Wabigoon Lake Area

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Ontario Geological Survey

Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 22

WABIGOON LAKE AREA

(NTS52F/NE) District of Kenora

M.A. Roed

1980

Ministry of Ministry of Natural Northern Resources Affairs Ontario Hon. James A.C. Auld Hon. Leo Bernier Minister Minister Dr. J. K. Reynolds Art Herridge Deputy Minister Deputy Minister OMNR-OGS1980 Printed in Canada

THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NORTHERN AFFAIRS AND IS MANAGED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Every possible effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contain ed in this report, but the Ministry of Natural Resources does not assume any liability for errors that may occur. Source references are included in the report and users may wish to verify critical information.

Publications of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and price list are available through the Map Unit, Public Service Centre, Room 6404, Whitney Block, Queen©s Park, Toronto, and the Ontario Government Bookstore, 880 Bay Street, Toronto.

Orders for publications should be accompanied by cheque or money order payable to the Treasurer of Ontario.

ISSN 0709-4671 ISBN 0-7743-4298-6

Parts of this publication may be quoted if credit is given. It is recommended that reference to this report be made in the following form:

Roed, M.A. 1980: Wabigoon Lake Area (NTS 52F/NE), District of Kenora; Ontario Geological Survey, Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 22, 16 p. Accompanied by Map 5059, scale l :100 000.

1200-80-HofC CONTENTS

Page 1.0 Introduction ...... l 2.0 Geologic Setting ...... 2 2.1 Bedrock Geology ...... 2 2.2 Quaternary Geology ...... 3 2.3 Physiography ...... 4 3.0 Engineering Terrain Units ...... 5 3.1 Bedrock ...... 5 3.2 Moraine ...... 6 3.3 Glaciofluvial ...... 11 3.4 Glaciolacustrine ...... 12 3.5 Eolian ...... 14 3.6 Alluvial...... 14 3.7 Organic ...... 14 4.0 References ...... 15

TABLE l Summary of terrain unit characteristics and engineering significance ...... 8, 9

FIGURE l - Diagrammatic sketch showing typical terrain types and their representative letter symbols ...... 6

MAP (accompanying report)

Map 5059 (coloured) - Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study, Data Base Map, Wabigoon Lake (NTS 52F/NE). Scale 1:100000.

Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 22

WABIGOON LAKE AREA

(NTS52F/NE)

District of Kenora

M.A. Roed 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This report and the accompanying map present the results of an engineer ing geology terrain study for the Wabigoon Lake area, District of Kenora. The area, which covers NTS block 52F/NE, lies between Latitudes 49*30©N and 50^00 ©N and Longitudes 92^0©W and 93WW. The report and map form part of a series of publications which provide similar terrain data for approximately 370 000 km2 of northern Ontario.

The purpose of this study is to provide an inventory of engineering geology terrain conditions that will serve as a basic data framework for engineering and resource planning activities, at a level of detail consistent with a scale of 1:100 000. The terrain information is contained on the Data Base Map (OGS Map 5059, accompanying this report).

Interpretation of 1969 black and white aerial photographs, at a scale of approximately 1:50000, formed the basis of the terrain mapping process.

Geological Consultant, Geo-analysis Limited, Ottawa, Ontario.

Manuscript approved for publication by the Chief, Engineering and Terrain Geology Section, November 6, 1979. This report is published with the per mission of E.G. Pye, Director, Ontario Geology Survey. The interpretation was compared to relevant published information for the study area. In addition, two automobile field trips were conducted in 1978, an early reconnaissance trip to identify major terrain units and a later one to verify the airphoto interpretation. Thus, the Data Base Map represents a reconnaissance overview of the engineering conditions of the terrain.

An engineering terrain legend was developed to facilitate the mapping and to provide a common information base for the entire map series. This legend is shown on the accompanying Data Base Map. Further discussion on the mapping techniques, legend format, and possible uses of this engineering geology information is available in the Ontario En gineering Geology Terrain Study Users© Manual (Gartner, Mollard, and Roed, 1980), a companion publication to this series of maps and reports.

