 2 22

LAKES IN GROUP 3 28

FUTURE MANAGEMENT STUDIES 30

PARK LAKE 31

KEHO LAKE 34

CHAIN LAKES 36

TRAVERS RESERVOIR 39

CONCLUSION 42

FUTURE WORK PROGRAM 45

BIBLIOGRAPHY 46

APPENDICES la APPENDICES

Page

A EXPLANATION OF CANADA LAND INVENTORY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM la

B. POLICY STATEMENTS FOR LAND USE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPABILITY 12a

The following appendices refer to Group 1 Lakes only:

C LAKE DATA SHEETS 15a

D. TOTAL SHORELINE LENGTH AND SHORELAND AREAS 51a

E. REGIONAL RESOURCE CAPABILITIES 53a

F. OWNERSHIP PATTERNS 59a

G. RECREATION FACILITIES 61a TABLES

Page

1. DISTRIBUTION OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT LAKES 11

2. LAKE CLASSIFICATION-GROUP 1 13

3. REGIONAL SHORELINE CAPABILITY 14

4. REGIONAL SHORELAND CAPABILITY 15

5. CLI. RATINGS 17

6. NUMBER OF LAKES PER CATEGORY AND CANADA LAND INVENTORY 17

7. SHORELINE LAND USE 19

8. OWNERSHIP PATTERNS AROUND LAKES 20

9. DISTRIBUTION OF CONSERVATION LAKES - GROUP 2 23

10. LAKES CLASSIFICATIONS-GROUP 2 24

11. LAKES IN GROUP 3 29 MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

OLDMAN RIVER REGION preceding 1

DISTRIBUTION OF LAKES - GROUP 1 following 10

LAKE CLASSIFICATIONS following 10

EXISTING LAND USE - 1970 following 18

WATER RESOURCES - 1972 following 18

PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL PARKS - LETHBRIDGE AREA following 30

PARK LAKE preceding 31

KEHO LAKE preceding 34

CHAIN LAKES preceding 36

TRAVERS RESERVOIR preceding 39 OLDmnn RIUER RECIOII

MEDICINE HUT

Oldmn River Regional Pliniiig Commission MONTANA U S.A. INTRODUCTION

OUR LAKE RESOURCES

In the fall of 1973 the Provincial Technical Committee on Lakes and Lake Shore- lands was established under the Land Use Forum "to assess the available supply of lakes and lake shorelands in the province and to throw some light on the question of what should be done with this supply, what are the best uses this resource could and should be allocated for in terms of the quantity and type of the supply and the user pressure."1 Regional plan­ ning commissions and Provincial departments which deal with lakes and lake shorelands are cooperating in gathering information on our lake resources. Participation on the Committee insures a common methodology and approach in developing management plans of lakes and their shorelands for which this information is used.

With the mobility of the recreationist, it is felt that plans for the lakes of a given region cannot be developed in isolation from neighboring areas. For this reason, the Oldman River Regional Planning Commission also became affiliated with the Southern Alberta Recre­ ation Enhancement Committee, which was set up through Alberta Environment to assess water based recreation in Southern Alberta. The Calgary, Medicine Hat and Oldman River Regional Planning commissions are participating. The objectives of the S.A.R.E. Study are to:

"survey, analyse and evaluate all existing water-based recreational activities within the Calgary, Medicine Hat and Oldman River Regional Planning Com­ missions, to propose sites for possible future development if required, and to develop effective water management alternatives, for all lakes, reservoirs and rivers in order to enhance the water-based recreational facilities available to the residents of Southern Alberta." 2

The inventory presented in this report forms part of the survey phase of the Study. This phase was outlined as follows:

"Identify all lakes, reservoirs and rivers in the study area and conduct a thorough in­ ventory of each water body with respect to:

1. Its physical resource base 2. Its natural resource base 3. Its existing land use (with particular emphasis on recreational land use) 4. The distribution of Crown and patented land 5. The capability of the water and shoreline to sustain various recreational activities and/or facilities."3

technical Committee on Lakes and Lake Shorelands, Use of Our Lakes and Lake Shorelands, Alberta Land Use Forum Technical Report 12 (Edmonton, 1974), p. I - 6. Environmental Planning Division, Alberta Environment, Southern Alberta Recreation Enhancement Study, Outline (Edmonton, December 1974), p. 2. 3Ibid., p. 3 RECREATION PLANNING

During the twenty year period from 1951 to 1971 the urban population of the Old- man River Region increased from 46% to 61%. This trend of urbanization is an on-going process. The residents of the area are more mobile and have more leisure time and income at their disposal than in the past. The positive changes in these socio-economic factors have brought with them an increasing demand for recreation.

In addition to the serious shortage of recreational facilities the preliminary plan for the Oldman River Region delineates the problem of "a lack of a systematic approach to out­ door recreation in the region, resulting in little coordination in the provision of recreation areas, facilities or programs by municipal, provincial and federal levels of government."1

The inventory of lakes and lake shorelands completed in this report is a first step in a systematic approach to the satisfaction of waterbased recreational demands.

0

o

Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, Preliminary Regional Plan — Oldman River Region (Leth­ bridge, 1974), p. 35. THE OLDMAN RIVER REGION

THE REGION DEFINED

The Oldman River Region, with the City of Lethbridge as the regional centre, occu­ pies the southwestern corner of Alberta. It covers an area of some 13,200 square miles and has a population of 120,000. Under the planning jurisdiction of the Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, its administrative boundaries are coterminous with the international boundary on the south and the British Columbia Boundary on the west, coming within thirty miles of Calgary on the north and within fifty miles of Medicine Hat on the east.

Local administration is divided among thirty-four incorporated communities, seven rural municipalities, two provincially administered improvement districts and two federally administered Indian Reserves. The seven rural municipalities are comprised of the Counties of Lethbridge, Warner, Vulcan, and the Municipal Districts of Taber, Cardston, Pincher Creek and Willow Creek.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The region has a variety of physiographic areas, including prairies, foothills, and mountains. Three-quarters of the region is composed of prairie (the Eastern and Western Plains), about 3,000 feet in elevation; these areas are interrupted by distinctive river valleys creating dramatic contrasts against the relatively flat prairie environment.

The Rocky Mountains which occupy the extreme western portion of the region con­ sist of extremely rugged terrain and are dominated by the Continental Divide which rises to elevations exceeding 10,000 feet. The Rocky Mountain ranges, together with a narrow band of foothills, form the headwater of the Oldman River, which is virtually the lifeline of the region.

The climate of the region is characterized by short, warm summers, cold winters in­ terrupted by the warm Chinook winds, a relatively low average rainfall and high amount of sunshine. Besides moderating the prairie winter, the Chinook regularly removes snow cover from grazing land, creating more favourable conditions for cattle production. Due to lack of sufficient moisture conditions irrigation is used where practicable. The region also receives more hours of sunshine than any other part of Canada, and this, in combination with its abundant open space, natural beauty, and clean air and water can be perceived as a tremen­ dous asset.

Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, Preliminary Regional Plan, pp. 4-5. INVENTORY PROCEDURE

Initially, lakes greater than forty (40) acres in size were enumerated using the Canada Land Inventory Series. As the base maps for the Series are outdated, the Fish and Wildlife Division, Department of Lands and Forests, was contacted to verify the present state and ex­ istence of the lakes listed.

Verification by the Fish and Wildlife Division incorporated an assumption into the study; basic morphometric characteristics necessary to provide a potential fish habitat are also those necessary to sustain recreational use. For example, a lake highly variable in depth and volume would be uninhabitable to fish and was consequently considered as having no potential for recreation development in its present state. Lakes of this type were deleted (by the Fish and Wildlife Division) from the original list. Lakes less than forty (40) acres, and having recreational fishery potential were added to the original list.

The above procedure led to the division of study lakes into three groups:

Group 1. Stable, permanent lakes greater than forty (40) acres in size. Number of lakes: 35.

Group 2. Lakes unstable in nature at the present time but some of which may become, with physical modification, capable of development. It was considered necessary to in­ dicate their presence and location in light of possible management plans in the future. Number of lakes: 30.

Group 3. Stable lakes less than forty (40) acres. The relatively scarce supply of lake area in the region makes an awareness of the location and size of these water bodies im­ portant. Number of lakes: 21.

An examination of each of the three groups constitute an evaluation of the regional lake system. THE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM AND DATA BASE

The purpose of completing an inventory of the lakes and lake shorelands was to ob­ tain an overview of the region's lake resources and to supply an initial data base for future management considerations. The information, gathered and summarized in map and data sheet form, would be an input into lake evaluation for conservation or development pur­ poses. This summary of the classification system and data base is presented in a manner that demonstrates the use of the information at each of the management levels outlined below. Data sheets (1 and 2) for each of the Group 1 lakes are reproduced in Appendix C.

RECOGNITION OF POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT

The first stage of the inventory was to establish those lakes within the region, which, according to their natural resource capability, would be suitable for development. To achieve this, reference was made to the Canada Land Inventory Series, and each lake was mapped according to its natural capability to sustain the following uses: Recreation, Agriculture, Ungulate Production, Waterfowl Production and Sportfishing. Each of the maps was repro­ duced at a scale of 1:50,000. An explanation of the Canada Land Inventory classification is found in Appendix A.

Excepting Sportfish, each capability (ranging from class 1 to class 7) was measured in terms of miles of shoreline and acres of peripheral shoreland. (The peripheral shoreland was established as an area one mile beyond the immediate shoreline.) Sportfish capability (classes 1 to 4) was recorded as it appeared on the Canada Land Inventory Series, and per­ tains to the lake area. The natural resource capability information was then used to classify the lakes according to the following system.

Provincial Conservation: Waterfowl — Is, 2s, 3s, or 3m or Ungulate — lw or Fish -1 with any recreation class

Regional Conservation: Must recreation - 4, 5. 6, 7 and Waterfowl -1 and/or Ungulate — 2w, 3w and/or Fish -2,3

Local Conservation: Must recreation - 4, 5, 6, 7 and/or Waterfowl -1.2,3 and/or Ungulate -1.2,3 and/or Fish -2,3

Provincial Development: Recreation -1.2,3 Regional Development: Recreation -4

Local Development: Recreation - 5, 6, 7 Application of this methodology, developed by W.G.A. Shaw of the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission, determines the "best" use of a lake resource in accordance with its natural capability.1 An explanation, in part, of use in accordance with capability, is provided in Appendix B.) The suitability of each lake for development can then be ascer­ tained.

The data and information outlined above has its limitations. In determining the peri­ pheral shoreland area, the one mile extension beyond the shoreline is an approximation. The exact contour of the shoreline was estimated as a series of straight lines. The measurement of shoreline length as reproduced on the data sheets was taken from the Department of the Envi­ ronment's Lake Classification2, and a publication, The Morphometry of a Number of Stand­ ing Waters in the Lethbridge Region of Sport and/or Commercial Fisheries Importance3, by the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Department of Lands and Forests. In most cases the shoreline length recorded in these publications was not consistent with that measured on the Canada Land Inventory maps. In estimating the miles of shoreline length in each capabi­ lity class, the measured distances were adjusted to the publications' figures.

EVALUATION OF FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPMENT

Having established the lakes which have a potential for facility provision, the feasi­ bility was then examined.

The brief description of peripheral topography was made from the National Topo­ graphic Series and the most recent aerial photographs of the region (1970). This preliminary information indicates the physical characteristics of the lake and lake shoreland and possible limitations to facility construction.

The accessibility of the lake and its immediate shoreland is described briefly on the basis of information derived from map interpretations. The data, together with measured distances to roads was calculated from county maps and verified by aerial photographs. This information will determine some possible difficulties, if any, involved in recreational develop­ ment.

Data on existing land use, taken from aerial photographs, indicates possible conflicts in use, and the potential opportunity cost of recreational facility development. Conflicts in use are also discernible by the sieve technique — a process of overlaying each of the capability maps to determine the correlation of natural resource potentials.

Red Deer Regional Planning Commission, Regional Lake Perspective - Red Deer Area (Red Deer, 1974), p. 17. o Water Resources Division, Alberta Environment, Lake Classification (Edmonton, 1972). Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Lands and Forests, The Morphometry of a Number of Standing Waters in the Lethbridge Region of Sport and/or Commercial Fisheries Importance (Lethbridge, 1973). The data on land ownership indicates the shoreline length which is Crown-owned and readily available should development be considered. This information was taken from the Department of Environment's Lake Classification^ and checked by reference to the most re­ cent county maps. The percentage ownership figures appearing on Data Sheet 1 refer to the shoreline only, similar figures for the peripheral shoreland are given in Appendix C .

ANALYSIS OF ABILITY TO SUSTAIN DEVELOPMENT

The following factors determine the physical character of a lake and therefore the quality of any recreational opportunity afforded by facilities on its shoreline:

• surface area • total water content • shoreline length • water sources • maximum depth • water outlets • average depth • groundwater potential

This basic morphometric data was derived from the Lake Classification2 and the Fish and Wildlife publication.3 Water sources and outlets were determined by examination of the Na­ tional Topographic Series.

A cursory inventory of existing vegetation was made and stated briefly on Data Sheet 1, as its presence or absence also affects the quality of any recreational^ experience.

PROVISION OF SPECIFIC RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Compilation and consideration of the foregoing material aids determination of the optimum location of a recreation facility. Information with respect to the recreational activi­ ties for which an area is best suited, (provided by the Canada Land Inventory Series) would be an input into decisions concerning site design and construction.

ESTIMATION OF USE PRESSURE

Estimation of use pressure indicates possible future problems of over-use. Distances to major centres (Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge) and to the nearest community and town, are a sound basis for such estimations. Population within 25, and 50 mile radii from the lake also express potential use pressure. These figures serve to direct detailed management studies to those lakes which are, or may be subject to the highest degree of use.

Water Resources Division, Alberta Environment, Lake Classification.

2Ibid. 3 Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Environment, The Morphometry of a Number of Standing Waters in the Lethbridge Region. In summary, questions concerning possible land acquisition, road improvement, modification of vegetative cover, site-specific recreational opportunities, possible problems of use beyond the natural capability of the lake and land use regulations may be considered on a preliminary basis with the information provided in this inventory.

G LAKES IN GROUP 1

Group 1 consists of thirty-five (35) stable, permanent lakes greater than forty (40) acres in size. Chin Lakes are considered as three distinct water-bodies — Upper Chin (East Reservoir), Middle Chin (Stafford Reservoir) and Lower Chin (West Reservoir).

GENERAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Within the Oldman River Region physical characteristics of the lakes may be grouped according to location. The lakes of the prairie region are primarily man-made, formed by damming outlets from depressions. Canals serve as important water sources and outlets as many of the lakes are used for irrigation storage. All the lakes are associated with glacial characteristics. For example, Chin Coulee, the site of Chin Lakes, is a spillway formed from glacial melt water; the characteristic depressions of the till plain collect local runoff. Fluctu­ ations in water depth may cause marsh and slough areas, and examples of saline or alkaline conditions are evident. In some cases, the upland rises sharply from the water levels; in others more gradual slopes permit cultivation of crops. Largely these lakes are surrounded by pas­ ture (improved or natural) but the lack of tree cover restricts recreation development.

The lakes to the west lie in the foothills and mountains and, for the most part, are natural. Slopes vary from gentle to steep and forest cover makes recreational development of a higher quality more feasible in this area than in the eastern parts of the region.

DISTRIBUTION BY COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

For purposes of inventory analysis these lakes were studied on a county distribution basis. Chin Lakes fall within the boundaries of M.D. of Taber, County Warner, and County Lethbridge, so they were grouped separately. Also considered in isolation were Waterton Lakes which, even though they are beyond the boundary of the Oldman River Region, are an important supply of water-based recreational opportunities to the area. The lake distri­ bution within the region is shown in the accompanying map and is as follows:

M.D. of Cardston No. 6 10 Chin Lakes 3 M.D. of Taber No. 14 4 County of Lethbridge No. 26 2 County of Warner No. 5 4 M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 1 County of Vulcan No. 2 3 I.D. 6 1 M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 3 Waterton Lakes 1 I.D. 5 3 Total 35 10

CLASSIFICATION OF THE LAKES

The lakes were classified for conservation or development in accordance with the method previously outlined. In consideration of the importance of agricultural activity within the Oldman River Region, a slight modification was made. If according to the highest capability within one mile for each lake and lakeshore use the lake could be classified, for example, Local Conservation and Local Development, the soil capability was used as a final weighting. Agricultural use of the peripheral shoreland is complementary to a policy of con­ servation; therefore in the decision, if the shoreland was good or excellent agricultural land (classes 1, 2, 3 or 4) the lake was classified for conservation. In all other cases a provincial rating (conservation or development) over-ruled a regional rating; a regional over-ruled a local. A full tabulation of the lakes, by County and Municipal District, showing the highest capability within one mile for each use and the lake classification is provided in Table 2. Table 1 gives the distribution by type. The accompanying map indicates the results of the classification system throughout the region.

Each of the twelve provincial development lakes is classified as such by virtue of their class 3 recreation capability. This is the highest class for recreation in the region. Five of the provincial development lakes serve as the water resource for provincial parks. A substan­ tial degree of development exists at the remaining lakes of this type. For example, McGregor Memorial Park at the north end of McGregor Reservoir, and Chin Curve Bridge Park on Upper Chin Lake. Of the four lakes classed as regional development, one (Jensen Reservoir) has no recreational facilities at the present time. The remaining three, St. Mary Reservoir, Beaverdam Lake and Lees Lake do support some form of recreation activity. (A listing of recreational facilities available at group 1 lakes in the region is provided in Appendix D).

There are no provincial conservation lakes among those in Group 1. Three of the eight lakes classified regional conservation also qualified for regional development (class 4 recreation). However, the soil capability within one mile of the shoreline, (Milk River Ridge — class 2, Cross Coulee — class 2, Stafford — Class 1) was the determining criterion in their classification. The remaining five lakes were regional conservation, each having class 2 sportfishing potential. All nine lakes classified as local conservation also qualified for local development status. Again the soil capability (five class 2, three class 3, one class 4) de­ termined conservation status. Local conservation classification does not completely rule out all recreational activity or development. Clear Lake and Tyrrell Lake, both in this category, do support some limited recreational development on their shores (20 acres at Clear and 2.7 acres at Tyrrell). DISTRIBUTION OF LAKES

group one

11

TABLE 1

DISTRIBUTION OF

CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT LAKES1

Provincial Regional Local

County of Vulcan 1 County of Lethbridge County of Warner 2 2 M.D. of Willow Creek 1 M.D. of Pincher Creek2 M.D. of Cardston 5 M.D. of Taber 4 I.D. 6 I.D. 5 Waterton Park2 Chin Lakes 2 Total 0 8 9

DEVELOPMENT Provincial Regional Local

County of Vulcan 2 County of Lethbridge 2 County of Warner M.D. of Willow Creek M.D. of Pincher Creek2 1 1 M.D. of Cardston 2 3 M.D. of Taber I.D. 6 I.D. 5 Waterton Park2 Chin Lakes 1 Total 12 4

Based on C.L.I, data and classification system used by the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission. 2 Waterton Reservoir, for which there is no capability data, and Waterton Lakes are excluded. 12

SHORELINE CAPABILITIES

The shoreline capabilities, summarized in Table 3, were obtained from the Canada Land Inventory Series. Detailed lake resource aggregates, with lake capabilities by county are provided in Appendix E. The capabilities are given for Recreation, Agriculture, Ungu­ lates, Waterfowl and Sportfishing.

Recreation:

Preliminary consideration of the recreation capability indicates that only 1 7.5% of the regional shoreline1 is class 3 or higher, i.e. capable of supporting intensive recreational use. The recreational capability of Waterton Lakes was not evaluated in the Canada Land Inventory series, therefore it appears in the "no class" category of Table 2. By its nature, this area has a high capability for recreational use, and its inclusion into classes 1, 2 or 3 in­ creases the opportunity for intensive recreational activities from 17.5% to 23.5% of the total regional shoreline. The fact that this increase is provided by one site (the National Park) ex­ plains the observed over-use of the area.

About 71% of the regional shoreline is capable of supporting dispersed recreational activities — approximately half is of moderate rating, the remainder low. Waterton Reservoir, unclassified due to its impoundment after the publication of the Canada Land Inventory maps, constitutes the remaining 5%.

Other Capabilities:

Approximately 37% of the total regional shoreline may be rated good or excellent agricultural land, largely classes 2 and 3. For the most part the remainder is moderately suit­ able for agriculture. (It was possible to classify only 90% of the regional shoreline since no data with respect to soil capability is available for Waterton Lakes and Waterton Reservoir).

Under natural conditions, limitations to ungulate production are present only to a moderate degree on over 75% of the regional shoreline. On the remaining shoreline the limi­ tations are moderately severe.

Each of the lakes in Group 1 has sportfish potential: slightly more than half the shoreline evaluated is classed good, the remainder is moderate. One lake (Crowsnest) has an excellent sportfish rating.

PERIPHERAL SHORELAND CAPABILITIES

The peripheral shoreland capabilities (measured one mile from the immediate shore­ line) are summarized in Table 4. As with the shoreline data, detailed lake resource aggre­ gates, with lake capabilities by county are provided in Appendix E.

In all data presentations the regional shoreline and shdrelandinclurteslWaterton Lakes. 13

TABLE 2

LAKE CLASSIFICATIONS - GROUP 1

Name Size(acres) Recreation1 Soil Ungulates Watefowl Fish Lake Classification

Beauvais Lake 192 3 5 2 5 3 Provincial Development Beaver Dam Lake 128 4 3 2 5 3 Regional Development Beaver Mines Lake 168 3 5 2 6 2 Provincial Development Crowsnest Lake 320 3 6 3 6 1 Provincial Development Chain Lakes 768 3 5 3 5 3 Provincial Development Lower Chin Reservoir 319 5 1 4 5 2 Regional Conservation Stafford Reservoir (Middle Chini) 650 4 1 4 5 2 Regional Conservation Upper Chin Reservoir 2,542 3 2 4 4 2 Provincial Development Clear Lake 663 5 3 5 3 NA Local Conservation Cochrane Lake 192 5 2 4 5 3 Local Conservation Cross Coulee Reservoir 197 4 2 4 5 2 Regional Conservation Dipping Vat Lake 70 5 2 4 5 3 Local Conservation Fincastle Lake 512 5 3 4 3 2 Regional Conservation Horsefly Lake Reservoir 1,472 5 1 4 4 2 Regional Conservation Island Lake 128 3 6 3 6 2 Provincial Development Jensen Reservoir 512 4 2 4 5 3 Regional Development Keho Lake 4,608 3 2 5 3 2 Provincial Development Lees Lake 92 4 5 2 5 3 Regional Development Little Bow Lake 1,856 5 4 3 3 NA Local Conservation Lumpy Butte Lake 169 5 3 5 2 NA Local Conservation McGregor Lake Reservoir 12,608 3 2 4 3 NA Provincial Development Milk River Ridge Reservoir 3,776 4 2 3 5 2 Regional Conservation Outpost Lake 192 3 3 4 5 3 Provincial Development Paine Lake 512 3 3 2 5 3 Provincial Development Park Lake 192 3 2 5 5 2 Provincial Development Raymond Reservoir 179 5 2 4 4 3 Local Conservation Ross Lake 576 5 3 5 5 3 Local Conservation Shanks Lake 832 5 2 3 5 3 Local Conservation Sherburne Lake 1,088 5 1 4 5 2 Regional Conservation St. Mary's Reservoir 11,520 4 2 5 3 3 Regional Development Taber Lake 1,152 5 1 4 3 2 Regional Conservation Travers Reservoir 5,760 3 3 3 3 NA Provincial Development Tyrrell Lake 960 5 2 4 3 3 Local Conservation Waterton Lakes 2,816 0 0 2 4 No class National Park Waterton Reservoir 2,703 0 0 0 0 3 Unclassified

1Capabilitie s referred to here are the highest capabilities within one mile of the lake shoreline. TABLE 3 REGIONAL LAKE SHORELINE CAPABILITY

CAPABILITY RECREATION SOIL UNGULATES WATERFOWL SPORTFISH CLASS Length 1 % - Length % Length % Length % Length %

1 2.86 0.6 3.1 .7

2 58.98 13.0 30.9 6.8 4.7 1.0 156 34.4

3 79.28 17.5 79.2 17.5 77.4 17.1 189.6 41.8 148.7 32.8

4 150.78 33.2 29.99 6.6 236.2 52.1 26.7 5.9

5 167.04 36.8 84.94 18.7 88.0 19.4 173.4 38.2

6 10.39 2.3 142.48 31.4 38.1 8.5

7 9.03 2.0

No Class 46.2 10.2 46.2 10.2 21.2 4.6 21.2 4.6 145.9 32.1

OTAL 453.7 100.0 453.7 100.0 453.7 100.0 453.7 100.0 453.7 100.0

1 Length in Miles of Shoreline TABLE 4 REGIONAL LAKE SHORELAND CAPABILITY

CAPABILITY RECREATION SOIL UNGULATES WATERFOWL SPORTFISH" CLASS Area1 % Area % Area % Area % Area %

1 4,523 1.8 320 .5

2 56,669 22.4 25,937 10.3 2,023 0.8 16,804 27.8

3 11,109 4.4 53,549 21.2 36.942 14.6 18,470 7.3 19,428 32.2

4 38,390 15.2 18,183 7.2 114,888 45.5 10,653 4.2 0 0

5 76,973 30.5 49,456 19.5 64.581 25.5 55,469 21.9

6 99,930 39.5 35,611.5 14.0 128,575 50.9

7 408.5 2.2 27,158 10.8

No Class 26,376 10.4 29,378 11.7 10,430 4.1 10,430 4.1 23,872 39.5

TOTAL 252,778 100.0 252,778 1100. 0 252,778 100.0 252.778 100.0 60,424 100.0

1 Measured in acres (1 mile beyond the lake shoreline).

The indicated area for sportfish capability is the area of the lake.

ai 16

Recreation:

Beyond the immediate shoreline the capability for intensive recreation activities de­ creases to about 11% of the measured peripheral shoreland. Approximately 85% of the upland may support dispersed activities, but of this 70% is in the low capability range.

Other Capabilities:

Approximately 52% of the total peripheral shoreland may be classed good or excel­ lent agricultural land, mostly classes 2 and 3. (Waterton Lakes and Waterton Reservoir, com­ prising 11.7%, were not classified.

As with the shoreline capabilities the potential for ungulates, under natural condi­ tions, is generally good: more than 70% of the upland has only moderate limitations.

Compared to the shoreline, the natural capability for waterfowl production de­ creased in the peripheral shorelands around the lakes. Of the total area, only 12% presented moderate limitations to this land use. Limitations increase to moderately severe on 22% of the area to severe and non-productive on 60%.

General Classifications:

Table 6 gives an overall indication of the various capabilities within one mile of the region's lakes. In each case the highest capability determines the rating. In this illustration Waterton Lakes was rated excellent in terms of its recreational potential. The Canada Land Inventory classification applicable to each rating is given in Table 51.

For purposes of comparison the provincial situation concerning lakes suitable for recreation was considered. In recreation evaluation, data was available for 489 out of 630 lakes studied throughout the province.2 Approximately 55% of these lakes were rated good or excellent opportunities for recreation — within the Oldman River Region 57% of the lakes received the same rating. This comparable situation breaks down, however, when those lakes capable of sustaining intensive recreational activities are enumerated. For the province as a whole approximately 12% are deemed capable of such development (classes 1 and 2), while for the Oldman River Region the figure is 3%. (It must be noted that this preliminary com­ parison is made in terms of numbers of lakes, not in miles of shoreline or acres of peripheral shoreland). Waterton Lakes constitutes the entire 3% figure given above. Once more, this stresses the observed situation q,f heavy recreational use pressure at the National Park.

Technical Committee on Lakes and Lakeshorelands, Use of Our Lakes and Lake Shorelands, Alberta Land Use Forum Technical Report No. 12, (Edmonton, 1974), p. II -8. 2Ibid„ p. 11 - 9. 17

TABLE 5

C. L. 1. RATINGS

CANADA LAND RATING INVENTORY Excellent Good 1Vloderat e Low

Recreation 1,2 3,4 5 6,7

Agriculture 1,2 3,4 5,6 7

Ungulates* 1W, 1, 2W, 2 3, 3W 4,5 6,7

Waterfowl** IS, 1.2S, 2 3S, 3, 3M 4.5 6,7

Sportfish 1 2 3 4

W — Winter range important for animals from surrounding land. ** S — migration stop M — migration or wintering area

SOURCE: Alberta Land Use Forum, Technical Report 12, Use of Our Lakes and Lake Shore Lands.

TABLE 6 NUMBER OF LAKES PER CATEGORY AND CANADA LAND INVENTORY l

INVENTORY Excellent Good Moderate Low No Data

Recreation 1 19 14 0 1

Agriculture 18 8 6 0 3

Ungulates 6 7 21 0 1

Waterfowl 1 9 21 3 1

Sportfish 1 13 15 6

1 The categories apply to the shoreline and a peripheral shoreland one mile beyond the lake. 18

LAKE AND LAKESHORELINE USE

Agriculture is the predominant shoreline use throughout the Oldman River Region, while a relatively small proportion is dedicated to recreation. Table 7 shows that approxi­ mately 5% of the shorelines studied are used for the provision of recreational facilities. Waterton Lakes, which comprises 5.5% of the total shoreline length may be considered de­ voted entirely to recreation since no competing land use is present within the National Park. Table 7 also indicates that approximately 88% of the shoreline is cropland, pasture or pas­ ture-hayed, the former being the largest proportion of this amount. Approximately 1.7% of the shorelines are non-productive or subject to erosion and are left in their natural state: the land use in this case is termed alpine barren. The distribution of the various land uses (1970) in the region is also indicated by the colour-coding on the accompanying map.

Provincial parks are located at five lakes (Travers Reservoir, Park Lake, Beauvais Lake, Outpost Lake and Chain Lakes) comprising a total of 7.1 miles of shoreline or approxi­ mately one-third of that used as a recreation resource within the region. The remaining re­ creational facilities range from quite highly developed at Keho Lake, McGregor Reservior, and St. Mary Reservoir to minimal at Clear Lake, Tyrrell Lake, and Paine Lake (See Appendix G ).

Cottage development occurs at three lakes — Crowsnest, Beauvais and Lees. The ap­ proximate half mile of shoreline at Lees Lake, which appears in the tabulation as developed for recreational use, is largely devoted to private cottaging. Crowsnest does not appear in the tabulation since it is undeveloped except for a few rentable cottage units. Cottage develop­ ment is extensive along the northeast shoreline of Beauvais Lake.

Table 7 reflects the consumptive use of land for agriculture and recreational facility provision. Recreation experiences are, however, enjoyed at lakes which do not provide de­ veloped facilities. These may be considered an input into more passive recreational activities such as sightseeing. Hunting of waterfowl and ungulates is also a popular pastime at many of these water-bodies. Many of the lakes in Group 1, not providing developed facilities, are stocked by the Fish and Wildlife Division, and provide opportunities for this sport.

Irrigation:

The map entitled Water Resources — 1972 shows the relationship of the major lakes (namely McGregor, Travers, Little Bow, Waterton Reservoir, St. Mary Reservoir, Jensen, Chin, Keho, and Milk River Ridge Reservoir) to the region's irrigation system. The following situation results:

"Existing reservoirs, which have been built and operated for a single pur­ pose, namely irrigation are the only major water-bodies in the region."1

Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, Preliminary Regional Plan, p. 63. EXISTING LAND USE 1970

Cropland — Highway

Pasture —- Railway

Hay j% Water Bodies

Foothills Pasture

Forest — productive

Forest — logged

Forest — non productive

Alpine Barren

Recreation

Industry

_Pi Municipality WATER RESOURCES 1972

IRRIGATION USE

Irrigation Districts

River

0 Reservoir

\^ Major Irrigation Canal 19

TABLE 7

SHORELINE LAND USE

MILES OF SHORELINE1 Pasture Cropland Pasture- Foothills Alpine Non-Productive Recreation National Total Hayed Pasture Barren Park

County Vulcan 93.8 8.3 5.3 107.4

County Lethbridge 11.5 1.7 1.7 4.4 19.3

County Warner 39.0 19.6 1.7 .4 60.7

M.D. Willow Creek 7.6 .2 .8 .2 8.8

M.D. Pincher Creek 18.1 .7 3.0 5.7 2.1 29.6

M.D. Cardston 70.6 9.1 4.15 4.5 5.7 94.65

M.D. Taber 35.7 8.7 2.6 .8 47.8

I.D. 6 12.5 1.5 14.0

I.D. 5 1.35 6.15 7.5

Waterton Lakes 25.0 25.0

Chin Lakes 35.8 2.3 1.1 39.2

Total 324.6 50.6 14.0 10.2 1.35 6.15 21.5 25.0 453.95

Percentage 71.5 11.0 3.1 2.3 .3 1.4 5.0 5.5 100.0

Data is derived from interpretation of 1970 aerial photographs. All figures are approximate. 20

In late summer, after irrigation demands for water have been met, the reservoirs may be much more shallow than in spring. This decrease in depth results in a modification in the shoreline. The location of any recreational development, relative to the water-body, may therefore change throughout the summer season, the extent of change being dependent upon irrigation demands. In planning recreational facilities at irrigation reservoirs, this primary use and its effect on facility provision must be taken into consideration. With respect to this, the following policy is outlined by the Oldman River Regional Planning Commission:

"All development control resolutions for municipalities shall include land use policies for land surrounding reservoirs, taking into consideration the mul­ tiple use capabilities of reservoirs and their shorelands."1

Multiple use is a management policy whereby benefits are maximized by the choice of a mix of uses. By this land use policy the benefits from one use, e.g. irrigation, may be decreased, but the sum of benefits of the multiple uses, e.g. irrigation and recreation, maybe greater than those derived from single-purpose management.

LAND OWNERSHIP

The feasibility of development at lakes in the Oldman River Region is hampered by land ownership patterns, and lack of accessibility to the general public. The following table shows the ownership distribution (Crown — private) for the shoreline and within V» to 1 mile from Group 1 lakes. Appendix F gives this information for each of the lakes.

TABLE 8

CROWN OWNERSHIP PATTERNS AROUND LAKES

0% 1-10% 11-; 20% 21-30% 30%+ NA Total

Shoreline 13 3 1 2 16 — 35 Within V4 mile 13 3 2 4 13 — 35 Within Y2 mile 17 3 4 — 10 1 35 Within 1 mile 23 1 1 2 7 1 35

Source: Department of Environment, Lake Classification, March 1972, with some modifications.

Of the thirty-five (35) lakes in question only nine (9) have an appreciable amount of Crown-owned land within one mile of their shoreline. (An appreciable amount of Crown land is in access of 10%).

Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, Preliminary Regional Plan, p. 63. 21

In consideration of the goal of a comprehensive system of recreation facilities the Oldman River Regional Planning Commission has outlined the following policy:

"Easements, leases and other devices shall be negotiated with rural land owners to provide access to recreation areas or to preserve certain open space features which may be located on privately owned land; and that agree­ ments shall be negotiated with land owners to preserve unique natural charac­ teristics."1

RECREATIONAL USE PRESSURE

Lethbridge and Calgary are the major centres of population exerting recreational use pressure on the lake resources of the Oldman River Region. The growth of these cities along with other factors such as greater leisure time, higher incomes, increase of mobility, will place greater demands on our lake resources in the future. Lakes with high present use from Calgary are Chain Lakes and Travers Reservoir. Lakes under observed pressure and/or capable of development within the Lethbridge area are Park, Keho, Chin and Jensen Reser­ voir.

An examination of established and potential facilities readily accessible for evening and day use (within one half hour driving distance) to Lethbridge residents will be made later in this report.

SUMMARY

The stable lake resources in the Oldman River Region have been primarily dedicated to agricultural production. Cropland is the major consumptive land use on the lakeshorelines and many of the larger water-bodies serve almost exclusively as irrigation reservoirs. General access is limited due to extensive private ownership associated with agricultural use. Good tree cover around the foothill and mountain lakes is attractive to the recreationist and there­ for makes these water-bodies, in their natural state, more suitable for development.

The mobility of the recreationist necessitates consideration of potential pressure sources within and beyond regional boundaries. The lakes classified as provincial develop­ ment are most likely subject to inter- and intra-regional use. Some examples of these water- bodies, chosen on the basis of their location relative to urban centres, will be evaluated in terms of existing facilities, potential development and required management studies.

Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, Preliminary Regional Plan, p. 63. 22

LAKES IN GROUP 2

Thirty lakes in the Oldman River Region have been assigned to Group 2 on the basis of their instability relative to those of Group 1. All of these lakes are over 40 acres in size, but due to terrain and climatic conditions no exact area, volume, or depth can be given. These lakes are included in this study to indicate their existence and their potential relative to the lakes in Group 1. The location and general conditions of these lakes as a group will be presented as a basis upon which examples of management development proposals and problems can be given.

GENERAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

As the Southern Alberta landscape has been greatly modified by glaciation, nearly all of its lakes are associated with glacial features. Prairie lakes are those lying on the till plain and foothill lakes are on the western fringe of the plans. No mountain lakes have been classified as Group 2.

The lakes in the prairie region are depressions or ice-scoured features of the till plain. The size of these lakes varies considerably, temperature and precipitation having a great effect on water volumes. For the most part the depressions are shallow and small fluctu­ ations in volume can mean a considerable change in area. Internal drainage is generally poor, and concentrations of salts and alkali can be washed to the surface (e.g. Weston Lake). Be­ cause the lakes are shallow, the water is warmer during the summer and weed growth is promoted. If the water surface is sheltered from the wind (e.g. Crow Indian Lake) heat levels established reduce the quality of the fish habitat.

Determined by the abundance of rainfall and the slope, the surrounding lake area is cropland or pasture. The Group 2 lakes in the prairie region are generally characterized by shallowness, seasonal variation in area and volume, existence dependent upon annual mois­ ture conditions and precipitation amounts, and salinity in some locations.

The Group 2 lakes in the foothills region are comparable to those of Group 1 but are shallower. Size fluctuates over the season depending on the temperature and precipitation. Few of these lakes have a continual water source (as a stream or canal) and are filled pri­ marily by local runoff. Salinity is not a problem in this area. Strawberry Lake and Suds Lake are of comparable depth and area: the former, now drained, has no alkali deposits; Suds Lake on the other hand dries up leaving a salt flat on the prairie. Weed and heat build-up occurs, depending upon water depth and exposure to sun and wind. Land use is primarily foothills pasture, although some areas have been logged (e.g. Daigle Lake). 23

In studying the physical characteristics of these lakes the problems of intermittency are related to water supply and depth. Intermittent lakes are largely dependent upon local runoff and excess water accumulation often results in flooding. Conversely when evaporation exceeds precipitation, the lakes may disappear completely. Although damage does occur to farmland, stabilization with dams and canals has been minimal.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE LAKES BY COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS

The county distribution of the Group 2 lakes is as follows:

M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 9 M.D. of Taber No. 14 2 County of Warner No. 5 7 County of Lethbridge No. 26 1 M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 5 I.D. 5 - County of Vulcan No. 2 3 I.D. 6 - M.D. of Cardston No. 6 3 Total 30

Table 10 lists the lakes, locations, resource capabilities and classifications.

CLASSIFICATION OF THE LAKES

The lakes in Group 2 were also classified according to the methodology developed by the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission. By definition, the lakes studied in this group are intermittent on a seasonal and/or annual basis. In this case, the unstable nature of the water-bodies was used as the final criterion in the classification procedure. Table 9 shows the distribution of each type of lake by county. The Group 2 lakes and their classification is given in Table 10.

TABLE 9 DISTRIBUTION OF CONSERVATION LAKES - GROUP 2

CONSERVATION Provincial Regional Local County of Vulcan No. 2 3 County of Lethbridge No. 26 1 County of Warner No. 5 4 1 M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 1 4 M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 4 5 M.D. of Cardston No. 6 2 1 M.D. of Taber No. 14 2 I.D. 5 I.D. 6 24

TABLE 10

LAKE CLASSIFICATIONS - GROUP 2

NAME LOCATION RECREATION SOIL UNGULATES WATERFOWL FISH LAKE CLASSIFICATION

Verdigris 4-16-4 4 2 3W 3S 4D* Regional Conservation Weston 4-17-4 5 2 3W 4 4D* Regional Conservation Daigle 5-1-5 4 5 3 3 4D* Local Conservation Fish 4-1-5 4 5 2W 2 4D* Regional Conservation Goose 5-29-4 4 3 2W 2 4D* Regional Conservation Halifax 6-28-4 5 2 5 2 4D* Local Conservation Harland 4-29-4 4 3 3 3 4D* Local Conservation Hudson Bay 8-2-5 4 5 2W 5 Regional Conservation Lynch 5-30-4 4 3 2 2 4D* Local Conservation Margaret 3-30-4 4 5 2 1 4D* Regional Conservation Marr 4-29-4 4 3 3 3 4D* Local Conservation McBride 7-26-4 5 2 4 2 4D* Local Conservation Strawberry 4-27-4 5 2 2W 2 4D* Regional Conservation Badger 16-18-4 6 4 4 5 Local Conservation Canon 13-28-4 4 5 3 5 Local Conservation Crocodile 13-28-4 4 5 3W 5 Regional Conservation Crow Indian 5-14-4 4 4 3 IS 4D* Provincial Conservation Eight Mile 9-20/21-4 6 2 4 3 4D* Local Conservation Indian 20-21-4 6 3 5 5 Local Conservation Lonesome 16-17-4 5 5 4 3 Local Conservation Long's 1-17-4 6 3 3W 3 4D* Regional Conservation Lost 14-17-4 6 5 4 3 Local Conservation Macklin 1-16-4 6 4 3W 5 4D* Regional Conservation Mary 1-24/25-4 5 3 5 1 4D* Regional Conservation Mud 9-27-4 6 3 5 6 4D* Local Conservation Reed 2/3-21/22-4 4 3 1 3 4D* Local Conservation Scope 13-14-4 5 4 4 3 Local Conservation Silver 17-28-4 5 2 5 2 Local Conservation Stirling 7-19-4 5 2 4 IS 4D* Provincial Conservation Suds 5-18-4 5 2 4 4 4D* Local Conservation

Sportfish capabilities are estimates only, since they are not directly evaluated on the Canada Land Inventory Series. 25

All of the lakes in Group 2 are of conservation status. Both of the provincial conser­ vation lakes are so rated because they serve as important migration stops for waterfowl. Of the eleven lakes given a regional rating, six also qualified for regional development status. However, in veiw of their intermittent nature and the importance of the upland as winter range for animals these lakes were classified conservation. As with the lakes in Group 1, each of the local conservation lakes are suitable for local development. The conservation status was maintained due to the unstable nature of the lakes and the good agricultural land surrounding many of them. A classification of local conservation does not necessarily ex­ clude recreational activity. Many of these unstable water-bodies do provide an opportunity for hunting waterfowl or ungulates.

ANALYSIS OF RESOURCE POTENTIAL

In the Oldman River Region, where natural water-bodies are limited, it was felt neces­ sary to inventory as many potential recreation sites as possible. For this reason the lakes in Group 2 were included in this report.

The Fish and Wildlife Division, Department of Land and Forests excluded many of these lakes from the original list submitted to them, on the basis that they were unsuitable as fish habitat. The CLI Sportfish Maps classify these lakes class 4, severe limitations, primarily because of shallow water.

The greatest resource capability of these lakes is waterfowl production. Water depth and marsh development of many Group 2 lakes are ideal for nesting grounds and migration stops. Problems do arise during extreme dry or wet seasons and agencies such as Ducks Un­ limited are becoming involved in stabilization projects. Ducks Unlimited has constructed a series of dams on Crow Indian Lake to reduce water fluctuations and the lake is now an excellent waterfowl habitat. The lakes in the foothills have only marginal capability due to topography.

Some of the lakes in Group 2, principally those in the foothills, have high capability for ungulate production. Lakes along the Milk River Ridge have slight limitations but serve as winter range areas. Limitations are commonly climate, topography, and aridity. Deer, antelope and elk are the principal game in this area, and with waterfowl, the lakes are at­ tractive to hunters.

The lakes in Group 2 have been classified moderate to low recreation capability by the Canada Land Inventory. The principal features of the areas surrounding these lakes are variations in topography and landform, upland and wetland wildlife, and viewing. At present recreation is limited to hunting and sightseeing. Intensive park or cabin development is not feasible without stabilization of water level as lake shorelines are too variable. 26

The land use surrounding the lakes in Group 2 is predominantly agricultural. Capabi­ lities within 1 mile of the lake are slightly lower in general from those in Group 1. Excellent to good farmland exists within the vicinity of 60% of the lakes. With lakes dependent on local runoff and subject to periodic disappearance it would seem that the areas around Group 2 lakes are generally drier than around those in Group 1. The proportion of pasture to cropland substantiates this, assuming pasture requires less moisture. Limitations are also due to topography, particularly in the foothills and on areas of glacial moraine (e.g. Margaret Lake). Inundation occurs not infrequently, and is a major incentive to farmers requesting drainage of some of these lakes.

PROBLEMS AND PROPOSALS

The problems associated with intermittent lakes are due to variations in water levels. Both flooding and drying-up limit land use near the lake. Structures to maintain a constant level, or complete drainage, are two solutions to fluctuating water levels. Although farmers favor drainage, wildlife agencies urge the maintenance of all possible nesting areas. On Eight Mile Lake, northeast of Lethbridge, Ducks Unlimited proposed construction of a drain to maintain a constant water level, while permitting removal of excess irrigation water. Before any consensus was reached, S.M.R.I.D. drained the lake completely. Discussion is continuing on the re-establishment of Eight Mile Lake. Similarly, Stirling Lake was drained without con­ sideration of wildlife. Ducks Unlimited feels that public benefit would be greater if the level of the lake were raised to support a larger waterfowl population. Presently the reclaimed land is used as pasture leased from the Government of Alberta.

Irrigation is causing a problem with Lost Lake, north of Vauxhall. A small lake in the past, it has now grown due to accumulation of excess irrigation water. Small dams have been constructed along the canal running into the lake, but the lake continues to inundate land. Drains are being considered.

Ducks Unlimited also has a proposal for Verdigris Coulee: a diversion could be con­ structed from Middle Coulee running north into Suds Lake and Tyrrell Lake. A cut could then be made into Weston Lake and Verdigris Lake forming a reservoir to the Milk River. The residents of the area are in favor of such a project, and it is felt that approximately 4,000 acres could be irrigated.