Appreciation is expressed to the Ontario Geological Survey for providing a manuscript copy of the aggregate inventory map for the area, prepared by E.V. Sado.

2.0 GEOLOGIC SETTING

The Wabigoon Lake area is underlain by crystalline bedrock of Pre cambrian age, which is covered by a discontinuous mantle of Quaternary surficial deposits. The map-area is dominated by three main terrain types: rolling glaciolacustrine plains composed of varved clay and bedrock knobs; rugged and rolling rocky uplands composed of bedrock which is either bare or thinly mantled with patches of till and/or varved clay; and complex, moraine-like features which are commonly capped with beach sand and gravel. Ground moraine with scattered bedrock hills is not common, but extensive plains of glaciofluvial outwash occur. Organic terrain occupies some low-lying poorly drained areas. Alluvial terrain is mainly organic in composition and it is apparent that most streams have not developed well-defined flood plains.

2.1 BEDROCK GEOLOGY

The map-area, which lies within the Wabigoon Belt in the Superior Structural Province of the Canadian Shield, is underlain by two con trasting bedrock types, both of Early Precambrian age. The oldest and most widespread group of rocks is supracrustal in origin and includes highly folded mafic and minor felsic metavolcanics. These rocks are overlain by belts of folded metasediments, particularly in the northern part of the area. Some moderately sized mafic to ultramafic and felsic intrusive bodies also occur in the metavolcanic-metasedimentary belts. These belts dominate the map-area, except for the northwest and southwest comers and the east-central part, which are underlain by mainly undifferentiated felsic igneous and metamorphic rocks. A Middle to Late Precambrian diabase dike crosses the southern part of the area in a west-northwesterly direction (Davies and Pryslak 1967).

Areas of high mineral potential for gold, silver, and base metals occur throughout the metavolcanics and metasediments. Some of the mafic- ultramafic intrusions in the southwestern part of the area have high potential for copper-nickel, while in the northern part of the area, there is medium potential for the occurrence of gold-molybdenum in felsic porphyry bodies. The mineral potential of the felsic igneous and meta morphic rocks is rated as "least" (Springer 1978).

2.2 QUATERNARY GEOLOGY

Northwestern Ontario was affected by several stages of continental glaciation during the Pleistocene. However, only deposits of the last glaciation, the Laurentide of Wisconsinan age, are preserved in the Wabigoon Lake area. The ice began to advance approximately 100 000 years ago and travelled as far south as central Wisconsin before receding. The ice disappeared from the Wabigoon Lake area approximately 15 000 years ago (Prest 1970). Zoltai (1961) gives a more complete account of the glacial history of the region.

Widespread stagnation of the ice mass resulted in the deposition of a variety of surficial materials. Till was deposited directly by the ice in the form of ground moraine and hummocky moraine. Meltwater from the glacier formed glaciofluvial outwash deposits, kames, and many of the major moraine-like features in the area. Ponded meltwater accumulated in lowlands to form glacial lakes. These lakes grew in size and eventually coalesced to form an enormous body of water called Glacial Lake Agassiz. Deposits of glaciolacustrine silt and clay occur in lowlands throughout the map-area. In some localities, bedrock hills were swept clean of un consolidated material during high water stages of Glacial Lake Agassiz, as evidenced by numerous bare bedrock knobs. In other parts of the area, the bedrock topography was completely covered by the lake deposits. In rocky uplands, the glacier overdeepened valleys, rounded off bedrock outcrops, and left scattered deposits of moraine and boulders. Glacial lake water also inundated parts of these rocky uplands.