Silver Lake, north of Nanton, is an important waterfowl migration and nesting area. A project under consideration would ensure a more constant supply of water. A possible di­ version from the Highwood River through Squaw Coulee could be used to establish a series of recreation dams. Spillwater into Mosquito Creek could be channelled into Silver Lake, maintaining a constant water level, before flowing into Clear Lake and the Little Bow River. The advantages would be an improved, stable waterfowl habitat, and increased recreation areas. 27

SUMMARY

The lakes in Group 2 have not been examined in detail but because of the relative lack of potential water-based recreation areas in the Oldman River Region, their existence and general conditions have been considered. Most of these lakes (77%) have not been modi­ fied to maintain a permanent water level. Local runoff is the primary water source and low precipitation amounts make the lakes intermittent. Size (area, depth and volume) fluctuates with the amount of rainfall and heat. The suitability of these natural lakes for recreation, agriculture and sportfishing is low compared to the stabilized lakes of Group 1. Recreation potential at present is associated with good waterfowl and ungulate production. 28

LAKES IN GROUP 3

Twenty-one (21) lakes were added to the list of water-bodies (taken from the Canada Land Inventory Maps) by the Fish and Wildlife Division, Department of Lands and Forests. They were assigned to Group 3 on the basis of their size (less than 40 acres) and included in the study due to their importance as recreational fishery facilities. Each of these lakes is stocked with fish and provides an excellent opportunity for the sport. Due to their size, how­ ever, development for intensive recreational use is not practical. Of the twenty-one lakes, eighteen (18) are located in the mountain and foothill areas of the region. The distribution, by County and Municipal District, of the Group 3 lakes is as follows:

I.D. 5 11 County of Warner No. 5 1 M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 4 I.D. 6 1 County of Lethbridge No. 26 2 County of Vulcan No. 2 M.D. of Taber No. 14 1 M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 - M.D. of Cardston No. 6 1

Total 21 Table 11 lists the lakes in group 3, giving location and size. 29

TABLE 11

LAKES IN GROUP 3

NAME LOCATION COUNTY SIZE (acres)

Allison (Chinook) Reservoir 28-8-5-5 I.D. 5 15

Bathing Lake 15-4-1-5 I.D. 5 1.4

Bovin (Blue) Lake 19-3-1-5 I.D. 5 25

Burmis Lake 13-7-3-5 M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 1.8

Burn's Reservoir 23-6-30-4 M.D. of Pincher Creek No 9 2*

Coleman Fish & Game Reservoir 24-8-5-5 I.D. 5 8

Emerald (Hart) Lake 8-8-5-5 I.D. 5 24

Gold Springs Park Reservoir 6-2-15-4 County of Warner No. 5 9

Grizzly Lake 34-3-3-5 I.D. 5 2

Lake McQuillan 13-8-19-4 County of Lethbridge No. 26 23

Lang's Reservoir 22-6-1-5 M.D. of Pincher Creek No 9 7

Lehto Reservoir 2-13-21-4 County of Lethbridge No. 26 13

Little Beaver Dam Lake 31-1-28-4 M.D. of Cardston No. 6 10

Ly's Ridge Lake 23-3-3-5 I.D. 5 2 *

Rainy Ridge Lake 32-3-3-5 I.D. 5 6.3

South Scarpe Creek Lake 13-3-3-5 I.D. 5 7

Southfork Lakes 4-3-5 I.D. 5 4. 3&6

Summit Lake 18-8-5-5 I.D. 5 6.2

Taber Fish & Game Reservoir 2-9-17-4 M.D. of Taber No. 14 12 West Scarpe Creek Lake 14-3-3-5 I.D. 5 5

Window Mountain Lake 29-9-5-5 I.D. 6 13.7

* Estimated 30

FUTURE MANAGEMENT STUDIES

RECREATIONAL USE PRESSURE

The City of Lethbridge, the centre of the Oldman River Region, is the major concen­ tration of urban population in the area. The residents..of the city exert a high degree of recreational demand on facilities readily available to them. For purposes of this overview a facility is considered to be readily available if it is located within the half hour driving time on major highways (60 mph) and secondary roads (50 mph).

Within Lethbridge, outdoor recreational opportunities exist along the Oldman River valley and at Henderson Lake. Indian Battle Park is located in the river valley and offers fa­ cilities for picnicking; a playground and historic replica are also contained within the park area. A campground and two golf courses are also situated in the river valley. A develop­ ment scheme has been prepared for the river valley within the City boundaries "to ensure that optimal use is made of the diverse recreational potentials of this unique area while its natural beauty and historic sites are preserved."1 Henderson Lake offers opportunities for picnicking, camping, boating, fishing and golfing. This lake is used extensively by the resi­ dents of Lethbridge and the surrounding area.

Indian Hills Park, presently under development, is located southwest of Lethbridge. Lake McQuillan, twenty-three (23) acres in size, is the water resource for the park. Recre­ ational facilities include fishing, boating, camping and golfing. Recreational opportunities are found at Park Lake and Keho Lake. Both these water-bodies were classed provincial development. As stated previously, provincial development lakes, because of their high capability for sustaining recreational activities, are those most likely subject to intense inter- and intra-regional use.

FUTURE MANAGEMENT STUDIES

Following this preliminary inventory the Group 1 lakes will be considered in detailed management studies. For the purposes of this report, four have been chosen as examples and will be evaluated in terms of existing facilities, potential development and required manage­ ment studies. Park Lake and Keho Lake were chosen on the basis of their proximity to Lethbridge; Chain Lakes and Travers Reservoir were chosen on the basis of their location relative to Calgary and the inter-regional pressure originating from this source.

City of Lethbridge, By-Law No. 3255: The Lethbridge River Valley Development Scheme, January, 1975. LETHBRIDGE AREA

PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL PARKS

/

1/2 Hour Driving Time From Lethbridge

A PROVINCIAL PARK A MUNICIPAL PARK 7 PARK LAKE 1 KEHO LAKE 4 HENDERSON LAKE 2 TABER PROVINCIAL PARK 2 INDIAN HILLS* 5 WILLOW CREEK 3 INDIAN BATTLE 6 CHIN CURVE BRIDGE

Under Development P

PARK LAKE - PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT1

Park Lake lies ten miles northwest of Lethbridge and is approximately one hundred and twenty (120) miles from Calgary. The lake serves as a water resource for one of the most popular provincial parks in the region.

BIOPHYSICAL ASSESSMENT AND RESOURCE CAPABILITIES

Park Lake was established as an irrigation storage reservoir in the early 1930's. A shallow depression was dammed and irrigation water was retained to balance fluctuations in canal levels. The lake is maintained entirely by one main canal from the west (local runoff is minimal) and two outlet canals to the east and southeast. The lake covers an area of 192 acres and is approximately 1.25 miles long and .4 mile wide. Water is shallow — 5.2 feet on the average and 15 feet at the deepest. Storage for only 1,000 acre feet is available, and be­ cause of the plains area surrounding the lake, the size could not be increased. Groundwater potential around the lake is from 1 to 5 imperial gallons per minute. The lake lies less than ten feet below the surrounding plain. Upland elevation is 3,100 feet, while the lake is 3,092 feet above sea level. Fluctuations of up to six feet can occur in water height depending on the season and irrigation demands. The shoreland slopes very gently to the water and is ideal as beach.

Park Lake lies in the Dark Brown Soil Group. The soils are formed from glacial till and rate class 3 — good agricultural land, limited somewhat by topography. Some rolling hills make irrigation less practicable, but the water has generally permitted a wide variety of cultivated crops. Land, moderately limited by slope, is used as pasture.

Natural vegetation, short grass prairie in this region, has completely disappeared since the introduction of cultivated crops. Irrigation has permitted a wide range of crops, and extensive agricultural land use surrounds the lake, except at the park site. Native tree stands were non-existent, and shortly after the impoundment of the reservoir, trees were planted. Presently an excellent stand of poplar along the east and north shores provides an ideal cover for recreational activities. The remainder of the shoreline is pasture and hay.

The Canada Land Inventory rates the waterfowl capability of the shore poor — moderately severe limitations due to poor marsh development, topography and water depth. The surrounding area is severely limiting to waterfowl production: the flat topography re­ stricts development of wetlands.

The entire area has moderately severe limitations to deer production due to unsuit­ able topography, aridity and soil moisture conditions.

The Sportfish capability is class 2, limited to warm water species by the shallow water. Northern Pike and Yellow Perch are found in the lake but it is not stocked.

Data sheets for Park Lake are in Appendix C, p. 40 a. 32

Park Lake is one of the few lakes in the Oldman River Region with a high recreation capability — class 3 is the highest rating within this region, and 30% of Park Lake is of this class. The entire class 3 area, 1.2 miles of shore, has been developed as the provincial park site.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Park Lake is a holding pond in the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation System. It is part of the canal system, not an integral storage reservoir, and is therefore not subject to exten­ sive drawdown. Park Lake does supply irrigation water to the surrounding land and may fluctuate slightly depending upon the irrigation needs of the immediate area. In considera­ tion of the Provincial Park located on the shores of Park Lake, any fluctuations, since they are slight, may be and are controlled at the Monarch and Piyami headgates.

LAND USE

At the beginning of the twentieth century, increasing agricultural activity and arid climatic conditions indicated the need for an irrigation system in the Lethbridge area. The reservoir now known as Park Lake, was constructed to fulfill this need. The park area was developed in recognition of the reservoir's multiple-use potential.

Access to Park Lake from Lethbridge requires approximately 15 minutes on com­ pletely paved road. For traffic flowing from the north (Calgary) access may be gained by travelling eight miles east on gravel road from Highway 23.

The provincial park is located along the northeast shore. A 52 unit campground, extensive day-use picnic area, boat launch and playground are the primary facilities available at Park Lake. The beach comprises the major attraction and the shallow water at this point has been cordoned off to provide a swimming area.

PROBLEMS

Over-use is undoubtedly the most severe problem at Park Lake. The park area of 188 acres may be subject to use in excess of 11,000 visitors per day during summer weekends. Over-use is also relfected by the fact that while the park may be officially closed (due to over-crowded conditions) many vehicles are parked on the nearby highway and access is completed on foot.

Vandalism is the primary misuse of the park. Broken glass, and damage to trees and signs are examples.

' Because the lake serves both a recreational and an irrigation use, some problems arise. For example, silt suspended in irrigation water settles out in the slow moving water of the lake. Much of the bottom is covered and turbidity occurs when it is stirred up by motor boats or swimmers. The swimming area did have a sand bottom but the silt has covered this so extensively that this area particularly suffers from muddy water. 33

CONCLUSION

Park Lake is very attractive to the recreationist and is subject to a high degree of inter- and intra-regional use pressure. At present, Provincial Parks is awaiting title to an addi­ tional three-quarter sections of land surrounding the lake. Future management studies will be concerned with the expansion of Park Lake Provincial Park. %€&* JLci&e 34

KEHO LAKE - PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT1

Keho Lake reservoir lies northeast of Lethbridge within one-half hour driving time of the city. From Calgary the distance to the municipal park located at this water-body is ap­ proximately 110 miles or one and three-quarter hours driving time.

BIOPHYSICAL ASSESSMENT AND RESOURCE CAPABILITIES

Keho Lake was established in 1923 as a major water storage reservoir to serve the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. The lake lies in a shallow depression on a glacial lacustrine plain formed in a settling basin of glacial melt-water. The flat plain surrounds the shore approximately one mile to the north and south. To the north, Blackspring Ridge rises gradually to 3,300 feet, to the south a sharp escarpment rises abruptly to 3,100 feet. The plain continues to the west and east.

The lake covers an area of 4,608 acres, measuring about 4.4 miles east-west and 2.4 miles north-south. The shoreline length is 15 miles. Riprap has been placed along parts of the south shore to prevent erosion. Sand and silt have been washed up to form a beach along the northeast shore. Although the lake is shallow (15 feet at its maximum and averaging 10 feet), 42,900 acre feet of water can be stored. Irrigation canals to the west and east run into and out of the lake respectively. Ground water potential is from 5 to 25 imperial gallons per minute.

The peripheral shoreland is in the Dark Brown Soil Group with soil moisture condi­ tions being the major limiting factor to agriculture. Because of the fine textured soil, excess aridity or moisture causes problems of compaction: tillage becomes difficult under such conditions.

Short grass prairie is the natural vegetation around Keho Lake, but it has been re­ placed by cropland and pasture. Various tree species have been planted on the southeast shore and are now approximately 15 feet tall; some poplar and willow are suffering from lack of moisture and disease infestation.

Keho Lake is not suitable for the production of waterfowl, but the shoreline is im­ portant as a migration stop (class 3M). The surrounding land has severe limitations as it is open cropland with no wetland development.

Moderately severe limitations to ungulates exist around the lake. Deer production is restricted by flatness, aridity and soil moisture not conducive to good grazing land. The capability for ungulates is slightly higher on Blackspring Ridge.

Sportfishing is rated class 2, limited to warm-water species by insufficient depth. The lake is not stocked and Northern Pike is the principal natural species.

^ata sheets for Keho Lake are in Appendix C, p. 32 a. 35

Approximately one-half mile of oeaeh on the northeast shore is rated as having good recreation capability. Most of the semaining shoreline is ciass 4 suitable for fishinn, camping and boating.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Keho Lake is the major storage reservoir of the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation Dis­ trict and is the only supply source of water for the system. The topography between Keho Lake and the Oldman River eliminates the possibility of another supply structure. As the only supply source of irrigation water for the Lethbridge Northern District, the level of the lake is dependant upon irrigation needs. In the Spring of each year Keho Lake is filled from the Oldman River via the main canal, which has a flow capability of 650 cubic feet per sec­ ond. In a year when irrigation needs are heavy, Keho Lake is drawn down extensively. Ex­ tensive drawdown could only be eliminated by the construction of another storage reservoir on the Oldman River and a possible increase in the capacity of the main canal between the Oldman River and Keho Lake.

LAND USE

Keho Lake Municipal Park was completed in 1967 as a centennial project within the County of Lethbridge. The reservoir itself was established in 1923 to serve the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District.

Travel on approximately 4 miles of gravel road is required for access to the park area from Highway 23. This route would be the major approach from both Calgary and Leth­ bridge.

Within an area of 160 acres, Keho Park offers facilities for boating, camping, fishing and golfing. The municipal park is located on the southeast shore.

PROBLEMS

The major problem associated with Keho Lake is financial. Responsibility for upkeep of the park lies with the municipality, and the major source of funds is revenue from the County of Lethbridge. Visitors from beyond the municipality derive benefits from use of the park, generally in excess of any fee they may pay. The additional cost is borne by residents of the county. Conflicts in use arise between recreation and irrigation during the agricultural season. A vertical drawdown of 10 feet may take place in the reservoir, depending upon irri­ gation demands. Erosion of the shoreline is also a problem at Keho Lake, particularly on the east and north shores.

CONCLUSION

Keho Lake is a popular recreation area subject to inter- and intra-regional use pressure. Future management studies will be concerned with future facility provision and financial responsibilities for upkeep and expansion of the park. &r{&U J.

CHAIN LAKES - PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT1

Chain Lakes is a relatively new provincial park located in the northwest corner of the Oldman River Region. The nature and character of this park tends to conserve the en­ vironment by providing minimal facilities. A single use park attracts a particular type of recreationist and consequently fewer problems arise. Chain Lakes is 100 miles from Leth­ bridge, and within 75 miles of Calgary.

BIOPHYSICAL ASSESSMENT AND RESOURCE CAPABILITIES

Chain Lakes is now one continuous water-body formed by damming the north and south ends of a valley containing four small lakes. The major sources are a creek from the north and local runoff. Aligned north-south, the lake is 6.3 miles long and .3 miles wide, covering 768 acres. The shoreline measures 14 miles and the maximum depth is 38 feet, averaging 18 feet. Groundwater potential is less than one imperial gallon per minute.

Surrounded by rolling hills, Chain Lakes lies at 4,243 feet above sea level. A mile and one half to the east, a ridge rises steeply (20% slope) to 5,200 feet. The base of this ridge slopes gradually to the lake (5%). The ridge to the west rises abruptly (24% slope) to 4,500 feet.

The area around Chain Lakes is within the Black Soil Group, partially in the park­ land portion of Alberta. The entire area has moderately low capability for agriculture, class 5 and 6, primarily limited by climate and topography (steepness of slope). Much of the area is fenced and serves as foothills pasture and ranchland.

The vegetation of this area is parkland, with native grassland and stands of aspen poplar and willow. The western ridge is covered with grass and some willow shrub (height 10 feet). The east is similar with more shrub cover and mixed deciduous and coniferous forest at higher elevations. A small marsh area is located at the base of the spillway (south end of the lake) and is likely caused by seepage.

The Canada Land Inventory rates waterfowl capability as low. Deep water and poor marsh development along the shore are the principal limitations to waterfowl. The surround­ ing area is also severely limited by steep slopes.

The ungulate capability is rated good, class 3, limited slightly by topography and grass cover. Deer, elk, and moose are found in the area, and an important wintering area for sheep, elk and deer lies to the west.

Data sheets for Chain Lakes are in Appendix C, p. 20a 37

Sportfish capability is moderate, class 3 by the Canada Land Inventory. However, good fish habitat exists since the lakes have been dammed. The Fish and Wildlife Division stocks the lake with Rainbow Trout, and fishing is the prime attraction of Chain Lakes.

Chain Lakes has a relatively high recreation capability; the entire shore is class 3 and the entire upland is class 4. Fishing is the principal resource of the lake, with camping associ­ ated with this activity. Viewing is good from all locations. There are no intensive recreational facilities around the lake.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Formerly a series of small water-bodies, Chain Lakes was dammed by PFRA in about 1966, to form one lake approximately 6 miles in length. The lake was established to ensure water control and water supply, the primary goal being to maintain a water supply in Willow Creek during the winter months. The major water source to Chain Lakes is local runoff - the supply draining into Meisinger Creek and into Willow Creek via a spillway. Unlike the other major man-made water-bodies in the Oldman River Region, Chain Lakes is not related to any irrigation system as such, so drawdown is minimal.

LAND USE

Dams were constructed at the north and south ends of the valley containing Chain Lakes in 1966. Formerly, four lakes existed in the trough, and much of the present flooded area was marshland. Problems of intermittency were not serious as the land was used only as pasture. With dam construction and the establishment of a continuous stable water-body, planned recreation facilities could be provided. In May 1969, Chain Lakes Provincial Park was opened. The park covers 1,011 acres at the southeast end of the lake; the surrounding land use remains foothills pasture.

Present access to Chain Lakes is adequate. Highway 533 west from Nanton has 10 miles of pavement and 15 miles of oiled hardtop. Sections of the oiled surface have deteri­ orated and 4 miles are under construction. Highway 922 north-south passes the entrance of the park. It is believed that paved access would considerably increase demand for the park's facilities. The roads within the park are gravelled and kept in good condition. Public access is available at the park site only. Water access is good from the park area.

Development around Chain Lakes is minimal. The nature of the park is conservation, and the entire site was established to this purpose. Any shelters have been designed along a primitive style: facilities are to blend in with the environment. The area is a special use park: for fishing and for camping. Facilities have been provided for these uses, namely, boat 38 launches and boat trailer and car parking, and a 142 unit campground. Camping is allowed only in designated areas and each camp site has a picnic table and parking stall. No fires are permitted in the camping area. There are 3 camping grounds with 44 units each arranged around a circular road. Campgrounds are located in willow cover. There is a small picnic area down stream from the base of the spillway with one kitchen shelter. No playgrounds have been constructed and grass is not mowed. There is one concession stand and one phone booth. Chain Lakes Provincial Park attempts to maintain a 'rugged' type of atmosphere, and provides minimal facilities for 'roughing it'.

PROBLEMS

Because the lake has had so little development, no major problems exist. The services provided by this park attract a particular individual who is mature and interested in fishing and camping. Both day use and overnight use involve these activities, so no use conflicts arise. (There are about twice as many day users as overnight users.) Boats are used for fishing only, and an 8 mile per hour speed limit is enforced. Swimming and water skiing are not allowed. Because recreation is limited to fishing and camping, no other activities interfere with or damage the environment. Similarly, it is felt that designated camp units prevent damage to the natural vegetation; impact on the surrounding shoreland is minimal.

Although the park is popular, over-use is not a problem. However, it is felt a carrying capacity for the park should be determined and administered. (Presently five weekends out of a season of fifteen are expected to be subject to over-use.) It is estimated that 75% of the users are from Calgary, with only 10% from the local vicinity.

No cabin development has taken place, and such land use within the park is unlikely.

CONCLUSION

Chain Lakes Provincial Park was established to accommodate fishing and camping. Facilities are not extensive but stocked fish make the area popular. Although the park has not experienced severe over-use, camping capacity limits are needed to prevent such a situ­ ation. Due to the primitive character of Chain Lakes Provincial Park a mature recreationist is attracted and the quality of the environment is maintained. HtaveM, IRewivwi 39

TRAVERS RESERVOIR - PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT 1

Travers Reservoir serves as the water resource for Little Bow Provincial Park. The re­ servoir is located approximately 65 miles north of Lethbridge and 90 miles south of Calgary.

BIOPHYSICAL ASSESSMENT AND RESOURCE CAPABILITIES

Travers Reservoir is located at the confluence of an old glacial spillway (continuation from McGregor Lake south) and the valley of the Little Bow River. The river, a spillway from McGregor Lake and some small streams are the major sources. The river flows out of the lake at the base of the dam, and a canal runs into Little Bow Lake. The reservoir serves the Bow River Irrigation District. The shoreline measures 40 miles and is heavily indented. The lake is aligned east-west with a small arm to the north. The lake is 10 miles long east- west, .75 mile wide, and covers 5,760 acres. There is considerable water storage (265,000 acre feet) as the lake is very deep (120 feet maximum, 40 feet average). Groundwater poten­ tial varies from 1 to 25 imperial gallons per minute.

Travers Reservoir was established by damming the Little Bow River, and the river valley has been flooded for approximately 10 miles. The shoreline is indented due to previ­ ous stream erosion of the coulees. The lake is 2,815 feet above sea level, nearly 200 feet below the surrounding plain (3,100 feet). The shoreland is rolling or steeply sloping, and 4-10 foot drops to the water are evident. The south side of the reservoir rises nearly verti­ cally 175 feet to the upland, while the northeast slope rises more gradually (less than 5%) to 2,900 feet. The upland is till plain with variations in topography.

The Travers area is within the Dark Brown Soil Group. The clay-loam soil is charac­ teristic of glacial boulder clay (an unsorted mixture of clay, sand and gravel). Most of the upland is tilled; however, east of the lake, rock and gravelly soil is left as natural pasture. As the area is not uniform in topography, soil type varies. Low areas tend to be very heavy (fine clay) while hill tops are light (sand). The agriculture capability is affected by these variations. Much of the upland is class 3, good agricultural land. Southeast of the lake, how­ ever, soil capability drops to classes 5 and 6, severely restricted by soil conditions (sand and gravel) and topography (small knob hills).

Short grass prairie is native to this area but much of the upland (that area rated class 3 agriculture capability) is now cropland. Extensive grassland is around the southeast section of the lake. Native tree and shrub growth is non-existent and tree cover has been planted at Little Bow Provincial Park.

Data sheets for Travers Reservoir are in Appendix C, p. 47 a. 40

The Canada Land Inventory rated the waterfowl capability of the dam as class 3, good. The area serves as a good migration stop and wintering area. The surrounding upland has low capability, classes 5, 6 and 7, limited by the steep topography and aridity.

Ungulate production is rated class 3, 4 and 5, limited by steep topography, aridity and poor soil moisture conditions, and exposure. The area does support some deer.

Canada Land Inventory Sportfish Maps were not available for Travers Reservoir. Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Walley, and Lake Whitefish are found naturally and attract fishermen.

The recreation capability of the shoreland of Travers Reservoir ranges from class 3 to class 5. Nearly 22 miles of shore are class 3, sutiable for camping, fishing, boating and lodg­ ing. The remainder of the shore is class 4. The upland is classes 5 and 6, limited to viewing topographic variations and wildlife. Little Bow Park is the major developed recreation area, although much of the shore is accessible.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Travers Reservoir is part of a three-reservoir system which serves the Bow River Irri­ gation District. Water enters the system from the Bow River at Carseland and flows 42 miles to McGregor Reservoir. Two miles of irrigation canal joins McGregor and Travers Reservoirs. The continuation of the system is from Travers east to Little Bow Reservoir and further east to the Bow River Irrigation District. The water level in Travers Reservoir is maintained fairly constant during the summer months of May, June, July and August, by the 2000 cubic feet per second flow capability of the 2-mile canal between McGregor and Travers. In other words, by virtue of the three-reservoir system, the irrigation demands of the Bow River Irri­ gation District do not exert an extensive influence on Travers Reservoir as those of the Leth­ bridge Northern Irrigation District do on Keho Reservoir. Only in October, for purposes of winter storage, is the level of Travers forcefully decreased.

LAND USE

Little Bow Park was originally constructed by the Lions Club of Champion during the fall of 1954 and the spring of 1955. The original park site was expanded and improved by the Provincial Parks Branch in the early 1960's. Additional camping units were recently established within the Provincial Park site and have been available for general use since the spring of 1975.

Access to Little Bow Provincial Park is completely paved from Highway 23 — the major route for traffic from both Calgary and Lethbridge. 41

Little Bow Provincial Park located at the west end of Travers Reservoir offers op­ portunities for camping, swimming, boating and fishing. The campground consists of 194 units.

PROBLEMS

The major problem on Travers Reservoir is conflict among uses such as swimming, power-boating, fishing and canoeing. A swimming area, entirely isolated from the remaining water-body, is planned for completion in the spring of 1976. The conflict in use between power and non-power vessels cannot be resolved by establishment of a speed limit because of the size of the reservoir and the problem of administering such a regulation. Educating visi­ tors to the dangers of such conflicts may be a solution. Physical drawdown of the reservoir with irrigation use and the subsequent difficulty in launching craft has been alleviated by construction of a floating dock. Within the Provincial Park area, vandalism of buildings, signs and trees is a problem.

CONCLUSION

Construction and improvement is continuing at Little Bow Provincial Park. The capa­ city has been recently increased to 194 camping units. The major problems associated with the park seem to be conflicts in use as opposed to over-use — future management studies will be concerned with these conflicts. 42

CONCLUSION

In summary, the general findings of this inventory may be expressed in terms of the problem, opportunities and policies associated with the provision of recreational facilities in the Oldman River Region.

PROBLEMS

1. There is a shortage of lake shoreland highly capable of supporting intensive recreational use (classes 1 and 2). Within the Oldman River Region 3% of the lakes are in this cate­ gory, compared to a provincial figure of 12%. The entire 3% figure is made up of the lakes in Waterton Lakes National Park. The capability of this area to support highly intensive use, and its natural attractiveness lead to problems of over-use within the National Park.

2. Approximately 22% of the regional shoreline falls within recreation classes 1, 2 and 3. Compared to this potential approximately 10.5% of the regional shoreline is now dedi­ cated to recreational use.

3. Much of the shoreline and peripheral shoreland of the lakes in the Oldman River Region is privately owned. Of thirty-five stable, permanent water-bodies studied (Group 1), only nine have an appreciable amount of Crown-owned land within one mile of their shoreline. (An appreciable amount of Crown land is an excess of 20%.) Inaccessibility to the general public and a shortage of readily available land should development be considered, are problems associated with the high degree of private ownership.

4. The predominant land use of the lake shorelines and lake shorelands of the Oldman River Region is agriculture. Of the total miles of shoreline studied (approximately 450 miles), about 88% is dedicated to this use. Agriculture, the economic base of the region, has been given priority in land utilization.

5. Many of the permanent lakes (nineteen of thirty-five in Group 1) serve the single pur­ pose of storing water for irrigation systems. Fluctuations in water levels (resulting from irrigation use), make many of these water-bodies less suitable for recreational develop­ ment.

6. A large number of the water-bodies in the Oldman River Region are intermittent in nature due to their dependence upon climatic conditions (lakes in Group 2). Recre­ ational development on these lakes is not feasible without physical modification of the terrain. In their natural state many of these water-bodies are an excellent habitat for waterfowl. 43

7. Natural lakes are located in the mountain and foothill areas of the Oldman River Region. Their stable water level and good natural tree cover make them attractive to the recreationist, and subject to greater development pressure than the prairie lakes.

8. Lakes in close proximity to the region's major concentration of urban population (Lethbridge), are limited in number and subject to over-use.

9. All lakes are subject to inter- and intra-regional use pressure. This pressure is concen­ trated around major urban centres, and is expected to increase with population, income and leisure time.

10. Private cottaging is mainly limited to three lakes, with this land-use absorbing class 3 recreational land at Beauvais Lake. Demand pressure for this land-use is increasing. At present the Shorelands Task Force of the Conservation and Utilization Committee is identifying all lakes with immediate subdivision development pressures and the nature of those pressures.

OPPORTUNITIES

This preliminary inventory will be used to further evaluate the problems associated with recreational facility provision on the lakes and lake shorelands of the Oldman River Region. As a first step it serves to indicate he major concerns and problem areas. The in­ ventory will be an important input into future management studies, leading to policy state­ ments for a comprehensive system of recreation areas and facilities.

POLICIES1

1. All development control resolutions for municipalities shall include land use policies for land surrounding reservoirs, taking into consideration the multiple use capabilities of reservoirs and their shorelands.

2. While recognizing that irrigation is normally their primary function, the recreational potential of existing (and potential) reservoirs shall be assessed. This assessment should include a detailed appraisal of their capabilities to generate and sustain outdoor recre­ ational use.

3. The Water Resources Branch shall be requested to investigate the feasibility of employ­ ing releases from reservoirs and designing new reservoirs so as to increase the recreation­ al as well as the irrigation potential of the reservoir and its downstream waters.

1 Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, Preliminary Regional Plan. 44

Easements, leases and other devices shall be negotiated with rural land owners to pro­ vide access to recreation areas or to preserve certain open space features which may be located on privately owned land; and that agreements shall be negotiated to preserve unique natural characteristics.

Intensive parks in close proximity to the region's major urban centres shall be expanded and new parks developed. 45

FUTURE WORK PROGRAM

Work will continue on the water based component of the overall outdoor recreation and open space plan for the region. In the immediate future this will involve continuation of the Southern Alberta Recreation Enhancement Study on the following aspects:

1. Inventory of rivers — also in conjunction with the Provincial Task Force on Shorelands.

2. Evaluation of data obtained in the inventory phase on the lakes and rivers to identify "(1) conflicting land and water uses (2) how recreation potential on existing lakes, reservoirs and rivers could be improved through land use manage­ ment, water management and project operation modi­ fication (3) those lakes, reservoirs and river sites most suitable for inclusion in a recreation enhancement program."1

It is also expected that some evaluation with respect to upland outdoor recreation and open space opportunities will be conducted by the Commission in the Eastern Slopes studies.

A regional plan for outdoor recreation and open space, including provisions for a system of parks, as well as other recreational and open space amenities, will evolve over the next few years from the data gathered, the analysis made and the input provided by the public.

Environmental Planning Division, Alberta Environment, Southern Alberta Recreation Enhancement Study, Outline (Edmonton, December 1974), p. 4. 46

BIBLIOGRAPHY

City of Lethbridge. By-law No. 3255: The Lethbridge River Valley Develop­ ment Scheme. Lethbridge, 1975.

Environmental Demand and Problem Analysis Branch, Environmental Planning Division, Alberta Environment, Southern Alberta Recreation Enhancement Study. (Outline). Edmonton, 1974.

Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Department of Lands and Forests. The Morphometry of a Number of Standing Waters in the Lethbridge Region of Sport and/or Commercial Fisheries Importance. Lethbridge, 1973.

Oldman River Regional Planning Commission. Oldman River Region —Pre• liminary Plan. Lethbridge: Oldman River Regional Planning Commission, 1974.

Red Deer Regional Planning Commission. Regional Lake Perspective —Red Deer Area. Red Deer Regional Planning Commission, 1974.

Technical Committee on Lakes and Lake Shorelands. Use of Our Lakes and Lake Shorelands, Alberta Land Use Forum Technical Report No. 12. Edmonton, 1974.

Water Resources Division, Alberta Department of the Environment, Lake Classification. Edmonton, 1972. APPENDICES la

APPENDIX A

EXPLANATION OF CANADA LAND INVENTORY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM 2a

CANADA LAND INVENTORY - OUTDOOR RECREATION CAPABILITY

Seven classes of land are differentiated on the basis of the intensity of outdoor recreational use, or the quantity of outdoor recreation, which may be generated and sustained per unit area of land per annum, under perfect market conditions. "Perfect market conditions" implies uniform demand and accessibility for all areas, which means that location relative to population centres and to present access does not affect the classification.

Intensive and dispersed activities are recognized. Intensive activities are those in which relatively large numbers of people may be accommodated per unit area, while dispersed activities are those which nor­ mally require a relatively large area per person. Some important factors concerning the classification are: • The purpose of the inventory is to provide a reliable assessment of the quality, quantity and distri­ bution of the natural'recreation resources within the settled parts of Canada.

• The inventory is of an essentially reconaissance nature, based on interpretation of aerial photo­ graphs, field checks and available records, and the maps should be interpreted accordingly.

• The inventory classification is designed in accordance with present popular preferences in non-urban outdoor recreation. Urban areas (generally over 1,000 population with permanent urban character) are not classified.

• Land is ranked according to its natural capability under existing conditions, whether in natural or modified state; but no assumptions are made concerning its capability given further major artificial modifications.

• Sound recreation land management and development practices are assumed for all areas in practical relation to the natural capability of each area. • Water bodies are not directly classified. Their recreational values accrue to the adjoining shoreland or land unit. • Opportunities for recreation afforded by the presence of wildlife and sportfish are indicated, but the ranking does not reflect the biological productivity of the area. Wildlife capability is indicated in a companion series of maps.

Class 1: Lands in this class have very high capability for outdoor recreation. Class 1 lands have natural capability to engender and sustain very high total annual use based on one or more recreation activities of an intensive nature. Class 1 land units should be able to generate and sustain a level of use comparable to that evident in an out­ standing and large bathing beach or a nationally known ski slope.

Class 2: Lands in this class have a high capability for outdoor recreation. Class 2 lands have natural capability to engender and sustain high total annual use based on one or more rec­ reational activities of an intensive nature.

Class 3: Lands in this class have a moderately high capability for outdoor recreation. Class 3 lands have natural capability to engender and sustain moderately high total annual use based usually on intensive or moderately intensive activities.

Class-4: Lands in this class have moderate capability for outdoor recreation. Class 5 lands have natural capability to engender and sustain moderate total annual use based usually on dis­ persed activities. 3a

Class 5: Lands in this class have a moderately low capability for outdoor recreation. Class 5 lands have natural capability to engender and sustain moderately low total annual use based on dis­ persed activities.

Class 6: Lands in this class have low capability for outdoor recreation. Class 6 lands lack the natural quality and significant features to rate higher, but have the natural capability to engender and sustain low total annual use based on dispersed activities.

Class 7: Lands in this class have very low capability for outdoor recreation. Class 7 lands have practically no capability for any popular types of recreation activity, but there may be some capability for very specialized activities with recreation aspects, or they may simply provide open space.

SUBCLASSES Subclasses indicate the kinds of features which provide opportunity for recreation. They are, therefore, positive aspects of land and do not indicate limitations to use. Features may be omitted from a unit, either be­ cause their presence was unknown or unconfirmed.

The degree to which these features are judged capable, collectively, of generating and sustaining use for recreation, determines the class. The sequence in which they are listed indicates the order of their significance. Subordinate features may be relatively insignificant and the class of a unit should not be interpreted to indicate the capability of a secondary or tertiary feature. The subclasses are: Subclass A: Land providing access to water affording opportunity for angling or viewing of sporfish. Subclass B: Shoreland capable of supporting family beach activities. In high class units this will include family bathing. In classes 4 and 5, the activities may be confined to dry land due to cold water or other limitations. Subclass C: Land fronting on and providing direct access to waterways with significant capability for canoe tripping. Subclass D: Shoreland with deeper inshore water suitable for swimming or boat mooring or launching. Subclass E: Land with vegetation possessing recreational value. Subclass F: Waterfall or rapids. Subclass G: Significant glacier view or experience.

Subclass H: Historic or pre-historic site. Subclass J: Area offering particular opportunities for gathering and collecting items of popular interest. Subclass K: Shoreland or upland suited to organized camping, usually associated with other features. Subclass L: Interesting land form features other than rock formations. Subclass M: Frequent small water bodies or continuous streams occuring in upland areas. Subclass N: Land (usually shoreland) suited to family or other recreation lodging use. Subclass O: Land affording opportunity for viewing upland wildlife. Subclass P: Areas exhibiting cultural landscape patterns of agricultural, industrial or social interest. Subclass Q: Areas exhibiting variety, in topography or land and water relationships, which enhances oppor­ tunities for general outdoor recreation such as hiking and nature study or for aesthetic appreci­ ation of the area. Subclass R: Interesting rock formations. 4a

Subclass S: A combination of slopes, snow conditions and climate providing downhill skiing opportunities.

Subclass T: Thermal springs.

Subclass U: Shoreland fronting water accommodating yachting or deep water boat tripping.

Subclass V: A vantage point or area which offers a superior view relative to the class of the unit(s) which contain it, or a corridor, or other area which provides frequent viewing opportunities.

Subclass W: Land affording opportunity for viewing of wetland wildlife.

Subclass X: Miscellaneous features with recreational capability.

Subclass Y: Shoreland providing access to water suitable for popular forms of family boating.

Subclass Z: Area exhibiting major, permanent, non-urban man-made structures of recreational interest.

CONVENTIONS

Large arabic numerals denote capability classes. Upper case letters denote subclasses. There may be area distortion due to scale limitations, particularly in the case of corridor-shaped units.

Note that the first uppercase.letters after each numeral indicates that the unit is either shoreland ("s") or upland ("u"), and does not describe potential recreational uses.

CANADA LAND INVENTORY-SOIL CAPABILITY

In this classification the mineral soils are grouped into seven classes on the basis of soil survey informa­ tion. Soils in classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 are considered capable of sustained use for cultivated field crops, those in classes 5 and 6 only for perennial forage crops and those in class 7 for neither.

Some of the important factors on which the classification is based are:

• Land requiring improvements, including clearing, that can be made economically by the farmer himself, is classed according to its limitations or hazards in use after the improvements have been made. Land requiring improvements beyond the means of the farmer himself is classed according to its present con­ dition.

• The following are not considered: distances to market, kind of roads, location, size of farms, type of ownership, cultural patterns, skill or resources of individual operators, and hazard of crop damage by storms.

• The classification does not include capability of soils for trees, tree fruits, small fruits, ornamental plants, recreation, or wildlife.

• The classes are based on intensity, rather than kind, of their limitations for agriculture. Each class in­ cludes many kinds of soil, and many of the soils in any class require unlike management and treatment.

Class 1: Soils in this class have no significant limitations in use for crops. The soils are deep, are well to imperfectly drained, hold moisture well, and in the virgin state were well supplied with plant nutrients. They can be managed and cropped without difficulty. Under good management they are moderately high in productivity for a wide range of field crops.

Class 2: Soils in this class have moderate limitations that restrict the range of crops or require moderate conservation practices. The soils are deep and hold moisture well. The limitations are moderate and the soils can be managed and cropped with little difficulty. Under good management they are moderately high to high in productivity for a fairly wide range of crops. 5a

Class 3: Soils in this class have moderately severe limitations that restrict the range of crops or require special conser­ vation practices. The limitations are more severe than for class 2 soils. They affect one or more of the following practices: timing and ease of tillage; planting and harvesting; choice of crops; and methods of conservation. Under good management they are fair to moderately high in productivity for a fair range of crops.

Class 4: Soils in this class have severe limitations that restrict the range of crops or require special conservation prac­ tices, or both. The limitations seriously affect one or more of the following practices; timing and ease of tillage; planting and harvesting; choice of crops; and methods of conservation. The soils are low to fair in pro­ ductivity for a fair range of crops but may have high productivity for a specially adapted crop.

Class 5: Soils in this class have very severe limitations that restrict their capability to producing perennial forage crops, and improvement practices are feasible. The limitations are so severe that the soils are not capable of use for sustained production of annual field crops. The soils are capable of producing native or tame species of peren­ nial forage plants, and may be improved by use of farm machinery. The improvement practices may include clearing of bush, cultivation, seeding, fertilizing, or water control.

Class 6: Soils in this class are capable only of producing perennial forage crops, and improvement practices are not feasible. The soils provide some sustained grazing for farm.animals, but the limitations are so severe that improvement by use of farm machinery is impractical. The terrain may be unsuitable for use of farm ma­ chinery, or the soils may not respond to improvement, or the grazing season may be very short.

Class 7: Soils in this class have no capability for arable culture or permanent pasture. This class also includes rockland, other non-soil areas, and bodies of water too small to show on the maps.

0. Organic soils (not placed in capability classes).

SUBCLASSES Excepting Class 1, the classes are divided into subclasses on the basis of kinds of limitations. The sub­ classes are as follows: Subclass C: Adverse climate — The main limitation is low temperature or low or poor distribution of rain­ fall during the cropping season, or a combination of these. Subclass D: Soils affected adversely by soil structure and/or permeability. Depth of rooting zone is restric­ ted by conditions other than wetness or consolidated bedrock. Subclass E: Erosion damage — Past damage from erosion limits agricultural use of the land. Subclass F: Soils having low fertility that can be corrected by application of fertilizers or amendments or difficult to correct in a feasible way. Subclass I: Inundation — Flooding by streams or lakes limits agricultural use. Subclass M: Consists of soils where crops are adversely affected by droughtiness owing to inherent soil characteristics. Usually have low water-holding capacity. Subclass P: Stoniness — Stones interfere with tillage, planting, and harvesting. Subclass R: Shallowness to solid bedrock — Solid bedrock is less than three feet from the surface. Subclass S: Soil limitations — Limitations include one or more of the following: undesirable structure, low permeability, a restricted rooting zone because of soil characteristics, low natural fertility, ,. low moisture-holding capacity salinity. Subclass T: Adverse topography — Either steepness or the pattern of slopes limits agricultural use. 6a

Class 5: Lands in this class have moderately severe limitations to the production of ungulates. Capability on these lands is moderately low. Limitations are usually a combination of two or more of climate, soil moisture, fertility, depth to bedrock or other impervious layer, topography, flooding exposure and adverse soil characteristics. i

Class 6: Lands in this class have severe limitations to the production of ungulates. Capability on these lands is very low. Limitations are so severe that they are easily recognized; for example, soil depth may be negligible or climatic factors so extreme that ungulate populations are severely reduced.

Class 7: Lands in this class have limitations so severe that there is no ungulate production.

SUBCLASSES With the exception of Class 1, the classes are divided into subclasses according to the nature of the limitations, which determine the class. In most cases the limitations do not affect the animals themselves, but rather the ability of the land to produce suitable food and cover plants. For convenience the subclasses are placed in two main groups: Those relating to climate and those relating to inherent characteristics of the land.

CLIMATE The following are used to denote significant climatic factors that may affect either the animals or the ability of the land to produce suitable food and cover. Subclass F: Fertility — Lack of nutrients in the soil for optimum plant growth. Subclass G: Landform — Poor distribution or interspersion of landforms necessary for optimum ungulate habitat. Subclass I: Inundation — Excessive water level fluctuation or tidal action that adversely affects the habitat or survival of ungulates. Subclass M: Soil moisture — Poor soil moisture, either excessive or deficient. Subclass N: Adverse soil characteristics — Excessive salinity, lack of essential trace elements, or abundance of toxic elements in the soil. Subclass R: Soil depth — Restriction of the rooting zone by bedrock or other impervious layers. Subclass T: Adverse topography — either steepness or flatness of the land.

UNGULATE SPECIES INDICATOR Species of ungulates for which capability ratings are assigned are shown by the following symbols:

A — Antelope E — Elk C — Caribou G — Mountain Goat D — Deer (white tailed, M — Moose Columbia black-tailed s — Mountain Sheep deer, mule deer)

CONVENTIONS Large arabic numeral denotes capability class. Small arabic numerals placed after class numeral or special class symbols indicate the approximate proportion (in tenths) of the complex that is represented by that class. The dominant class appears first in the symbol. Small upper case letters placed after class numeral or special class symbols denote the subclasses, i.e., limitations. Upper case italic letters placed beneath the class numeral denote ungulate species. 7a

Subclass W: Excess water other than from flooding limits use for agriculture. The excess water may be due to poor drainage, a high water table, seepage or runoff from surrounding areas. Subclass X: Soils having a moderate limitation caused by the cumulative effect of two or more adverse characteristics which singly are not serious enough to affect the class rating.

CANADA LAND INVENTORY - UNGULATE CAPABILITY CLASSES

In general, the needs of all ungulates are much alike: each individual and species must have a sufficient quantity and quality of food, protective cover, and space to meet its needs for survival, growth, and reproduction. The ability of the land to meet those needs is determined by the individual requirements of the species or group of species under consideration, the physical characteristics of the land, and those factors, such as climate, that influence the plant and animal communities.

On this map the legend is divided into units on the basis of physiographic characteristics important to wild ungulates. The degree of limitation associated with each unit determines its capability class. The subclass denotes the primary factor that causes the limitation.

This classification system is based on two important considerations: • Capability ratings are established on the basis of the optimum vegetational stage (successional stage) that can be maintained with good wildlife management practices.

• Capability ratings assigned do not reflect present land use (except in extreme cases such as heavily popu­ lated urban areas), ownership, lack of access, distance from cities, or amount of hunting pressure.

Class 1: Lands in this class have no significant limitations to the production of ungulates. Capability on these lands is hioh. They provide a wide variety and abundance of food plants and other habitat elements.

Class 1W: Lands in this special class are Class 1 areas that are winter range on which animals from surrounding areas depend.

Class 2: Lands in this class have very slight limitations to the production of ungulates. Capability on these lands is high but less than Class 1. Slight limitations are due to climatic or other factors.

Class 2W: Lands in this special class are Class 2 areas that are winter ranges on which animals from surrounding areas depend.