The complete disappearance of glacial ice and gradual draining or drying up of glacial lakes marked the end of the Pleistocene Stage of the Quater nary Period in the area. Since that time, approximately 9 000 years ago (Prest 1970), modern streams have developed alluvial flood plains and organic deposits have accumulated in wet depressions. These deposits are nonglacial in origin and, together with the various glacial materials, com prise the variety of Quaternary unconsolidated deposits that forms a discontinuous mantle over the bedrock in the Wabigoon Lake area.

2.3 PHYSIOGRAPHY

Wabigoon Lake, Dinorwic Lake, and the eastern branch of the Wabigoon River occupy a northwest-trending lowland characterized by undulating, slightly knobby topography of low relief. Elevations range from 366 to 396 m. Much of this terrain is underlain by clay and in places it is pre sently being farmed, especially north of the Town of Dryden. Rolling and rugged rocky terrain of moderate relief occurs mainly in the north eastern and southeastern parts of the map-area, and in many places it is presently being harvested for pulpwood. Elevations range from 396 to 488 m. Similar terrain of lower relief which occupies the southwestern part of the area, is a continuation of the regional lowland that flanks the basins of Wabigoon Lake and Eagle Lake to the west.

Of special interest are the moraine-like features which are topographi cally prominent and in contrast to the other physiographic features of the area. These ridges are all at the elevation (approximately 450 m). Many have a broad flat top, are bordered by a scarp, and flanked by relatively steep slopes that range from 15 to 25 m in height. The flanks of some of these landforms are clearly marked by a series of narrow, raised shorelines (less than l m in height) that are difficult to recognize on the ground. Other ridges have hummocky and kettled surface. Still others, such as the moraine units at Hyndman Lake in the southeastern part of the map-area and east of Keikeabik Lake in the northeastern part, include numerous eskers and till ridges. 3.0 ENGINEERING TERRAIN UNITS

Engineering terrain units are composed of a combination of various materials (unconsolidated and/or bedrock) which form recognizable landforms with certain engineering characteristics. Major terrain unit groups, and the engineering significance of each, are discussed in detail. These include bedrock terrain (RN), moraine (LB, MG, MH), glacio fluvial outwash (GO), kames (GK), eskers (GE), and deltas (GD), and glaciolacustrine plains (LP). Less significant units include organic terrain (OT) and alluvial plains (AP). A diagrammatic sketch of a typical terrain setting is given in Figure 1. Table l summarizes the characteristics and engineering significance of the major terrain units in the Wabigoon Lake area.

3.1 BEDROCK

Examples: RN(tsMG) RN(cmLP) RN(cmLP) (tsMG) Lu-D Ln-D Mnj-D

RR(cmLP) RP(cmLP) Mr-D Lu-D

Bedrock knob terrain (RN) covers approximately 40 percent of the map- area. It varies from a rugged (j), hilly (n) unit in the north-central part to undulating (u) and knobby (n) or hilly elsewhere. Local relief is low to moderate (L-M). Ridged bedrock terrain (RR) and planar bedrock low lands (RP) occur north of Minnitaki Lake in the northeast corner of the area. Bedrock terrain is dry (D), except in low-lying depressions. Pro minent scarps are not common in this area.

Thin, discontinuous patches of till (tsMG) are associated with the bed rock terrain. Varved silty clay (RN(cmLP)) occupies most depressions in this unit, especially in the lowland south of Wabigoon Lake. Organic material occurs in small depressions which are very poorly drained.

The main engineering significance of bedrock terrain is that it is difficult and expensive to excavate. Also, because of the rugged topographic character, extreme alignment techniques and deep cuts and fills are necessary for adequate road construction. In many places, this terrain unit has a limited supply of unconsolidated material and a shortage of o c 73 m

X3 51

m Jo m w eo * m m

m O m H 33 < w2 ^ o ODZ> r- OH C m f 3D

Z H •o m CO available aggregate. Importation of materials is often necessary and involves substantial expense. It has been observed, however, that thick blankets of ground moraine till do occur in association with some bed rock landforms and pockets of glaciolacustrine silt and clay are parti cularly common south of Wabigoon Lake. Careful exploration for these soil types could substantially decrease engineering difficulties in the bedrock terrain. Local deposits of glaciofluvial sand and gravel are to be expected and some raised beach gravel deposits occur along rock- buttressed shorelines, but generally aggregate is scarce.