Class 3: Lands in this class have slight limitations to the production of ungulates. Capability on these lands is mode­ rately high, but productivity may be reduced in some years. Slight limitations are due to characteristics of the land that affect the quality and quantity of habitat, or to climatic factors that limit the mobility of ungulates or the availability of food and cover.

Class 3W: Lands in this special class are Class 3 areas that are winter ranges on which animals from surrounding areas depend.

Class 4: Lands in this class have moderate limitations to the production of ungulates. 8a

CANADA LAND INVENTORY - WATERFOWL CAPABILITY CLASSES

In general, the needs of all waterfowl are much alike; each individual and species must be provided with a sufficient quality and quantity of food, protective cover, and space to meet its needs for survival, growth, and reproduction. The ability of the land to meet these needs is determined by the individual requirements of the species or group under consideration, the physical characteristics of the land, and those factors that influ­ ence the plant and animal communities.

On this map the land is divided into units on the basis of physiographic characteristics important to waterfowl populations. The degree of limitation associated with each unit determines its capability class. The subclass denotes the primary factor that causes the limitation.

This classification system is based on two important considerations: • Capability ratings are established on the basis of the optimum vegetational stage (successional stage) that can be maintained when good wildlife management is practiced.

• Capability ratings assigned do not reflect present land use (except in extreme cases such as heavily populated urban areas), ownership, lack of access, distance from cities, or amount of hunting pressure.

Class 1 : Lands in this class have no significant limitations to the production of waterfowl. Capability on these lands is very high. They provide a wide variety and abundance of important habitat elements; rolling topography is well suited to the formation of wetlands. Predominant water areas on these lands are both shallow and deep permanent marshes, and deep, open water areas with well developed marsh edges.

Class Is: Water areas in this special class are Class 1 areas that also serve as important migration stops.

Class 2: Lands in this class have very slight limitations to the production of waterfowl. Capability on these lands is high but less than Class 1. Slight limitations are due to climate fertility, or permeability of the soils. Topography tends to be more undulating than rolling; a higher proportion of the water areas than in Class 1 are small tem­ porary ponds or deep, open water areas with poorly developed marsh edges.

Class 2s: Water areas in this special class are Class 2 areas that also serve as important migration stops.

Class 3: Lands in this class have slight limitations to the production of waterfowl. Capability on these lands is moderately high, but productivity may be reduced in some years because of occa­ sional droughts. Slight limitations are due to climate or to characteristics of the land that affect the quality and quantity of habitat. These lands have a high proportion of both temporary and semi-permanent shallow marshes poorly interspersed with deep marshes and bodies of open water.

Class 3s: Water areas in this special class are Class 3 areas that also serve as important migration stops.

Class 3M: Lands in this special class may not be useful for waterfowl production, but are important as migration or wintering areas. This class has no subclasses.

Class 4: Lands in this class have moderate limitations to the production of waterfowl. Capability on these lands is moderate. Limitations are similar to those in Class 3, but the degree is greater. Water areas are predominantly temporary ponds, or deep, open waters with poorly developed marsh edges, or both. 9a

Class 5: Lands in this class have moderately severe limitations to the production of waterfowl. Capability on these lands is moderately low. Limitations are usually a combination of two or more of the following factors: climate, soil moisture, permeability, fertility, topography, salinity, flooding, and poor interspersion of water areas.

Class 6: Lands in this class have severe limitations to the production of waterfowl. Capability on these lands is very low. Limitations are easily identified. They may include aridity, salinity, very flat topography, steep-sided lakes, extremely porous soils, and soils containing few available minerals.

Class 7: Lands in this class have such severe limitations that almost no waterfowl are produced. Capability on these lands is negligible or nonexistant. Limitations are so severe that waterfowl production is precluded or nearly precluded.

SUBCLASSES

With the exception of Class 1, and special Class 3M, the classes are divided into subclasses according to the nature of the limitations that determine the class. The following subclasses are used to denote signifi­ cant limiting factors that may affect either the waterfowl or the ability of the land to produce suitable habitat conditions. Subclass A: Aridity — The limitation is an arid condition of the land or the susceptibility of the land to periodic droughts, which results in low pond water levels or premature drying of marshes in the breeding season. Subclass B: Free-flowing water — The limitation is usually due to fast or excess water flow, which in­ hibits development of marsh habit along the stream edge. It may also be due to a lack of flow through low-lying land, which results in habitat of poor quality. Subclass C: Climate — A combination of adverse climatic factors may act to reduce favorable habitat and the production and survival of waterfowl. Subclass F: Fertility — The limitation is insufficient nutrients in the soil and water for optimum plant growth. Subclass G: Landform — Poor distribution or interspersion of marshes or basins may be a limiting factor of the land and may prevent the development of optimum waterfowl habitat.

Subclass I: Inundation — The limiting factor is excessive water level fluctuation or tidal action, which adversely affects the habitat or the nesting success of waterfowl. Subclass J: Reduced marsh edge — The limitations are topographic features that adversely affect development of optimum marsh conditions along the edge of water areas. Subclass M: Soil moisture — Poor water-holding capacity of soils, which adversely affects the formation and permanency of water areas. Subclass N: Adverse soil and water characteristics — Excessive salinity, alkalinity, acidity, lack of essential trace elements, or abundance of toxic elements may limit the development of plant and animal communities essential for waterfowl production. Subclass R: Soil depth — Restriction of the rooting zone by bedrock or other impervious layers may limit development of suitable plant communities. Subclass T: Adverse topography — Either steepness or flatness of the land may limit the development or permanency of wetlands. Subclass Z: Water depth — Exxessively deep or shallow water limit the development of optimum water­ fowl habitat. 10a

CANADA LAND INVENTORY - SPORTFISH CAPABILITY I In general, the needs of all fish are much alike; each individual and species must be provided with a suf­ ficient quality and quantity of food, protective cover, and space to meet its needs for survival, growth and reproduction. The ability of a water body, stream, lake, or artificial reservoir, to meet these needs is determined by the individual requirements of the species or group under consideration, the physical and chemical charac­ teristics of the environment, and those factors that influence primary and secondary productivity.

On this map, the water-bodies are divided into units on the basis of physical, chemical and biological characteristics important to fish populations. The degree of limitation associated with each unit determines its capability class. The subclass denotes the primary factor that causes the limitation.

This classification system is based on the following important considerations:

• Capability ratings are established on the basis of physical, chemical and certain biological parameters but do not necessarily reflect present fish populations. • Waters are initially divided into types of habitats depending on whether they support cold-water species (trout, Arctic grayling, and mountain whitefish) or warm-water species (northern pike, walleye, perch or goldeye). The habitat is then classified as to its ability to produce one of these broad groups. • Present land use is considered where extensive destruction of fish habitat has occurred.

Class 1: Waters in this class have no significant limitation on sportfish production. Capability of lakes and streams in this class are very high.

Class 2: Waters in this class have few or minor limitations on sportfish production. Lakes and streams have a high capability in this class.

Class 3: Waters in this class have several minor limitations or few serious limitations on sportfish production. Lakes may be shallow with oxygen depletions or lack of suitable spawning sites. Streams may have low flow or adverse land use in their draining basin.

Class 4: Waters have numerous and severe limitations on sportfish production. Lakes are shallow with oxygen deple­ tion during the winter. Streams are seasonally intermittent.

With the exception of Class 1, the classes are divided into subclasses according to the nature of the limitations which determine the class. The limitations not only affect fish production but also affect the ability of the water to support fish. The subclasses are'divided into two main groups: those affecting streams and those affecting lakes or reservoirs.

LAKES Subclass D: Depth — Lakes have insufficient depth. Limitations includes drawdown factor in reservoirs. Subclass F: Wind exposure — Lakes are sheltered to prevailing winds resulting in long periods of thermal stratification. Subclass G: Light penetration — High turbidity restricts the quality and quantity of light transmission. Subclass N: Nutrients — The drainage basin is deficient in organic and inorganic nutrients. Sifbclass O: Oxygen — Insufficient winter oxygen results in winterkill of fish populations. Subclass S: Spawning — Lakes lack suitable spawning areas. Subclass T: Temperature — Lakes lack sufficiently high temperatures to support warm-water species or sufficiently low temperatures to support cold-water species. 11a

FISH SPECIES INDICATOR

Indicates presence of cold-water species. Waters are classified according to their ability to support cold-water fish — c. Indicates presence of warm-water fish. Waters are classified according to their ability to support warm-water fish — w.

CONVENTIONS Mapping and the sport fish capability classification of water bodies is in relation to depicted watershed units (whole or whatever parts of them appear on a particular map sheet).

Watershed unit code names are depicted by a combination of large arabic numerals and letters of the alphabet, eg. 5CB-2.

The total area of the water-shed unit relative to the particular map sheet is expressed absolutely in square miles underneath the watershed unit code name, eg. 5CB2 . 239 The number of parenthesis after the watershed unit code name refers to the percentage (by area) of the total area within the portrayed watershed unit that is covered by water in one form or another. The value is rounded to the nearest 1%. If the value is less than 0.5%, then it is indicated by an asterisk (*). All lakes covering an area of 500 acres or more and large rivers are illustrated on the map and are assigned separate classification ratings. "N.C." in the space provided on the data sheet indicates that the lake

itself was not classified, but classification for the drainage basin has been included. -._ _, 0,, _, n R o(U+_)

The number superimposed on the class assignment but outside of the parentheses relates the area covered by the waters of the particular class as a percentage of the area value outside of the complex bracket. The percentage value is rounded to the nearest 10% and expressed by raised numbers. If the value is less than 5% it is expressed by an asterisk (*). The numbers superimposed on class assignments but within the parenthesis relate the number of individual bodies of water (or parts of them that appear on the particular map sheet). The number of lakes always preceded the number of streams. 12a

APPENDIX B

POLICY STATEMENT FOR LAND USE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPABILITY 13a

POLICY STATEMENTS

The following are general policy statements for each class of lake. They are reproduced from the report of the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission and reflect, in the opinion of Mr. W.G.A. Shaw, development guidelines complementary to the lake classification methodology.

Local Development Lakes

Overriding principle: environmental quality but development oriented. Primary role: recreation satisfaction of local inhabitants. Secondary role: where possible, wildlife conservation. Land ownership: mostly private, but public ownership of any park. Land use: primarily natural shorelines with agricultural uses set back. Limited cottage development allowed and small scale campgrounds. Restricted commercial use.

Regional Development Lakes

Overriding principle: environmental quality but development oriented. Primary role: recreation satisfaction of local and regional inhabitants. Secondary role: where possible, wildlife conservation. Land ownership: mostly private, but public ownership of any park and Class 4 recreation shoreline unit. Land use: a majority of natural shorelines broken by beach lands or access points, with farm uses set back. Limited cottage development and/or commercial recreation facilities permitted,as well as parks and campgrounds.

Provincial Development Lakes

Overriding principle: environmental quality but development oriented. Primary role: recreational satisfaction of local, regional and provincial inhabitants. Secondary role: where possible and necessary, wildlife conservation. Land ownership: as much public ownership of shoreline uses to be suggested by plan. Large variety of uses possible, but maintenance of natural shorelines is still important. Fairly extensive commercial developments per­ mitted, while large cottage subdivisions are permissible in certain areas. Encourage the expansion of public shorelands for wildlands and campgrounds. Variety is emphasized on some lakes, while homo­ geneous areas indicated for others.

Provincial Conservation Lakes

Overriding principle: environmental quality with conservation bias. 'Primary role: wildlife conservation. Secondary role: passive recreation activities. 14a

Land ownership: primarily private, but public ownership of dedicated wildlife preserves and picnic areas. Land use: natural conditions around entire perimter of lake with the exception of access points and wildland camping areas. Limited grazing where land is available and natural vegetation already is removed.

Regional Conservation Lakes

Overriding principle: environmental quality with conservation bias. Primary role: environmental conservation, especially of wild areas. Secondary role: wildlife recreation enjoyment. Land ownership: publicly owned day and night camp facility area, but otherwise privately owned. Land use: natural conditions around lake with the exception of access points and camping and picnic areas. No commercial facilities or cottages. Limited grazing use where natural woodland previously removed.

Local Conservation Lakes

Overriding principle: environmental quality. Primary role: environmental conservation. Secondary role: agricultural activities. Land ownership: privately owned except picnic sites. Land use: agricultural uses allowed within 100 feet of lake where land is suitable for clearing for crop or pasture use. Some attractive sites used as picnic areas. Lands unsuitable for agricultural use and all lands within 100 feet of lake should be left in natural state. 15a

APPENDIX C

LAKE DATA SHEETS

GROUP 1 LAKES 16a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Beauvais Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Beauvais Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) t 3 4 5

LOCATION: 5-1-5 COUNTY: Municipal District 9 Shore length 3.36 .58 .86 Area 382 946 896 Subclass KYA VQM QVO ALIGNMENT: Northwest - Southeast WN APV WA SURFACE AREA: 192 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 4.8 mites SUMMARY: The shoreland ranges from class 3 to class 5. Suitable for camping, angling, boating, lodging arid wetland MAXIMUM DEPTH: 35 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 5 feet wildlife. Small surface waters lie to the northwest. Upland is suitable for viewing — classes 4 and 5.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 967 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Intermittent streams and local runoff SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) s 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Small stream to east Shore length 3.84 .86 .1 Area 1805 377 42 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass c T RT

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.450" Upland 5.000* SUMMARY: Natural lake formed by water collecting between a ridge to the north, and running northwest to southeast, Climate, topography and proximity of the bedrock are the limitations ranging from a very severe to a and mountain to south. Rises steeply to south and north. Regular shoreline. non-productive level.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 1 2 3 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 4.8 North half of shoreline and upland is provincial park. The remaining area is mixed forest with a small amount of cropland to the north. Cottage development on north shoreline. Area 1345 879 Subclass F . GF

SUMMARY: Slight limitations to deer and elk due to land form. An important wintering area for deer and elk. very LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 10% Private 90% slightly limited by fertility, lies to the west and southwest.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access is good from north and east by gravel from Highway 507 and Highway 6. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) - coldwater species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 2 3 4 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 4.8 HIGHWAY: Highway 507. 6 miles Area 2224 Subclass COMMUNITY: Beaver Mines. 10 miles JZ T

TOWN: Pincher Creek. 18 miles SUMMARY: The waterbody is class 4 limited by water depth and reduced marsh edge. Th. surround ng a'ea is class 7 DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 78mi. MEDICINE HAT: 182 mi. CALGARY: 138 mi. (changingto class 6 in the northeast)— limited by topography.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 11.900 50 mi. 32.100 17a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Beaver Dam LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Beaver Dam Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 2 3 4 5 6 LOCATION: 1-27-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 Shore length 2 1 • -2 Area 4224 100 40 Subclass NYA NY W ALIGN M ENT: Northwest - Southeast VQP A SURFACE AREA: 128 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 3.2 miles SUMMARY: The shoreland is classes 4, 5 and 6. Boating, lodging, angling and wetland wildlife are the suitabilities. MAXIMUM DEPTH: N.A. AVERAGE DEPTH: N.A. The upland is class 4 with cultural landscape and topographic variation supporting viewing and wetland wildlife. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: N.A.

WATER SOURCES: Local Run-off and intermittent stream from SW SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) s 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Stream flowing eastward to Lee Creek and Canal Shore length 2.88 .32 3581 492.5 111.5 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area 179 Subclass T TC TW RT

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4,586" Upland 4.750" SUMMARY: Man-made lake formed by camming outlet of depression on rolling till plain. Till plain lies to northeast, southwest rises moderately to foothills. Irregular shoreline. Class 5 climatic limitations and class 6 topographic limitations in the ratio of 9:1.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2 3 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 3.2 Area is foothills pasture and mixed coniferous forest (primarily to southwest). Some recreation in the Area 3886 478 Subclass A MA

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% Immediate — very slight limitation of climate. North — moderate limitations of soil moisture and aridity. All conditions apply to deer and elk.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Immediate access on gravel road at north and west shore. Trails south of the lake and access to dam in southeast. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) cold-water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Unimproved road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 2 3 4 5 6 7 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road. .7 miles Shore length 3.2 HIGHWAY: Highway 5. 2.8 miles Area 1495 218 917 1734

COMMUNITY: Mountainview, 2.8 miles Subclass ZT T ZJ T T T TOWN: Cardston, 16.8 miles SUMMARY: The water-body is class 5 limited by water depth and reduced marsh edge. Topography -s the limitation DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 62 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 163 mi. CALGARY: 146 mi. in the immediately surrounding area. There is a class 1 area to the north. Waterfowl would be non- existant to the southwest. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 4.900 50 mi. 25.300 18a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Beaver Mines Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Beaver Mines Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) I 2 3 4 5

LOCATION: 5-3-5 COUNTY: Improvement District 5 Shore length 2.3 Area 289 179 20633 279 Subclass KV KVQ QV ALIGNMENT: Northeast - Southwest A MOA OE SURFACE AREA: 168 Acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 2.3 miles SUMMARY: The shoreland is class 3 suitable for camping, viewing and angling. Topographic variation in the area is MAXIMUM DEPTH: 14.9 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 10.4 feet suitablefor viewing. Small surface waters to the northeast. Angling to the southwest.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 1,742 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Local Run-off SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) s 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Stream to Castle River Shore length 2.3 Area 1557 602 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 1-5.5-25 IGPM 651 Subclass C T RT

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.750' Upland 6.500" SUMMARY: Formed by water collection in U-shaped valley. Steep rise to northwest and southeast. Valley oriented Climate and topography are the major limitations — very severe to no capability. northeast and southwest. Marsh to south. Irregular shoreline.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 1 2 3 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length Vegetation is mixed coniferous forest. There is no productive land use. Recreational land use on south 2.3 shore. Area 120 2152 538 Subclass R RFQ FQ

SUMMARY: Slight fertility limitations — moderate fertility and snow depth — slight to very slight soil depth limitations. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0% Elk, sheep, deer, moose and mountain goat.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Immediate access by gravel road from west — leads to paved highway 4 miles west. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) - cold water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Loose surface all weather, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Loose surface all weather, immediate Shore length 2.3 HIGHWAY: Paved highway. 4 miles to west Area 159 2651 Subclass JZ T COMMUNITY: Beaver Mines. 8.6 miles TB C TOWN: Pincher Creek. 19.5 miles SUMMARY: The water-body is class 6 limited by water depth and reduced marsh edge. The surroun. ig area is limited DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 81 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 185 mi. CALGARY: 157 mi. by topography, climate and free-flowing water — classes 6 and 7.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 12,400 50 mi. 23.500 19a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Crowsnest Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Crowsnest Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 2 .3 4 5 6 LOCATION: 8-5-5 COUNTY: Improvement District 5 Shore length 2.4 .7" Area 541 1654 159 14a Subclass KVY VQ QV ALIGNMENT: Northeast - Southwest QV RHE OM EO L SURFACE AREA: 320 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 3.1 miles SUMMARY:

MAXIMUM DEPTH: 90 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 41 feet The south, east and west shoreland is class 3 suitable for viewing, organized camping and family boating. The north shoreland is largely class 5 of topographical variation suitable for viewing with a small section TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 13.200 acre feet of class 3 — a historic site and rock formations. The upland is class 4 and 6.

WATER SOURCES: Streams from west and southwest SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Crowsnest River to east Shore length 1.24 1.86 Area 1707 2049 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: =»500 IGPM Subclass ST RT

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.428" Upland 6.500" SUMMARY: Water collection in lower section of a U-shaped valley. VAIley trough runs east and west with steep Largely no capability due to topography and the proximity of the bedrock. Class 6 limitations, due to rise to south and north. Lake bends around higher area of the valley floor. topography and various soil factors, also present.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 5 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Vegetation is mixed coniferous forest. Power house and cottages located at east end. Shore length 2.7 .4 Area 3358 398 Subclass QR FM FG QG SUMMARY: At north and southeast rrddefately severe limitations to elk, moose and deer due to fertility, soil moisture LAND OWNERSHIP: Public N.A.(100%) Private N.A.(0%) and snow depth. Slight Vhita'tions elsewhere. Important wintering area to the west.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access directly to shoreline by bravel road for to mile from paved Highway 3. SPORTFISH CAPABILIT"?: (Map D) 1 — cold water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Highway 3. immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 12 3 4 SECONDARY ROAD: Highway 3. immediate Shore length 3.1 HIGHWAY: Highway 3. immediate Area 620 3136 COMMUNITY: Coleman, 5 miles Subclass RC T ZT TOWN: Blairmore. 10 miles SUMMARY: The immediate area is class 6 severely limited by soil depth, climate and /vater deoth. Tr,e eastern area DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 96 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 250 mi. CALGARY: 165 mi. is class 6, limited by topography. Thi remaining is class 7 limite. by topograph/.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 7.300 50 mi. 15.100 20a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Ow Laves LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Chain Lakes RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) .3 4

LOCATION: 15-2-5 COUNTY: Improvement District 6 Shore length 14 Area 857 5900 Subclass KA VEO ALIGNMENT: North-South CV ZQA SURFACE AREA: 768 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 14 miles SUMMARY: North shorelands moderately high for organized camping, canoeing and angling — moderately high MAXIMUM DEPTH: 38 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 18 feet viewing in south shorelands. The upland area is class four — all suitable for viewing with angling to the extreme north and south of the lake area. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 14.000 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Creek from north SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) S 6 7- WATER OUTLETS: Canal southwest to Willow Creek Shore length 9.8 4.2 Area GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: < 1 IGPM 4283 2123 351 Subclass C TW TW

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.243" Upland 4,500" SUMMARY: Formerly four natural lakes running parallel to two ridges — has been dammed at both ends and is now Class 6 topographic and class 7 excess wetness limitations at shore — ratio 7:3^ Surround — class 5 and 6 continuous. Steep rise on west to elevation of 4,500". To east more gradual rise to 4,500". Regular climatic and topographic limitations. shoreline.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 14 Primarily native grassland with deciduous forest and pockets of coniferous trees. Provincial Park located on east snore at south end. Area 6757 Subclass GF

SUMMARY: Slightly limited by landform and fertility for deer, elk and moose. An important wintering area for sheep. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 42% Private 58% elk and deer lies to the west.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Gravel roads to Provincial Park site and dam at south end. road runs length of lake. Limited access at north dam and car tracks on ridge to west. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3Q — coldwater species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 s 6 7 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 14 HIGHWAY: Highway 2. 24 miles Area 159 977 5621 Subclass COMMUNITY: Muirhead, 15 miles T JZ T T TOWN: Nanton, 24 miles SUMMARY: The immediate shoreland is class 6 limited by the marsh edge and water depth. The sur'our.ding area is DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 102 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 207 mi. CALGARY: 72 mi. limited by topography — from a level of 7 in the south, east, and west to 5 and 6 in the north.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 3.900 50 mi. 441,000 21a

82H9 LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Lower Chin Reservoir LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Lower Chin Reservoir 9-18/1*4 RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) "S 6

LOCATION: 9-18/19-4 COUNTY: County of Lethbridge Shore length 5.8 • Area 1973 2491 Subclass POQ POQ AU GN MENT-. Northwest - Southeast VAWYZ SURFACE AREA: 319 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 5.8 miles SUMMARY: Area is classed as upland. Immediate area along reservoir is class 5. moderately low capability limited to MAXIMUM DEPTH: 56 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 41 feet angling and viewing. Man made features at Southend of reservoir. Shore area has wetland wildlife, upland area is cultural landscape with topographic variations and upland wildlife. Area to west and northeast is TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 13.079 acre feet class 6, low capability.