Groundwater occurs in fractures and along fault zones in the bedrock, but this terrain unit is considered to have only poor to fair potential for groundwater supplies. Bedrock terrain is unsuitable for surface waste disposal of any kind, except where there is a thick layer (at least 1.5 m) of attenuating soil material.

3.2 MORAINE

Examples: sgLB/sgtGD tsMG7RN(RN) tsbMH(RN) Lu-D Mn-D Mn-D

Moraine in this area includes major, complex moraine-like features, as well as widely separated patches of ground moraine and minor hum mocky moraine.

The moraine-like features have been mapped as glaciofluvial deltaic deposits (GD) of sand and gravel overlain by glaciolacustrine beach gravel (LB), and as bouldery, sandy, end moraine till (ME) in association with kames (GK), eskers (GE), and glaciolacustrine clay (LP). These are complex landforms, but are, nevertheless, integral map units that have an overall common origin regardless of their contrasting designations throughout the map-area.

The moraine-like features are topographically prominent, nearly flat (u) on top, and most consist of up to 30 m of cross-stratified gravelly sand or sandy gravel of deltaic ice-contact origin (sgGD) (see Figure 1). They contain patches and inclusions of till and are capped by l to 2 m of horizontally bedded pebble to bouldery beach gravel of glaciolacustrine origin (sgLB) with interbeds of silt or clay. Large boulders (the b in gsbGD) are scattered along the top of the feature in associated beach T3 -^ .C i 2 M ^ 0 D, W .tjdw O w i/T n) fcj, i-( O 3 . - fc-t *H *^fl^ PTI W) •L .i; e T) c T3 o* oioi 21 of m ^ 2 S * 2 2 o J! '(DC 0* 2 tjj O .u .23 O O*J ^ .2. 1 (0 Q •SoSojajSS1 H i -S l|| |fug fs3*5 S u J3 ^ (0 XI T3 O. J; ^Ji- 0*0* ^2* 4) -Sr- ^ t!S 3" u 5i-2 J3 3 -" 2 --S w o oaj3 *3 *j 4J.? *j ^ Groundwate 0-2cn^^ -E 0)8^S-ij'B oisSoS.^"o^ XOn, *0 *^^ [GNIFICANi ^SS ^^S o)'O^-t a)j2 Î±^?i Supply Mi -sil* SSjfS! ^f-s: MI lil! IHIi III! CO W — -1-1 a) a) "S "(3 0 D 0 1|S "lil w s . 1 li g *3 ^ g Z o m ^ *" ^ ^ !3 *^ rt o Ofli ^ *^^ 2 cc in c p, S w c c w ^j QJ *"^ y ^ u LLJ w 111 o " 73 c -a ^ S 'f ^ u S S 2 ^ o o 'S '-g -^ 2 z '5 -g, "G 2 2 ^ 3 S* '53 3 g .g ™ g * ^ '-g ^ g -55 S | O 0 w .2 sS'Su ^S'u '- o-.-S^^S^ — S —iH^cu z 2 Q a.S3wS 5^5^ •SS^TjSQ.a.sa a.2a,-S 2 UJ U 0) Q c 5, 0 f.Il li list!'! u CO ra Q) i+4 cQ C .^ O fQ *— i *^ pQ w *^3 ransport j-j.-.SaiD. i'"^tt)'"iS !:! -^"Sm O .Se"0 *)-*;— (-.rrôgo cc^J P outes CO1— 1 fti li t i P fi f 11 i 111 u h- CC (uTSSSnT.S ai.SaiC.^S (u&m H ^ •o t ^ TJ M .i .i (t c SS&S'S'o ^ "c < 0 S S S 1 S 1 g 1 8.| 8 | E u O — 3 •Rc^^-rt'S^^^vi^^D^-i^0 r-!?*Ô^0 Ô^r-t5 o

E- S * ^2jC^^Q)fl)*^ ^w^ ^irt"^ 2 I C XrfooxSoo x. 2 o x. 2 o D O 0 o - j; ea g 1 f -o g I OFTERRAIN[ARY Topography;Drainage 3OONLAKEAREA Relief;Material; iiUip !l!ill IlUfi ICATION illltllffiii sPii imitiItiJH iisiiiMJU *~* ^™J u. g w" 3, C/5 i *?S LLl 111 S s Ifil I J |sl C/3 ^^ -l 1 S fi 5 1-3 Sssgl^- ^ S l i U UnitandTerrain S3|gg*j2s S j s.i-2f 1 ^s w .s 8 t -S 8 ? S^mS ^ScfS^S* jOQ^,g TABLE1 Location f flip IfPli! Sgill lilll susceptibilityfrost

susceptibleislightvehicleroads;lowcompressiblepoor;poor; highcapacity;drainagesusceptiblemixeddrainage

forlargecapacitygroundwatertableenoughavailablenearbyoftenlowbearingwateranding, susceptiblefrostdiameterlargeborewheredepositsisgoodconditionsexcavationlowclay,silt(cm);;Eareeasy; ofqualityusuallypotentialdepositspollutionexcellent;condi-aggre-excellentlowaresand,gravel(sg);Eaggre- ofqualitywheredepositispotentialpollutioncondi-excellent;lowexcellentsand,gravel(sg);aggre-aggre- O) highlyfrostofquantityforhighgradeishighlywatersusceptiblegooddrainageexceptplanar,; 3 theisdomesticlow,unitstructuresforlargecapacitydissected;drainageuse drainageofqualityinevitableunsuitablesub-waterbearingstreamlow(smp);poor;sand,silt,peatas re lowbeanngbepollutionfrostgrade;capacityrelief,planar;maypoorlowpoor; suppliesthick,largereadilyishighsinceforgateundulat-tionsrelief;planar,gatee ^ re lowbearingprovideandthewellsthicksusceptible;isundulat-frostreliefplanar,aggregate- , strength;lowandpotentialqualitypollutionunsuitablesub-frosthighlyrelief;(p);lowaspeat

surroundedclaybygood disposalwaste forthinishigh,gatereadilyexcepttoofortionsgaterelief;planarlyto ofpermeabilityisavailablekettiedconstructionwaterknobby,ing,are groundwaterbeachiswhereavailableconstructionridgedundulating, andsupplyunderlainterraced;drainageand

suitableforgoodstructures fS

drainagedrainagecapacitybearingpoor

s. rei 1- T3 T)~ O) reO fc O) a T3 o0 S Cn

OT Z c i* o s* r-" Z a a Z , CO o (GO),OUTWASHci re featuresprobabland plaiiglaciolacustrine (LB),maBEACHES (AP),themajialong GLACIOFLUVIAL moraine-liketheto beneathextensively GLACIOLACUSTR (LP),throuPLAINS GLACIOLACUSTR (OT),lyinginlow throughdepressions 2 PLAINALLUVIAL particularlyrivers, andtheWabigoon theoutmap-area themorainealong ORGANICTERRA re GullwingRivers re"

0 10

deposits and, in some instances, form appreciable concentrations. The moraine abuts rock in places, has a well-defined abandoned beach scarp in others, and is partly covered at its base by glaciolacustrine silty clay. Elsewhere, till ridges, very bouldery till, eskers, and kames form the morainal features and, in such localities, there is no evidence of re working by glaciolacustrine processes; rather, the surface may be pitted, ridged, or hummocky (as in dead-ice moraine) and bedrock knobs may protrudes through the drift cover. This type of moraine is mapped as end moraine (ME), as at Hyndman Lake in the southeast corner of the area.