WATER SOURCES: Stream from west and spillway from Stafford Reservoir SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 1 2 3 4 S 6 WATER OUTLETS: Canal to north Shore length 1.76 .3 1.4 234 Area 952 638 1459 319 1096 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGMP Subclass CT SM PW MPT PT PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Uke 2.760' Upland 2.850* SUMMARY: Man-made take formed by damming a glacial spillway. Narrow channel Is surrounded on north by Southern half of the lake is surrounded by class 6, severely restricted by topography. Northend and gradual slope, steeper on south shore. Shoreline is regular. remaining upland is surrounded by classes 1, 2 & 3, limited by climate and soil.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Lake is immediately surrounded by pasture. Shore length 5.8 cropland within 1 mile. Area 4464 Subclass CGa

SUMMARY: Entire area has moderate limitations to the production of antelope due to climate and landform LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 60% Private 40% unsuitability.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access is limited to dam sites at north and south ends of reservoir. Highway 3 is within 3 miles. Direct access by gravel road. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map O) warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Immediate access to gravel WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 2 3 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: gravel road, immediate Shore length .2 5.6 HIGHWAY: Highway 3. 3 miles north Area 338 4126 Subclass COMMUNITY: Chin, 4 miles ZJ . T

TOWN: Coaldale. 11 miles SUMMARY: Immediate water area has moderately severe linitations to waterfowl product:on due to water depth DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 20 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 90 mi. CALGARY: 160 mi. and inadequate marsh development. Upland r as severe restrictions due to adverse topography.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 65.50s. 50 mi. 92.100 22a

82H9 LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Stafford Reservoir (Middle Chin) LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Stafford Reservoir (Middle Chin) RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 4 5 6

LOCATION: 9-1&4 COUNTY: M.D. of Taber. County of Lethbridge Shore length .3 9.3- Area 227 4408 2460 Subclass AVQ WAQ ALIGNMENT: Northwest - Southeast POQ PZ ZVY SURFACE AREA: 650 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 9.6 miles SUMMARY: Shore area is class 5, moderately low capability, except for dam area at south end which is class 4 MAXIMUM DEPTH: 22 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 16 feet (moderate). Features are the same for both these areas: angling, family boating, viewing, cultural landscape with topographic variations and wetland wildlife. Man-made features at both ends of reservoir. Upland TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 10.080 acre feet area south of reservoir is cultural landscape with upland wildlife topographic, class 5. Area north of reservoir has similar features but is class 6. WATER SOURCES: Canal from south, spillway from Upper Chin Reservoir SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) I 2 3 4 S 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Spillway to Lower Chin Reservoir Shore length .4 9_» Area 350 2630 2092 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM 220 1803 Subclass Ct Pt

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 2.790" Upland 2,950" SUMMARY: Man-made lake formed by damming former glacial spillway. Narrow chanel with steep rise of 100 feet Entire shoreline area is class 6. Severely restricted by topography. Upland area comprises classes 1.2 and to upland (till plain). Shoreline is regular with some cliffs to north. 3, limited by climate and soil.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 9.6 Pasture immediately surrounds lake, with irrigated cropland within one mile. Area 7095 Subclass CGA

SUMMARY: Entire area has moderate limitations to the production of antelope due to climate and landform unsuiUbility. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0%

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Gravel access to dam at west end of the reservoir, and to spillway at east. Car track to north shore through valley. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2Q — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Immediate on north shore, and east below spillway WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 5 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Immediate at west end over dam, and east end by spillway Shore length 9.6 HIGHWAY: Highway 3. 5 miles to north Area 856 6239 Subclass COMMUNITY: Cranford. 5 miles ZJ T

TOWN: Taber. 11 miles SUMMARY: Immediate water area has moderately severe restrictions to waterfowl production due to •.a-.e' depth and DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 30 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 83 mi. CALGARY: 170 mi. inadequate marsh development. Upland has severe limitations due to adverse topograph/.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 65.900 50 mi. 94.000 23a

82H9 LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Upper Chin Reservoir LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Upper Chin Reservoir 7&8-16tol8-4 RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) i 4 S 6 LOCATION: 7 & 8-16 to 18-4 COUNTY: M.D. of Taber. County of Lethbridge. Shore length 1-4 2.2 20._ County of Warner Area 340 670 1960 8251

ALIGNMENT: Northwest - Southeast Subclass KYA ANP AVQP POQ QUVZ OZWL SURFACE AREA: 2,542 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 23.8 feet SUMMARY: Shoreline is primarily class 5, moderately low capability with pockets of class 4 (moderate) at either end and MAXIMUM DEPTH: 66 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 43.4 feet along the south shore. One area of class 3. moderately high capability is located on the south shore, where campir grounds have been established in conjunction with family boating, angling, lodging and viewing of the lesser recre TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 110.399 acre feet ation capability classes in the area. North shore is suited to angling, viewing with topographic variations. The surrounding upland is primarily class 6, cultural landscape with upland wildlife and topographic variations. WATER SOURCES: Minor creeks from southwest, canal from west SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) I 2 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Spillway into Stafford Reservoir Shore length 1-2 22.6

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area 3667 3787 120 3647 Subclass C M WD TW PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 2.815' Upland 3.000* SUMMARY: Man-made lake formed by damming glacial spillway. Cliffs drop 175 feet from flat upland plain. Shoreline Shoreline area is entirely class 5 and 6 severely restricted by topography. Remaining upland is class 2 and 3 is irregular due to stream erosion of cliffs. limited by climate and soil/water characteristics.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Lake is surrounded by pasture and native grassland due to steepness of slope in immediate area. Extensive Shore length 23.8 areas of irrigated cropland to south and north. Some recreation on south shore. Area 11.221 Subclass CGa

SUMMARY: Entire area has moderate limitations to the production of antelope due to climatic and landform LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private o% unsuitability.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access to reservoir is good, but limited to dirt track to water. Highway 36 crosses middle of reservoir. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY. (Map D) 2Q — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Numerous car tracks on south shore, access to dam at east WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 5 6 7 SECONDARY ROAD: Good access at west dam Shore length 23.8 HIGHWAY: Immediate access to Highway 36 which crosses reservoir Area 1970 8837 370 COMMUNITY: Wrentham, 2Vi miles south Subclass ZJ TA T

TOWN: Taber. 15 miles north-east SUMMARY: Immediate water area has moderately severe limitations to waterfowl production due '.D water depth and DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 44 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 72 mi. CALGARY: 184 mi. inadequate marsh development. Upland area has severe limitations due to adverse topograph/ and aridity. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 18.800 50 mi. 85.400 24a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Clear Lake LAKE OATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Clear Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 5 6 LOCATION: 13-25-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 26 Shore length 8.8 Area 1993 4205 Subclass MV PV ALIGNMENT: Northwest - Southeast O O SURFACE AREA: 663 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 8.8 miles SUMMARY: Entire area is classed as upland. Capability is 5 with suitability for viewing and upland wildlife — the AVERAGE DEPTH: 6.2 feet MAXIMUM DEPTH: 8 feet presence of small surface waters is also shown. Capability 6 lies beyond this, suitable for viewing, upland wildlife and cultural landscape. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 4.136 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Clear brook and local run-off SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 3 4 5 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Small marsh to north Shore length 3.7 1.59 3 .5

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area 2726 1629 1033 478 332 Subclass MTE MTE MN MT W

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake3.164' Upland 3.200' SUMMARY: A natural lake formed by local run-off and clear brook on a glacial till plain. Marsh in low-lying Moderately severe to very severe limitations along the shoreline. Drowthiness, topography and salts are the areas, irregular shoreline at north end. limitations.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 5 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length Largely pasture within immediate area, cropland close at west and within 2 miles of shore to east 8.8 and south. Area 6198 Subclass TA M SUMMARY: Moderately severe limitations to deer production due to topography, aridity and soil moisture. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100%

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Intersection of gravel and district hard-top road at the northwest corner of the lake. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) Unavailable DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 3 4 5 SECONDARY ROAD: District hard-top. immediate Shore length 8.3 HIGHWAY: Highway 2. 9.5 miles Area !790 2751 159 458

COMMUNITY: Stavely. 12.6 miles Subclass TG TG ZJ A ZJ TOWN: Nanton, 27.5 miles SUMMARY: The water body has moderately severe limitations in the form of water depth and mar j-i e^_;«. Capability DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 63 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 167 mi. CALGARY: 74 mi. in the surrounding area ranges from 3 to 6 with topography, landform. aridity, water cepth and marsh edge being the limitations. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 12.000 50 mi. 87,700 25a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Cochrane Lake LAKE DATASHEET: 1 LAKE: Cochrane Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) I 2 3 4 5 LOCATION: 4-27-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 Shore length 3.0 • Area 4126

ALIGNMENT: Quite rounded — one inlet at north shore Subclass VP Q SURFACE AREA: 192 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 3 miles SUMMARY: Entire area is classed as upland, cultural landscape with topographic variation suitable for viewing. MAXIMUM DEPTH: 11 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 10 feet

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 1700 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Local run-off and spillways from canal to south SOIL CAPABILITY: (MapC) 2 3 WATER OUTLETS: Small canal to northeast Shore length 3.0

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: >500 IGPM Area '272 1854 Subclass C t w PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.775' Upland 3.850' SUMMARY: The lake is a small depression fed by local runoff on a till plain. A ridge lies about 1.5 miles to the Entire shoreline has moderately severe limitations due to topography. Area of moderate limitations due southwest. Shoreline is uniform. to climate lies to the southeast.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length Area is entirely pasture and pasture-hayed. 3.0 Area 4126 Subclass MA TA M SUMMARY:

LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% Area is moderately limited to deer and elk by soil moisture and aridity. Important wintering areas for deer and elk, very slightly limited by climate, lie to the east and west.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Gravel access exists directly to the shoreline on the east side. Hardtop road lies less than "4 mile to south. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3c — coldwater species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 3.0 HIGHWAY: .5 miles Area 2631 299 1196

COMMUNITY: Hillspring. 2.7 miles Subclass T ZJ T

TOWN: Cardston. 24.6 miles SUMMARY: The water body is limited — class 5 — by water depth and reduced marsh edge. Topog-acl-/ .•-n:!s the CALGARY: 167 mi. DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 71 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 172 mi. surrounding area from a moderate to severe degree.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 14.100 50 mi. 82,200 26a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Cross Coulee Reservoir LAKE DATASHEET: 1 LAKE: Cross Coulee Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 4 5 6 LOCATION: 5-20-4 COUNTY: Warner No. 5 Shore length 6.4 Area 1367 240 2393 Subclass AYWZ ZAW LQP ALIGNMENT: Almost bow shape with a small arm running North-South NV LQO OV SURFACE AREA: 197 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 6.4 miles SUMMARY: Shoreline is completely class 4, moderate capability, suitable for angling, family boating, viewing, and MAXIMUM DEPTH: 53 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 20 feet wetland wildlife. There is a man-made feature on south end of reservoir. Upland is class 6. low, with lesser pockets of class 5, primarily cultural landscape with upland wildlife, viewing, topographic variations TOTAL WATE R CONTENT: 3.937 acre feet and landform features.

WATER SOURCES: By spillway from Milk River Ridge Reservoir SOIL CAPABILITY : (MapC) 1 2 3 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Canal to northwest Shore length 3.0 3.4 Area 2510 620 "48 212 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM (610 Subclass water) C DT T T

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.310* Upland 3.375" SUMMARY: - -Small prairie lake formed by the damming of a stream tributary. Lies 25 - 50 feet below the surrounding Area immediately surrounding the reservoir is class 3 and 6, with severe limitations due to topography. East plain. Irregular shoreline due to former meanders. and west of reservoir is class 2, limited moderately by climate (rainfall and temperature). To north, the area has moderately severe limitations (class 3) due to soil and topography.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 1 2 3 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 6.4 The lake is completely surrounded by cropland and pasture. Area 4000 Subclass CG a SUMMARY:

LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% Entire area has moderate limitations to the production of antelope due to climate and landform un suitability.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access is limited to the south spillway and north canal.

SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2Q — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 5 6 SECONDARY ROAD: District highway— gravelled, immediate Shore length 6.4 HIGHWAY: Highway 52. 6.5 miles Area 2166 1834 Subclass COMMUNITY: Raymond. 5.3 miles TZJ T

TOWN: Raymond. 5.3 miles SUMMARY: Immediate water area has moderately severe waterfowl limitations due to water _ez.tr. 2nd -r.adequate DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 35 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 139 mi. CALGARY: 165 mi. marsh development. Upland area has severe limitations due to adverse topograph/. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 55.600 50 mi. 75.400 27a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Dipping Vat Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Dipping Vat Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 4 ' «i

LOCATION: 4-27-4 COUNTY: M.D. Cardston Shore length 1.2- Area 2471 Subclass VP ALIGNMENT: Roundish — slightly more north-south Q SURFACE AREA: 70acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 1.2 miles SUMMARY: The entire area is classed as upland, cultural landscape with topographic variation suitable for viewing. MAXIMUM DEPTH: 12 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 8.8 feet

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 615 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Local Run-off SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 5 WATER OUTLETS: None Shore length .32 .88 Area 1495 936 40 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass C T T

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.830' Upland 3,860' SUMMARY: Small depression 10-15 feet below the surrounding till plain and filled by local runoff. Regular shoreline . Moderate climatic limitations and moderately severe topographic limitations exist at the shoreline and in the immediately surrounding area.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 1.2 Community of Hillspring to the northwest. Cropland one mile east — remaining pasture; Area 2471 Subclass MA

SUMMARY: Enitre area is moderately limited to the production of deer and elk by soil moisture and aridity. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100%

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Limited to gravel then unimproved at east shore. Gravel road V* mile from north and west shores. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) »- cold water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 5 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 1.2 HIGHWAY: Highway 505. 2.25 miles Area 1555 298 618 Subclass COMMUNITY: Hillspring. immediate T ZT T

TOWN: Pincher Creek. 28 miles SUMMARY: Water depth is a moderately severe limitation. Topography is a slight to severe limitation in the surrounding DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 76 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 181 mi. CALGARY: 128 mi. area.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 11.400 50 mi. 77.000 28a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Fincastle Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Fincastle Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 . 6 LOCATION: 10-15-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 14 Shore length 7.8 Area 3455 538 Subclass PO WP ALIGNMENT: East-West Q OL

SURFACE AREA: 512 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 7.8 miles SUMMARY: The entire area is classed as upland. The immediate area is class 6. suitable for wetland wildlife. The MAXIMUM DEPTH: 20 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 9 feet surrounding area is class 5 cultural landscape with topographic variation suitable for upland wildlife. A class 6 area of special landforms lies to the northeast. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 3.450 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Canals from northwest, southwest and southeast SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Canal to northeast Shore length 7.8 Area 127 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM 2592 21 . 1253 Subclass ST T SM TMS

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: SUMMARY: A man-made lake in a depression filled with irrigation water. Irregular shape due to variations in In the immediate area the topography, drowthiness and salts limit to a non-productive degree. depression topography. Slight height differences between water level and till plain. Surrounding area ranges from classes 2 to 5.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 7.8 The land use is entirely a mixture of cropland and pasture. Area 3993

Subclass CG

SUMMARY: Entire area has moderate limitations to antelope production due to climate and landform. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100%

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Gravel roads from north and south directly to the shoreline. Paved highway lies Vi mile to 1 mile south of the shoreline. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) • warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 2 3 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 7.8 HIGHWAY: Highway 3. .8 miles Area 299 3694 Subclass Z TA COMMUNITY: Purple Springs. 4.7 miles

TOWN: Taber. 9.5 miles SUMMARY: The water body is class 3 — slightly limited to the production of waterfowl by water deoth. The DISTANCE TO LETHBRIOGE: 41.5 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 62 mi. CALGARY: 167.5 surrounding area is class 5 moderately limited by topography and aridity.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 13.200 50 mi. 83.200 29a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Horsefly Lake Reservoir LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Horesefly Lake Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 S

LOCATION: 9-16-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 14 Shore length 15.6 Area 2531 3049 Subclass POQ PO AU GNMENT: Mainly East-West with an arm running N.W. - S.E. WAZ SURFACE AREA: 1.472 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 15.6 miles SUMMARY: Entire area is classed as upland. Immediate area is class 5 — wetland wildlife and angling. Man-made MAXIMUM DEPTH: 11 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 5 feet feature at east. North is class 6 cultural landscape suitable for upland wildlife. Further north and immediately south this is class 5 and topographic variation is added. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 7.454 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Canal from north SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 1 2 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Canal to south and east Shore length 1.1 8.4 6.1 Area 1647 995 2470 219 189 60 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass Xt Mtd • Mt MP t

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 2.675' Upland 2.750' SUMMARY: Lake formed in dammed glacial spillway on flat lake plain. Is water storage for irrigation with resulting North — moderately severe limitations due to drowthiness. Elsewhere — classes 1 to 5. with drowthiness fluctuation. An irregular shoreline. Marsh at east end. and topography being the limitations.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 15.6 Largely cropland to the north. Some pasture and pasture-hayed but mostly cropland to the south Area 5580 Subclass CG

SUMMARY: Entire area is moderately limited in production of antelope due to climate and landform. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100%

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Major access is a gravel road running in west-east direction along extreme south shore. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2D- - warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 5 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 15.6 HIGHWAY: Highway 36.1.8 miles Area 558 498 4524 Subclass Z TA TA COMMUNITY: Taber. 3.6 miles

TOWN: Taber. 3.6 miles SUMMARY: Lake area is class 4 limited by water depth. Surrounding area is ciass 6 iinvteS by *r>z^zra^"/ an$ aridity- DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 35.6 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 74 mi. CALGARY: 162 mi. Further north these limitations reduce to class 5.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 11.600 50 mi. 84.800 30a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Island Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Island Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 4 5 6 LOCATION: 8-5-5 COUNTY: Improvement District 5 Shore length .8 1.3- Area 80 260 371 1069

ALIGNMENT: East-West Subclass KVE HPM VOQ VO KVE EM QL SURFACE AREA: 128 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 2.1 miles SUMMARY: 60% of shoreland is class 5 of topographic variation suitable for viewing. Remaining shoreland is class 3 MAXIMUM DEPTH: 40 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 16 feet with vegetation suitable for organized camping and viewing. Immediate upland is class 4 and 5. Further upland is class 5 and 6. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 1.016 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Island Creek from west and Crowsnest Creek at east SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Stream flowing east via Crowsnest Lake Shore length 1.54 .56

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: >500 IGPM Area 541 1239 Subclass ST RT

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4,440' Upland 6,000' SUMMARY: Water collection in U-shaped valley. Steep rise to south (Island Ridge) — less so to north. Elevation in Immediate is class 6 due to various soil factors. Surrounding is mostly non-productive due to topography valley floor forms island in lake centre. Shoreline is irregular. and proximity of the bed-rock.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) I 2 3 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length Vegetation is mixed coniferous forest. Lime works located to northeast. Highway runs through the 2.1 lake. Area 1780 Subclass QR FG SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0% Important wintering area in immediate location for elk and moose, slightly limited by snow depth. Remainder only slightly limited — moose, elk, sheep, deer and goat.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access is excellent as paved Highway 3 crosses the lake with gravel access to shoreline. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 1 — cold water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Highway 3. immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Highway 3. immediate Shore length 2.1 HIGHWAY: Highway 3, immediate Area 1780 COMMUNITY: Coleman. 5 miles Subclass RC T Z TOWN: Blairmore. 10 miles SUMMARY: The immediate.area is class 6 severely limited by climate, soil depth and water depth. T~e su'rounding DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 96 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 200 mi. CALGARY: 165 mi. area is class 7, topography eliminating waterfowl production. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 7.300 50 mi. 15.000 31a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Jensen Reservoir LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Jensen Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 4 LOCATION: 4-22-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 Shore length 8.5 Area 1018 435 3666 ALIGNMENT: North-South Subclass NAY ZAW PQ LQR PQV V ZV SURFACE AREA: 512 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 8.5 miles SUMMARY: Shoreland is class 4 suitable for lodging, angling and boating. Upland is class 4 and 5 with landform*. AVERAGE DEPTH: 36 feet MAXIMUM DEPTH: 107 feet cultural landscape and viewing. The surrounding upland is class 6. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 18.035 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Canal from west and streams from south and southwest SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 S 6 WATER OUTLETS: Canal to east and stream to north Shore length 4.25 .51 .85 1.19 1.7

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area 3979 68 546 160 366 Subclass C TM T T T PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.535' Upland 3.600' SUMMARY: Lake formed by damming a narrow river valley. Uneven shore due to former meanders of the river. Lake is surrounded by till plain, stream eroded hills tie 6 miles to south. Most of the shoreline is only moderately limited by topography. Limitation of topography at north and south shorelines.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) The entire shoreline and surrounding area is used as cropland and pasture. Shore length 8.5 Area 281 4838 Subclass C CG

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Private 100% Moderate limitations to antelope due to climate and landform. To the south slight limitations to antelope Public 0% and deer due to climate.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access is limited to a canal inspection road at the northeast, and a gravel road to the dam site. Highway 62 lies 2 miles to the east. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) • warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road. 76 miles WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) S SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road. 76 miles Shore length 8.5 HIGHWAY: Highway 62, 1.76 miles Area 5119 COMMUNITY: Magrath. 8.3 miles Subclass ZJ T

TOWN: Magrath. 8.3 miles SUMMARY: The water body is class 5 with depth and reduced marsh edge limitations. The surrou^ - ig area is class 6 CALGARY: 155 mi. DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 29 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 130 mi. with topographic limitations. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 55.800 50 mi. 91,100 32a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Keho Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Keho Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 4 "5 6 LOCATION: 11-22-4 COUNTY: County 26 Shore length .4 13.4 1.2 • Area 40 534 120 6.8 Subclass BY WYA WA PV AUGNMENT: East-West K NK Y O SURFACE AREA: 4.608 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 15.1 miles SUMMARY: Most of the shoreline is class 4, suitable for wetland wildlife, angling, lodging, family boating and MAXIMUM DEPTH: 15 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 10 feet organized camping. A beach of class 3 is situated in the north-east. Two man-made features lie to the east and west, are class 5 and suitable for angling and wetland wildlife. The upland is class 6. of cultural TOTAL WATE R CONT ENT: 42.900 acre feet landscape, upland wildlife and viewing.

WATER SOURCES: Canal from the west SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 1 2 3 4 6 WATER OUTLETS: Irrigation Canal to the east Shore length 8 3.7 3.3 Area 6.154 837 438 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM 120 Subclass C MD D WN DC

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.146' Upland 3.200' SUMMARY: Lake is shallow depression surrounded for 1 mile by flat plain which continues to west and southwest Drowthiness, soil structure and excess water are moderately severe to severe limitations. Most of the but rises more steeply at northeast to form Black Springs Ridge (3,300"). Rise to southeast is more shoreline and surrounding area is only moderately limited by climate. gradual to 3.200'. Shoreline is irregular and west half of lake is surrounded by marsh.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 5 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 15 Recreational development on southeast shore. Planted trees on southeast shore — pasture and pasture-hayed on remaining shoreline. Cropland to north and south. Area 7.549 Subclass AM TAM

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 50% Private 50% approx., Moderately severe limitations to deer southwest due to topography, aridity and soil moisture. At north­ east slight limitations to antelope and deer due to aridity and soil moisture.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Provincial paved Highway 23 approximately one mile west of the lake. Complete access to developed area by gravel road. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2Q — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Grave road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 15 HIGHWAY: Highway 23. 5 miles Area 295 7.254

COMMUNITY: Barons. 3.5 miles Subclass M T

TOWN: Barons. 3.5 miles SUMMARY: Waterbody not suitable for waterfowl production but is important as a migration or n" ter-r- area. DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 28 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 132 mi. CALGARY: 108 mi. Lands beyond the water-body have severe limitations due to topography.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 60.100 50 mi. 95.400 33a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Lees Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Lees Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 4 LOCATION: 7-2-5 COUNTY: Municipal District 9 Shore length 3.6 Area 259 4.524

ALIGNMENT: East-West with smaller water body running N.W. - S.E. Subclass VY QV NP O SURFACE AREA: 92 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 3.6 miles SUMMARY: The shoreland is class 4 cultural landscape suitable for family boating, viewing and lodging. The upland MAXIMUM DEPTH: 48 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 9 feet is class 5 topographic variation suitable for viewing and upland wildlife.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: °811 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Intermittent stream and local Run-off SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 5 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: None Shore length 3.6

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area 3.910 815 58 Subclass C T RT PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.068' Upland 5.O00' SUMMARY: A natural lake formed at the base of a mountain. Ridge rises abruptly % mile to northeast. To northwest a flat former alluvial flood plain. Very irregular shoreline due to variations in topography. The shoreline and surrounding area is very severely limited by climate.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Cottage development on east end. Vegetation is largely mixed conifer forest. Flat flood plain to west Shore length 3.6 is in cropland and improved pasture. Recreational development at west end. Area 1.674 3.109 Subclass RG G F • SUMMARY: Slight limitation to elk and deer due to land form. Important wintering areas for elk, deer and moose, LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% very slightly limited by land form and fertility.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access from paved highway 3 southeast to the lake shore is good by gravel road. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map O) 3g - cold water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) I 2 3 s 6 7 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 3.6 HIGHWAY: Highway 3. 3 miles Area 718 1.853 2-212 COMMUNITY: Burmis. 4 miles Subclass JZ TB T

TOWN: Blairmore. 11.2 miles SUMMARY: The immediate area is class 5 limited by water depth and reduced marsh edge. Surrounding area is DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 82 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 186 mi. CALGARY: 144 mi. limited by topography from a moderately severe level to no production. Free-flowing «ater is also a limitation to the South-East. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 12.300 50 mi. 29,800 34a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Little Bow Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Little Bow Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) I 5 LOCATION: 14-20-4 COUNTY: County 2 Shore length 17.4 Area 1315 3.687 Subclass ZW ALIGNMENT: North-South PQ AY O SURFACE AREA: 1.856 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 17.4 miles SUMMARY: The shoreline has moderately low recreational potential. It is. however, capable of supporting wetland MAXIMUM DEPTH: 46feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 17 feet wildlife, boating and angling. The upland is rated 6 with cultural landscape, wildlife and topographic variation the subclasses. Two man-made features in the northeast and southwest are rated 5 with TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 31.750 acre feet potential for wildlife and angling.

WATER SOURCES: Canal from west SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) I 4 S WATER OUTLETS: Canals flowing northeast and southeast Shore length 4.6 12.8 Area 1.375 3.627 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass M MT

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 2.806' Upland 2.900" SUMMARY: Lake is a dammed depression located on moderately flat till plain. Minor knob and kettle topography Severe to very severe limitations due to drowthiness and topography. accounts for irregular shoreline.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Unbroken pasture serves as pasture in the immediate shoreline and upland. Cropland lies to the north. Shore length 17.4 Industrial activity (gravel pit) lies 1-1/3 miles from the southwest and shore. Area [40 4.862 Subclass A TA

SUMMARY: Moderately limited by topography and aridity to the production of antelope and deer. An area of only LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0% slight limitation (aridity) to deer production lies to the southwest.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access is limited to approach by gravel road to the dam at the northeast, and unimproved roads across the dam. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map O) Unavailable DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAO: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 17.4

HIGHWAY: Highway 25. 17 miles Area 392 1.966 2.644 Subclass COMMUNITY: Travers. 6.7 miles M BTA T GJ TOWN: Vulcan. 33.4 miles SUMMARY: The immediate waterbody is class 3 slightly limited by water depth. East and south of t-e !a*e is class 6 DISTANCE TO LETH3RIDGE: 61 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 165 mi. CALGARY: 99 mi. severely limited by topography. North west and west is class 5 lim ted by aridity, topoj'aphy and landform. Soil moisture is also a problem to the west. Capability in the southwest is negligable due to POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 8.000 50mi.96.900 topography. 35a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Lumpy 3utte Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Lumpy Butte Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) I 3 4 ' 5 6 LOCATION: -.. 3-24-4 COUNTY: M.D. Cardston Shore length 4.7 • Area 2.023 Subclass WVP ALIGNMENT: 24-3-24-4

SURFACE AREA: 169acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 4.7 miles SUMMARY: Entire area is within class 5. moderately low capability, suited to wetland wildlife, viewing and cultural MAXIMUM DEPTH: 10 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 7 feet landscape.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 1.190acrefeet

WATER SOURCES:, Local run-off SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 3 4 5 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: none Shore length 4.7 1.285 624 12 80 22 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area Subclass T T T T W

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.860 Upland 3,900 SUMMARY: A small depression on till plain filled by local run-off. Lumpy Butte rises to east to 4.000". Irregular Entire area has moderate to severe limitations to agriculture due to topography and excess water. Classes shoreline. range from 3 to 6.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 5 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 4.7 Entire area is cropland and pasture — pasture in immediate vicinity. Area 2.023 Subclass TAM

SUMMARY: Entire area is class 5 with moderately severe limitations to the production of deer and antelope, primarily LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% dut to topography, aridity, and poor soil moisture.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Direct access to north shore by gravel road about 5 miles southeast of paved Highway 5. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) Unavailable DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 4.7 HIGHWAY: Highway 5. approximately 5 miles Area 2.023

COMMUNITY: Woolford. 5 miles Subclass T

TOWN: Cardston. 17 miles SUMMARY: Area has slight limitations to waterfowl production due to adverse topography. DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 41 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 146 mi. CALGARY: 145 mi.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 12.400 50 mi. 83,200 36a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: McGregor Lake Reservoir. LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: McGregor Lake Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 4 5 6 Shore length 28.6 17.2 4.2 • LOCATION: 18-22-4 COUNTY: County 2 Area 4.106 3.089 877 23.5: Subclass NY NYAB YAQ QP ALIGNMENT: North-South AB WVCZ OWL O SURFACE AREA: 12,608 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 50.0 miles SUMMARY: Shoreland ranges from class 3 to 5 — lodging, boating and angling are among the capabilities. There i MAXIMUM DEPTH: 32 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 21 feet also beach areas present. The upland is class 6 cultural landscape.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 264.768 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Snake Creek and other streams from north and east SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Irrigation Canals Shore length 3 11.9 3.2 8.3 2X6 Area 5.999 9.746 3.710 4.599 5.146 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass C MT T PT T

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 2.867' Upland 3.100' SUMMARY: Lake is formed by damming glacial spillway. The shoreline is uniform. The south half of the narrow Topography, excess wetness, drowthiness and climate are the major limitations at the shore and in the channel has cliffs on both sides; the north half of the channel widens and the slope to the upland is immediately surrounding area. Classes range from 2 to 6. . more gradual. The terrain is rolling till plain.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 50 East of north half is mostly prairie. West is cropland. Entire upland of south half is cropland. Recreation development at extreme north shore. Area 6.716 24.876 Subclass TU CA A TM SUMMARY: Around shoreland is moderately limited in the production of deer by adverse topography and exposure. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 30% Private 70% Surrounding area has moderate limitations to deer and antelope by climate and aridity.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access is limited to gravel from provincial paved Highway 23 to the reoeation development. Gravel road crosses the dam at the extreme south and runs north to the retaining wall. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) Unavailable DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Highway 542. immediate Shore length 50 HIGHWAY: Highway 23. .5 miles Area 8.533 13.552 9.507 Subclass GT GT T COMMUNITY: Milo. 1.5 miles A A TOWN: Vulcan. 22.5 miles SUMMARY: The entire water body is class 3M — important as a wintering or migration area. The syountfing area DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 58 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 163 mi. CALGARY: 94.5 mi. ranges from classes 3 lo 6. limited by topography, land form and aridity.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 7,100 50 mi. 42,900 37a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Milk River.Ridge Reservoir LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Milk River Ridge Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 4 5 6

LOCATION: 5-19-4 COUNTY: County 5 Shore length 25.7 13.J Area 1.938 1.742 n.i; Subclass AN NAP PQ ALIGNMENT: . East-West YZV WLZ VO SURFACE AREA: 3.776 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 39.1 miles SUMMARY: The shoreland ranges from classes 4 to 5 and is suitable for many recreational activities. The upland area MAXIMUM DEPTH: 75 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 28 feet is classes 5 and 6. Several man-made features are present.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 104,000 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Canal from west and various streams mostly from south SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 5 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Canal to east and spillway to north Shore length 13.3 13.8 3.5 8.4 Area 7.844 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 1-5.5-25 IGPM 5.106 566 1.164 120 Subclass C TW NW T NW

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.391' Upland 3.475' SUMMARY: Lake formed by damming a narrow channel. To east — water level only slightly below that of the Mostly moderate climatic limitations. Some moderately severe limitations due to topography. Salt and surrounding plain. To west — water level 75 feet below the upland. Irregular shoreline. excess wetness are also limitations.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) The entire shoreline and upland is used as cropland or pasture with a section of hay and.pasture Shore length 1.8 37.2 to the east. Area 737 14.063 Subclass C CG

SUMMARY: Area moderately limited to antelope due to climate and landform. An important wintering area to the LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% southeast. To south only slight limitations of climate to antelope and deer production.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access to the shoreline is limited to the two major dam sites and one point on the north shore. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) - warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 2 3 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: District highway gravelled, immediate Shore length 39 HIGHWAY: Highway 52. 6.5 miles Area 3.819 10.981 Subclass COMMUNITY: Raymond. 5.3 miles ZJ TA

TOWN: Raymond. 5.3 miles SUMMARY: The water body is class 6 limited by water depth and reduced marsh edges. Surrounding area is class 5 and 6 — DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 35 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 139 mi. CALGARY: 165 mi. limited by topography. The area to the east is also limited by aridity.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 55.600 50 mi. 75,400 38a

LAKE DATASHEET: 2 LAKE: Outpost Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Outpost Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) I 3 4

LOCATION: 1-26-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 Shore length 1.28 1.12 Area 149 4.296 Subclass KVA KVA ALIGNMENT: Southwest - Northeast QWVP SURFACE AREA: 192 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 2.4 miles SUMMARY: Shoreland is classes 3 and 4 — camping, viewing and angling. At southwest class 4 — angling, wetland wildlife MAXIMUM DEPTH: 15 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 9 feet and viewing. The upland is class 4 cultural landscape with topographic variation sutibable for viewing. The upland is class 4 cultural landscape with topographic variation suitable for viewing. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 2,486 acre feet

VrfATER SOURCES: Local Runoff SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 3 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Stream flowing eastward. Shore length 359 2.4 Area 3.691 395 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass CW T

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.520' Upland 4,750" SUMMARY: Depression filled by local runoff in foothill region with folded sedimentary ridges 5 miles to northeast For the large part class 5 climatic and class 6 topographic in the ratio 9:1. (elevation of 4.500'). Abrupt rise to south to 4,750'. shoreline is regular with some indentations.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 2.4 Recreational use along shoreline. Some improved pasture but primarily foothills pasture and mixed coniferous forest especially to the southwest. Area 4.445 Subclass MA

SUMMARY: The entire area is moderately limited in the production of deer and elk by soil moisture and aridity. LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 45% Private 55%

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Recreation area is readily accessible by gravel road. Park is 5 miles west of Highway 2 but direct access from Highway is not available. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3g — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Unimproved road, immediate D WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road. .6 miles Shore length 2.4 HIGHWAY: Highway 2. 4.8 miles Area 1.634 2.432 379

COMMUNITY: Beazer. 7.4 miles Subclass T ZJ T T TOWN: Cardston. 16.8 miles SUMMARY: Water body class 5 limited by water depth and reduced marsh e_}e. Topographic limits from moderate DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 62 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 163 mi. CALGARY: 146 mi. to severe degree in the surrounding area.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 6.700 50 mi. 25.400 39a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Paine Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Paine Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 4 5 6 LOCATION: 2-28-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 — Cardston Shore length 1.74 .99 1.38 2.39 Area 159 3.888 159 199 ALIGNMENT: Northwest - Southeast Subclass VAK VWP VN W NYAK AY SURFACE AREA: 512acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 6.5 miles SUMMARY: Shoreland ranges from classes 3 to 6. Viewing, angling, camping, boating, wetland wildlife and lodging are MAXIMUM DEPTH: 21 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 12.0 feet the suitabilities. The upland is class 4 suitable for viewing and wetland wildlife. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 7.242 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Stream from mountains to south and southwest and local runoff SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 3 4 5 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Canal flowing eastward to Mami Creek Shore length 2.55 2.82 .4 .52 _n GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area 1.056 1.758 1.220 228 143 Subclass T T CM W w PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.391" Upland 4.500" Natural lake enlarged by damming Mami Creek. Hills rise to south. To north and east is rolling tilt plain. SUMMARY: Shoreline is irregular. Topography and excessive wetness are the major limitations. Moderately severe to very severe limitations at the shoreline and in the surrounding area.

EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2 3 4 Pasture to north. Some cropland and unimproved pasture to south, but mostly mixed coniferous Shore length 2.7 3.8 forest. Area 2.966 1.439 Subclass AC MA

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0% North — moderate limitations, sdl moisture and aridity. South — very slight aridity. West — important wintering area limited only slightly by climate. All conditions apply to deer and elk.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Shoreline access is limited to gravel to dams at north and southeast. Highway 5. paved, lies within one mile of the north shore. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3j — coldwater species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Unimproved road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 4 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road..8 miles 5 Shore length 6.5 HIGHWAY: Highway 5,1.3 miles Area 2.412 937 1.056 COMMUNITY: Mountainview. 3.2 miles Subclass T ZT TB

TOWN: Cardston. 17.2 miles SUMMARY: The water body is class 5limited by water depth. Topography aid free-flowing -water are the limitations DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 63 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 164 mi. CALGARY: 147 mi. in the surrounding area. A class 1 area lies to the northeast. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 7.500 50 mi. 27,800 40a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Park Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Park Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 3 4 5 LOCATION: 10-22-4 COUNTY: County 26 Shore length 1.2 3 Area 100 419 3.946 ALIGNMENT: Northeast - Southwest Subclass BKY NAY PVO

SURFACE AREA: 192 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 4.2 miles SUMMARY: About 50% of the shoreland is class 4 suitable for lodging, angling and family boating. 40% is beach of MAXIMUM DEPTH: 15 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 5.2 feet class 3, suitable for organized camping and family boating. The upland is class 5. a cultural landscape suitable for viewing and upland wildlife. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 1.000 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Canal from West SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 WATER OUTLETS: Canals to east and southeast Shore length 4.2 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 1-5 IGPM Area 658 3.807 Subclass c t PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.092' Upland 3.100" SUMMARY: Lake is a dammed depression on slightly rolling till plain. Shoreline is irregular. Water level is maintained by irrigation canals. Shoreline and surrounding area has moderately severe limitations due to topography.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) 5 A provincial park is located on the northern half of the lake. Planted trees appear on the,north and east Shore length 4.2 rims. The remaining shoreline and upland is pasture. Pasture-hayed and cropland. Area 4.465 Subclass TA M SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 50% Private 50% Entire area has moderately severe limitations to deer production due to topography, aridity and soil moisture.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Paved provincial Highway 25 lies 3 miles to the east. Access to paved provincial highway is 5 miles. Gravel and paved roads give access directly to the recreation development. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2Q — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Paved road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate at north end Shore length 4.2 HIGHWAY: Immediate paved access to Highway 25 (4 miles), Highway 23 is 8 miles 1.296 3.169 west Area Subclass TGZ T COMMUNITY: Coalhurst. 4.5 miles

TOWN: Lethbridge. 9.8 miles SUMMARY: The water body is Class 5 limited by water depth. The surrounding land to the southeast is cass 5 limited DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 9.8 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 114 mi. CALGARY: 119 mi. by topography and land form. The remaining area is class 6, severely limited by topograohy. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 61.800 50 mi. 99,000 41a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Raymond Reservoir LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Raymond Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 4 5 6 LOCATION: 5-20-W4 COUNTY: Warner Shore length 6.3 • Area 1.S15 3£86

ALIGNMENT: East-West Subclass AYW AWQ PVQ LPZ OL SURFACE AREA: 179 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 6.3 miles SUMMARY: The entire area is classed as upland — classes 5 and 6 — suitable for viewing and wetland wildlife. Interesting MAXIMUM DEPTH: 17 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 8.1 feet landforms lie to the east and west.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 859 awe feet

WATER SOURCES: Stream from west, spillway from Milk River Ridge Reservoir SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Canal and stream north Shore length 1.6 3.5 .47 .79 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: < 1 IGPM Area 4.106 399 159 339 498 Subclass C TD •' T TWN T PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3,215" Upland 3.300' SUMMARY: Formed by damming glacial spillway. Steep incline of 100 feet on south edge. Gradual slope to north. Irregular shoreline. Some marsh at east and west extremities. Moderately severe to severe limitations due to topography. Surrounding area is only moderately limited by climate.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length Entire area is cropland and improved pasture. 6.3 Area 5.501 Subclass CG

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% Entire area is moderately limited to the production of antelope by climate and landform.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access limited to gravel road parallel to south shore, and at east and west extremities. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) ^>Ln — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Crossed by gravel road WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: District highway - gravelled, immediate Shore length 6.3 HIGHWAY: Highway 52. 4 miles Area 180 4.364 957 COMMUNITY: Raymond. 3.3 miles Subclass Zl T T

TOWN: Raymond. 3.3 miles SUMMARY: The water body is moderately limited by water depth and inundation. The surrounding area is limited DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 37 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 141 mil. CALGARY: 167 mi. by topography — classes 5 and 6. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 56.500 50 mi. 89.800 42a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Ross Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Ross Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) I 2 3 4 5 LOCATION: 2-22-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 Shore length 5.5- Area 3.746 399 ALIGNMENT: Northeast - Southwest Subclass QVP QP LW O SURFACE AREA: 576 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 5.5 miles SUMMARY:

MAXIMUM DEPTH: NA AVERAGE DEPTH: NA. Entire area is upland. The area is suitable for viewing — class 5. Interesting land forms lie to the southwest. The area supports wetland wildlife to the southeast and southwest. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: NA.

WATER SOURCES: Stream from south-west SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: None Shore length 3 2.2 .3 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Area 817 861 2.013 454 Subclass T ' D T TW PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: A natural lake formed on a stream — eroded till plain. Marsh to southwest. Irregular shoreline. Moderate SUMMARY: rise on north and south. Shoreline is limited by topography from Class 3 to 5. Excess water, soil structure and drowthiness are also limitations.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Entire area is unimproved pasture. Shore length 5.5 Area 4.145 Subclass C

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% Slight climatic limitations to antelope and deer. Important wintering area for antelope lies to southeast — only slightly limited by climate.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access to shoreline is limited to an unimproved road. Gravel road about 4 miles east. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Unimproved road, immediate V WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 2 3 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road. 3.6 miles Shore length 5.5 HIGHWAY: Highway 62. 5.6 miles Area 100 877 3.168 COMMUNITY: Aetna. 13.4 Subclass AG T ZT T

TOWN: Magrath. 24.8 miles SUMMARY:

DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 45 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 146 mi. CALGARY: 171 mi. The water body is class 5 limited by water depth. Topography is a limitation in the surrounding area - classes 4 to 6. There are only slight limitations — aridity and landform — in 2 areas — one to the east, POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 11.600 50 mi. 77,400 one to the west. 43a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Shanks Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Shanks Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 5 6 LOCATION: 1-21-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 Shore length 10.2 Area 737 5.222 Subclass ALIGNMENT: North-South with an arm running East-West NY QPV W LW SURFACE AREA: 832 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 10.2 miles SUMMARY: Entire shoreland is class 5 suitable for lodging, boating and wetland wildlife. The surrounding area is MAXIMUM DEPTH: NA AVERAGE DEPTH: NA. suitable for viewing, wetland wildlife, and interesting landforms lie to the southeast.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: NA.

WATER SOURCES: Shanks Creek from southwest SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Continuation of Shanks Creek to northeast Shore length .77 3 4.9 1.5 Area GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 1-5 IGPM 1.634 1.251 2.033 319 722 Subclass C T T TW T O PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.086' Upland 4,225' SUMMARY: Depression filled by runoff and Shanks Creek. In south abrupt rise to plateau. To north is more gradual rise to 4.200". East-west arm lies in coulee channel. Dry river valley to southwest. Irregular shoreline. Shoreline is classes 3 and 4 limited by topography. A northeast section of the shoreline is only moderately limited by climate.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map O) EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length Shoreline and upland is largely pasture. The gradual slope to the east is cropland. 10.2 Area 4.583 1.376 Subclass C CG

SUMMARY:

LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 12% Private 88% Slight climatic limitations to antelope and deer. South, the limitations of climate and landform to antelope become moderate.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) At north direct access by gravel road. Gravel road follows east and south shoreline. Paved highway lies approximately 3 miles west. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) m water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 2 3 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 10.2 HIGHWAY: Highway 62. 3.2 miles Area 366 2.039 3.554 COMMUNITY: Whiskey Gap, 15.7 miles Subclass AGT TZ TB

TOWN: Magrath. 26 miles SUMMARY: The water body is class 5 limited by water depth. The surrounding area is limited by tocography from a DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 47 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 148 mil. CALGARY: 173 i slight (in the northeast) to a severe degree. Free-flowing v/ater. aridity and landforms are also limitations.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 3.900 50 mi. 70.300 44a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAK E: Sherburne Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Sherburne Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) s 6 LOCATION: 9-1^4 COUNTY: Municipal District 14 Shore length 14.4 Area 4.165 4.6C Subclass POZ ALIGNMENT: East-West PQ WAY Q SURFACE AREA: 1.088 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 14.4 miles SUMMARY: Entire shoreland is class 5 suitable for wetland wildlife, family boating and angling. A man-made feature MAXIMUM DEPTH: 50 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 25 feet lies on the northeast shoreline. Northern upland is class 6 cultural landscape, of topographic variation suitable for upland wildlife. Southern landscape is class 5. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 27.500 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Canal from north: stream and canal from southwest SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 1 2 3 4 5 6 WATER OUTLETS: Canal to east Shore length 7.1 2.1 5.2

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25. 25-100 IGPM Area 1.375 259 458 2.651 2.033 1.993 Subclass T CTS S S TS

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 2.625" Upland 2.700' SUMMARY: A narrow lake formed by damming of glacial spillway. Irregular shoreline. Surrounded by flat till plain Topographic and various soil limitations from a severe to very severe degree. with about a 25 foot rise to the upland.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 14.4 Surrounded immediately by pasture — Cropland to northeast and south. Area 8.769 Subclass CG

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 8% Private 92% Entire area has moderate limitations to antelope production due to climate and landform.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Direct access is limited to the dam sites at the northwest and east. Gravel raods approach the south shoreline . SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2D — warm water species. DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 5 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 14.4 HIGHWAY: Highway 3, 3.1 miles Area 697 8.072

COMMUNITY: GrassyLake, 6.4 miles Subclass ZJ TA

TOWN: Taber. 18 miles SUMMARY Immediate area is class 5 moderately limited by water depth ana reduced marsh ec;e. *«:>--.n and south DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 50 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 56.5 mi. CALGARY: 176 mi. is class 6 limited by topography and aridity. Immediate south is class 6 limited on./ o/ topography. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 12.600 50 mi. 110.000 45a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: St. Mary Reservoir. LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: St. Mary Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 2 3 4 5 LOCATION: 4-24-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 6 Shore length 49.4 Area 4.413 13.065 Subclass WV VP ALIGNMENT: Northeast-Southeast QYZ Q SURFACE AREA: 11.520 SHORELINE LENGTH: 49.4 miles SUMMARY: The entire shoreland is class 4 — boating, wetland wildlife and viewing. There is topographic variation in AVERAGE DEPTH: 28 feet MAXIMUM DEPTH: 185 feet the northeast upland. The surrounding upland is class 5 suitable for viewing. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 315.000 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: St. Mary River. Lee. Aetna and other creeks from south. Creeks from east and SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 5 6 7 southeast. Canal from west. WATER OUTLETS: Canal to east Shore length 17.9 8.4 1.1 17.4 4 .6 Area GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: < 1.1-5 and 5-25 IGPM 5,311 4.165 1.196 5.680 1.066 60 Subclass C DT • MT DT WT W

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.610' Upland 3.700" SUMMARY: Reservoir formed by damming an alluvial flood plain. Water level about 25 feet below this surrounding tilt plain. Much of the shore is low cliff. Fluctuation due to irrigation and runoff. Shoreline is irregular due Severe to very severe limitation at west and northwest. At south and north only moderate limitations. to submerged meanders and gullies. At east moderately severe limitations.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 5 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Cropland to south and east. Unimproved pasture and cropland to the north. Recreational use at Shore length 49.4 spillway to the northeast and park development on southeast shore. Area 17.478 Subclass TAM

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 30% Private 70% Entire area has moderately severe limitation — topography, aridity and soil moisture — to the production of deer.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access from Highway 5 to the shoreline is good. From Highway 2 access is limited and only available at the extreme south. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map O) 3Q — coldwater species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 3 4 S 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 49.4 HIGHWAY: Highway 5. 4 miles Area 300 319 16.859 COMMUNITY: Cardston. 5.5 milies Subclass T3 T

TOWN: Cardston. 5.5 miles SUMMARY: The entire water body is important as a migration or wintering area. Class 6 — tosog*2_-y '-mutation - DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 35 mi. MEOICINE HAT: 140 mi. CALGARY: 128 mi. surrounds the reservoir. Free-flowing water is also a problem in the northeast. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 9.800 50 mi. 80,000 46a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Tiber Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Taber Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 2 3 4 5

LOCATION: 10-16-4 COUNTY: Municipal District 4 Shore length 10- Area 6.955 Subclass ALIGNMENT: East-West

SURFACE AREA: 1.152 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 10.0 miles SUMMARY: The entire area is classified as upland. The area immediately surrounding the lake is class 5 suitable for MAXIMUM DEPTH: 15 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 5 feet wetland wildlife. The remaining area is class 5 cultural landscape with topographic variations suitable for upland wildlife. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 5,195 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Local runoff SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 1 2 3 . 4 5 6

WATER OUTLETS: Canal to north Shore length .44 3.36 5.34 .86 Area 199 2.073 1.016 658 2.551 458 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass M Mt • M M tm

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake. 2645" Upland. 2.675" SUMMARY: Depression regulated by canals and dammed at east and west. Almost level with the surrounding till plain to north — flat lacustrine plain to south. Topography and drowthiness are the limitations ranging from classes 2 to 6.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 10 Golf course on east half of north shore. Remaining is pasture and cropland. Water storage for sugar factory at southwest. Area 6.955 Subclass CG

SUMMARY:

LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 1% Private 99% Entire area has moderate limitation to antelope production due to climate and landform.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Unimproved access directly to shoreline from nearby gravel roads. Paved highways 36 and 3 to west and south respectively. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2D — warm water species DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Unimproved road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road. .32 miles Shore length 10

HIGHWAY: Highway 3. .32 miles Area 279 4.364 2.312 Subclass COMMUNITY: Taber. 2.4 miles

TOWN: Taber. 2.4 miles SUMMARY:

The water body is an important migration stop slightly limited b/ water depth. The surrounding area DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 34 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 68 mi. CALGARY: 160 mi. to the east is class 5 limited by topography and aridity. To the //e>t it is class 6 se/erev limited by topography. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 16.800 50 mi. 85.200 47a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Travers Reservoir' LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Travers Reservoir RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 2 .3 4 S 6 LOCATION: 15-21-4 COUNTY: County 2 Shore length 21.8 16.4 1.8 Area 4.066 3.109 3.767 5.333

ALIGNMENT: East-West with an arm running North-South Subclass AYN NAYQ LQM PO BK VR WAC VQ SURFACE AREA: 5.760 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 40.0 miles SUMMARY:

MAXIMUM DEPTH: 120 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 44 feet The shoreland ranges from classes 3 to 5. The major suitabilities are lodging, angling, boating and organized camping. Rock formations and beaches are also present. Upland is classes 5 and 6. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 265.000 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Little Bow River, streams from south and east. Canal from north. SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 3 4 5 6 7 WATER OUTLETS: Continuation of the Little Bow River and Canal to east Shore length .5 9.5 29.0 1.0 7.327 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25. <1. IGPM Area 3.149 199 5.321 279 Subclass MT MT MT MT W CE E PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 2.815' Upland. 3.100' SUMMARY: Lake consists of a narrow channel (cut approximately 200' below upland till plain) formed by damming of old river valley. The irregular shoreline is due to dendritic erosion of coulee. Most of the shoreline has Peripheral shoreland varies from good to poor agricultural land. The restrictions are topography, climate, 4-10 foot drop to water. Northern arm is surrounded by moderately sloping plain. soil moisture, erosion and excess water.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 3 4 5 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) I Shore length 4.1 Recreational development on part of the flood plain at the western extremity of the reservoir. Remaining 35.9 shoreline is pasture. Upland consists of pasture and cropland. Much of pasture is unimproved. Area 9.021 5.660 1.59. Subclass A TU TA AF M SUMMARY: Slight aridity limitations to deer. Moderate to moderately severe limitations of topography, aridity, soil LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0% moisture, fertility and exposure, again to deer.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Gravel road gives access directly to the recreational development. Additional access is limited to gravel roads at the dam site and the south shore of the west arm. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) Unavailable DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SECONDARY ROAD: Gravel road, immediate Shore length 40 HIGHWAY: Highway 23. 14.2 miles Area 1.129 4.943 9.206 997 COMMUNITY: Travers. 11 miles Subclass MZ GTB TJ T AJ . : TOWN: Vulcan. 24.4 miles SUMMARY: The entire water body is important as a wintering or migration area. The surrounding area is limited by DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 64 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 168 mi. CALGARY: 91 mi. topography, aridity and landform — classes 5 to 7. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 8.200 50 mi. 97,200 48a

82-H-8-W LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Tyrrell Lake LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Tyrrell Lake RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) 1 2 3 4 5 6 LOCATION: 5-17-4 COUNTY: County 5 Shore length 8.9' Area 1.036 5.262 Subclass WYN PO ALIGNMENT: Northwest - Southeast LQO Q SURFACE AREA: 960 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 8.9 miles SUMMARY: Shoreland — class 5 — wetland wildlife — family boating and lodging. Upland — class 6 — a cultural AVERAGE DEPTH: 12 feet MAXIMUM DEPTH: 20 feet landscape with topographic variation supporting upland wildlife. Landforms lie to the northwest.in a class 5 area. TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 12.077 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Local runoff SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 2 3 4 S 6 WATER OUTLETS: Small stream or ditch to southeast Shore length 1 2.5 .4 5 Area 4.445 1.315 199 339 GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM Subclass C T M T

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake. 3.147 Upland, 3.225 SUMMARY: A natural lake fed by local runoff, collecting in a narrow channel. Intermittent saline lakes to south Topography, drowthiness and climate are the limitations ranging from a moderate to non productive and north. Steep drop of 50" from upland to water level. Irregular shoreline. degree.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 4 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 8.9 Entire shoreline and upland is cropland and unimproved pasture. Undeveloped recreational use co-exists with pasture on the southern shore. Area 6.298 Subclass CG

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 0% Private 100% Area is moderately limited to the production of antelope due to ciimate and landform. An important wintering area for antelope, slightly limited by climate, lies to the southwest.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access from Highway 4 to the west is good by gravel road. Access diiectly to the undeveloped recreational site. SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map 0) 3 — warm water species. DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Crossed by gravel road WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 1 2 3 4 5 6 SECONDARY ROAD: Crossed by gravel road Shore length 8.9 HIGHV/AY: Highway 4, 1.1 miles Area 120 80 379 5.719

COMMUNITY: New Dayton, 6.6 miles Subclass Al ZJ ZJ TA

TOWN: Raymond. 20 miles SUMMARY: Moderately severe limitations on the water body due to depth an : reduced marsh ec;-. CALGARY: 171 mi. changes to DISTANCE TO LETH3RIDGE: 35 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 139 mi. moderate at the northwest. Surrounding area is severely limited r. / tooograph/. At sc_. sst — 2ri area slightly limited by aridity and inundation. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 10.700 50 mi. 221.800 49a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 2 LAKE: Waterton Lakes LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Waterton Lakes RECREATION CAPABILITY: (Map B) I .3 4 ' 5 LOCATION: 1-30-4 COUNTY: Shore length Area

ALIGNMENT: North-South Subclass

SURFACE AREA: 2.816 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 25.0 miles SUMMARY: This is a national park with high recreational capability — there is no CLI classification. MAXIMUM DEPTH: N.A. AVERAGE DEPTH: N.A.

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: NA

WATER SOURCES: Cameron Creek and streams from Mt. Boswell and Sofa Mountain SOIL CAPABILITY: (Map C) 12 3 4 5 WATER OUTLETS: Waterton River Shore length

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 1-5. 100-500 IGPM Area Subclass

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 4.192" Peak 7.800' SUMMARY: Lake formed by water collection in U-shaped valley. South end is a trough between mountains. Piedmont allu­ vial fan to northend and at townsite, rest of area is in steep slope. Shoreline is irregular. Due to location within the boundaries of the National Park there is no agricultural activity.

UNGULATE CAPABILITY: (Map D) 2 EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Shore length 25 The surrounding land is used entirely as National Park. The vegetation is mixed coniferous forest. Area 15.946 Subclass AED

SUMMARY: LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0% Entire area is very slightly limited to the production of elk and deer by aridity.

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Access to the shoreline is very good via paved highway.

SPORTFISH CAPABILITY: (Map D) DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Paved road, immediate WATERFOWL CAPABILITY: (Map E) 4 5 6 7 SECONDARY ROAD: Paved road, immediate Shore length 25 HIGHWAY: Highways 5 and 6. immediate Area 243 1.953 7.317 6.433

COMMUNITY: Waterton. shoreline Subclass Z T ZJ T T TOWN: Waterton. shoreline SUMMARY: The water bodies are class 6 limited by water depth and reduced marsh edge. The surr.undirg area is CALGARY: 175 mi. DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 85 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 190 mi. limited by topography from a severe to non-productive degree. POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 2.400 50 mi. 80.700 50a

LAKE DATA SHEET: 1 LAKE: Waterton Reservoir

LOCATION: 4-28-4 COUNTY: M.D. Pincher Creek

ALIGNMENT: North-South with an arm extending west

SURFACE AREA: 2.703 acres SHORELINE LENGTH: 21.2 miles

MAXIMUM DEPTH: 160 feet AVERAGE DEPTH: 52 feet

TOTAL WATER CONTENT: 140.260 acre feet

WATER SOURCES: Waterton River and Drywood Creek

WATER OUTLETS: Waterton River and Canal to east

GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL: 5-25 IGPM

PERIPHERAL TOPOGRAPHY: Elevation: Lake 3.890" Upland 4.200' Lake formed by damming of part of Waterton River. Water level 25-50 feet below rolling till plain. To south­ west is rise to hill at 4.200 feet. Irregular shoreline due to river meanders.

EXISTING LAND USE AND VEGETATION: (Map A) Minimal amount of cropland with improved and unimproved pasture.

LAND OWNERSHIP: Public 100% Private 0%

ACCESS POINTS: (Map A) Primarily at north end to dam site and canal access. East-west gravel road located about Vi mile south of reservoir.

DISTANCE TO NEAREST ROAD: Gravel road, immediate

SECONDARY ROAD: 505, immediate

HIGHWAY: Highway 6. 10 miles

COMMUNITY: Hillspring. 6 miles

TOWN: Pincher Creek. 24 miles

DISTANCE TO LETHBRIDGE: 76 mi. MEDICINE HAT: 181 mi. CALGARY: 144 mi.

POPULATION: Within 25 mi. 39,300 50 mi. 107,000 51a

APPENDIX D

TOTAL SHORELINE LENGTH AND SHORELAND AREAS

GROUP 1 LAKES 52a

REGIONAL LAKES

TOTAL SHORELINE LENGTH AND SHORELAND AREAS

VREA IN ACRES - ONE MILE SHORELINE LENGTH BEYOND THE SHORELINE IN MILES

County of Vulcan No. 2 52,869 107.4

County of Lethbridge No. 26 12,014 19.2

County of Warner No. 5 30,599 60.6

M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 6,198 8.8

M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 17,437 29.6

M.D. of Cardston No. 6 54,535 94.6

M.D. of Taber No. 14 25,297 47.8

Improvement District 6 6,757 14.0

Improvement District 7 8,346 7.5

Waterton Lakes 15,946 25.0

Chin Lakes 22,780 39.2

Regional Total 252,778 453.7

These totals for shoreline length and peripheral shoreland area apply to the capabilities for Recreation, Waterfowl, Ungulates and Soil. 53a

APPENDIX E

REGIONAL RESOURCE CAPABILITIES 54a REGIONAL RESOURCE CAPABILITY OF LAKES

RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL

NAME • CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4 CLASS 5 CLASS 6 CLASS 7 NO CLASS Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length

County of Vulcan No. 2 8,712 50.4 6,198 33.6 5,959 23.4 32,540

County of Lethbridge No. 26 140 1.6 953 16.4 4,066 1.2 6,855

County of Warner No. 5 3,305 32.1 4,633 28.5 22,661

M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 1,993 8.8 4,205

M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 382 3.36 1,205 4.18 5,420 .86 10,430 21.2

M.D. of Cardston No. 6 308 3.02 17,839 62.0 26,862 26.98 9,526 2.59

M.D. of Taber No. 14 17,106 40.0 8,191 7.8

I.D. 5 910 5.5 2,093 2,593 2.0 2,750

I.D. 6 857 14.0 5,900

Waterton Lakes 15.946 25.0

Chin Lakes 340 1.4 897 2.5 8,341 35.3 13,202

Regional Total 11,109 79.28 38,390 150.78 76,973 167.04 99,930 10.39 26,376 46.2

Percent 4.4 17.5 15.2 33.2 30.5 36.8 39.5 2.3 10.4 10.2 55a

REGIONAL RESOURCE CAPABILITY OF LAKES SOIL CAPABILITY FOR AGRICULTURE

NAME CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4 CLASS 5 CLASS 6 CLASS 7 NO CLASS Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length

County of Vulcan No. 2 5,999 3.0 12,895 12.4 5,284 7.8 13,547 30.6 12,473 52.6 279 1.0 2,392

County of Lethbridge No. 26 6,812 8.0 4,644 7.9 438 120 3.3

County of Warner No. 5 18,905 15.9 7,440 22.8 159 .47 1,152 4.69 2,213 16.8 120 610

M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 2,726 3.7 1,629 1.59 1,033 3.0 478 332 .5

M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 5,715 7.44 1,192 .86 100 .1 10,430 21.2

M.D. of Cardston No. 6 14,691 23.24 11,970 26.0 7,018 9.67 16,716 26.47 3,803.5 8.34 336.5 .81

M.D. of Taber No. 14 3,221 1.1 3,327 8.84 6,536 6.6.1 3,655 10.46 4,794 7.44 3,764 13.86

I.D. 5 1,557 2.3 2,899 2.78 3,890 2.42

I.D. 6 4,283 2,123 9.8 351 4.2

Waterton Lakes 15,946 25.0

Chin Lakes 1,302 1.76 6,935 7,338 .3 659 3.0 6,546 34.14

Regional Total 4,523 2.86 56,669 58.98 53,549 79.2 18,183 29.99 49,456 84.94 35.611.5 142.48 5,408.5 9.03 29,378 46.2

Percent 1.8 0.6 22.4 13.0 21.2 17.5 7.2 6.6 19.5 _8.7 14.0 31.4 2.2 2.0 11.7 10.2 56a REGIONAL RESOURCE CAPABILITY OF LAKES UNGULATE PRODUCTION

NAME CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4 CLASS 5 CLASS 6 CLASS 7 NO CLASS Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length

County of Vulcan No. 2 9,161 35.9 17,238 71.5 26,470

County of Lethbridge No. 26 12,014 19.2

County of Warner No. 5 737 1.8 29,862 58.8

M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 6,198 8.8

M.D. of Pincher Creek No; 9 3,019 3,988 8.4 10,430 21.2

M.D. of Cardston No. 6 6,852 5.9 9,009 10.2 19,173 18.9 19,501 59.6

M.D. of Taber No. 14 25,297 47.8

I.D. 5 120 7,290 7.1 538 398

I.D. 6 6,757 14.0

Waterton Lakes 15,946 25.0

Chin Lakes 22,780 39.2

Regional Total 25,937 30.9 36.942 77.4 114,888 236.2 64,581 88.0 10,430 21.2

Percent 10.3 6.8 14.6 17.1 45.5 52.1 25.5 19.4 4.1 4.6 57a REGIONAL RESOURCE CAPABILITY OF LAKES

WATERFOWL PRODUCTION

NAME CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4 CLASS 5 CLASS 6 CLASS 7 NO CLASS Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length

County of Vulcan No. 2 10,054 107.4 20,461 21,357 997

County of Lethbridge No. 26 295 15.0 1,296 4.2 10,423

County of Warner No. 5 120 260 6.3 10,728 54.3 19,491

M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 2,790 2,751 199 8.8 458

M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 4.8 718 3.6 1,853 4,436 10,430 21.2

M.D. of Cardston No. 6 2,023 4.7 4,633 49.4 6,797 7,538 40.5 31,810 1,734

M.D. of Taber No. 14 578 17.8 558 15.6 9,253 14.4 14,908

I.D. 5 779 7.5 7,567

I.D. 6 159 14.0 977 5,621

Waterton Lakes 243 1,953 7,317 25.0 6.433

Chin Lakes 44 3,164 33.6 19,202 5.6 370

Regional Total 2,023 4.7 18,470 189.6 10,653 26.7 55,469 173.4 128,575 38.1 27,158 10,430 21.2

Percent 0.8 1.0 7.3 41.8 4.2 5.9 21.9 38.2 50.9 8.5 10.8 4.1 4.6 58a

REGIONAL RESOURCE CAPABILITY OF LAKES SPORTFISH CAPABILITY

NAME CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4 CLASS 5 CLASS 6 CLASS 7 NO CLASS

Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length Area Length

County of Vulcan No. 2 20,224 107.4

County of Lethbridge No. 26 4,800 19.2

County of Warner No. 5 3,973 45.4 1,139 15.2

M.D. of Willow Creek No. 26 663 8.8

M.D. of Pincher Creek No. 9 2,987 29.6

M.D. of Cardston No. 6 14,534 89.9 169 4.7

M.D. of Taber No. 14 4,224 47.8

I.D. 5 768 14.0

I.D. 6 320 3.1 296 4.4

Waterton Lakes 2,816 25.0

Chin Lakes 3,511 39.2

Regional Total 320 3.1 16,804 156.0 19,428 148.7 23,872 145.9

Percent .5 .7 27.8 34.4 32.2 32.8 39.5 32.1 59a

APPENDIX F

OWNERSHIP PATTERNS

GROUP 1 LAKES 60a

OWNERSHIP PATTERNS AROUND LAKES

PRESENT SHORELINE WITHIN % MILE WITHIN % MILE WITHIN 1 MILE NAME Crown % Private % Crown % Private % Crown % Private % Crown % Private %

St. Mary Res. 30 70 25 75 10 90 0 100 Lumpy Butte 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* Ross 0 100 0 100 0 100 18 82 Shanks 12 88 20 80 17 83 0 100 Paine 100 0 8 92 38 62 0 100 Beaverdam 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 Outpost 46 54 29 71 19 81 0 100 Jensen Res. 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 Cochrane 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 Dipping Vat 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* Raymond Res. 40* 60* 40* 60* 0* 100* 5* 95* Tyrrell 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 Milk River Ridge Res. 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 Cross Coulee Res. 40* 60* 33* 67* 0* 100* 0* 100* Taber 1 99 1 99 1 99 0 100 Fincastle 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 Sherburne 8 92 11 89 13 87 32 68 Horsefly 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 McGregor Res. 30 70 25 75 10 90 0 100 \ Travers Res. 100 0 43 57 35 65 25 75 Little Bow Res. 100 0 100 0 100 0 57 43 Lees 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 Beauvais 10 90 0 100 0 100 0 100 Waterton Res. 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 Crowsnest 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* Island 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* Beaver Mines 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* 100* 0* Chain 42 58 42 58 NA NA NA NA Clear 0 100 o 100 0 100 0 100 Keho 50* 50* 2 98 12 88 0 100 Park 50 50 26 74 0 100 0 100 Waterton Lakes 100 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 Upper Chin 100* 0* 100* 0* 70* 30* 0* 100* Stafford 100* 0* 100* 0* 70* 30* 0* 100* Lower Chin 55* 45* 50* 50* 33* 67* 25* 75*

* Estimated SOURCE: Department of Environment, Lake Classification , March, 1972, with some modifications according to most recent county maps. 61a

APPENDIX G

RECREATION FACILITIES

GROUP 1 LAKES 62a

LAKES IN GROUP 1 - RECREATION FACILITIES AT LAKES

NAME FACILITIES

Boating Camping Fishing Picnic Area Playground Swimming Beauvais x x x x xx Beaver Dam Beaver Mines x x x x Chain x x x x Lower Chin Stafford Upper Chin x x X X Clear x x X X Cochrane Cross Coulee Crowsnest Dipping Vat Fincastle Horesefly Island Jensen Keho Lees Little Bow Lumpy Butte McGregor Milk River Ridge x Outpost x Paine Park Raymond Ross Shanks Sherburne St. Mary Taber Travers x x x x X Tyrrell x x x x x Waterton x x x x X Waterton Dam x x x

SOURCE: 1975 Travel Alberta Vacation Guide.