Most moraines and moraine-like features are oriented in a northwesterly direction, but other portions (usually shorter) of similar features are oriented in a direction perpendicular to that of the dominant landforms.

Ground moraine (MG) composed of bouldery sandy till (ts) occurs south of Gullwing Lake in the northern part of the area and southeast of Suzanne Lake in the southeastern part. The till may, in places, be greater than 3 m thick. Relief is low to moderate (L-M), topography is undulat ing (u) to knobby (n), and the terrain is well drained (D). Bedrock knobs (RN) are always associated with the unit. Narrow, northwest- trending ridges up to 3 km in length occur along the trend of other moraine-like features in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the map-area.

Hummocky moraine (MH) occurs south of Dinorwic Lake associated with, and flanked by, glaciolacustrine clay. This moraine is composed of till (ts), its surface is hummocky (n), and till ridges are common.

The engineering significance of the moraine-like features is substantial, especially in view of the number of these features that are found in the Wabigoon Lake area. Collectively, the moraine-like ridges represent one of the largest deposits of well-drained surficial aggregate in the region. Although sand-sized material is generally the dominant component, extensive gravel lenses are present. Also, the unit is capped with a layer of beach gravel that provides good quality aggregate in many places. The flat, well-drained upper surface of the moraine, combined with the excellent foundation characteristics of the materials, provides an opti mum site for construction of foundations, runways, roads, and other structures. JJ The water table is generally very low within the unit, but where a suf ficient portion of the material lies below the water table, it would form a very important groundwater aquifer. Because of its groundwater potential and its porous nature, the unit is generally not suitable for waste disposal apart from widely spaced septic drain tile fields.

Where lake shores occur along the edge of the moraine-like features, extensive high quality (in terms of recreation resources) sand beaches have developed. The shoreline of Kathlyn Lake in the northern part of the area is an excellent example.

In this map-area, ground moraine and hummocky moraine are well drained and excellent sources of well-graded fill. In places, the ground moraine is kettled (k) or pitted and the terrain may be rough. Founda tion conditions are good and the unit is usually suitable for waste dis posal. Groundwater potential is considered fair where the deposits lie below the water table.

3.3 GLACIOFLUVIAL

Examples: sgGO(RN) sgGO(tsMG) (pOT) Ln-D Lu-D(M)

sgGO(RN) (sED) gs GO (RN) (cmLP) Luw-D Lpt-D

sgLB/gsGD sgGE(RN) sgGK Lp-D Lnr-D Lnr-D

Glaciofluvial terrain consists of outwash plains (GO), deltas (GD), eskers (GE), and kames (GK) composed of sand (s), gravelly sand (sg), or rarely just gravel (g). The outwash deposits south of Hartman Lake and southwest of Mickle Lake in the central part of the area contain a large number of boulders (gsbGO). Eskers composed of sand and gravel (sgGK) and possibly till are commonly associated with the major moraine-like features. The outwash plains in the southeastern part of the map-area, those to the east of Thunder Lake in the central part, and the one around Anaway Lake in the northern part all appear to be related to the morainal features, in that the plains are adajcent to them but 30 to 40 m lower in elevation. In many places, the outwash material shows evidence of 12

reworking (w) and is overlain by glaciolacustrine silt and clay (cmLP) and gravel beach deposits (sgLB/sgGD). Bedrock knobs (RN) protrude through the unit, and some eolian sand occurs (sED) on the surface near Borups Corners in Melgund Township. Most glaciofluvial units are undulating and of low relief, but the one southeast of Hyndman Lake in the southeastern part of the map-area is distinctly pitted or kettled (k). Surface conditions are generally dry (D). Where the unit is located along modern drainage channels, conditions are mixed wet and dry (M).

Glaciofluvial deposits are potential sources of substantial quantities of surficial aggregate. This terrain unit also offers good foundation condi tions where drainage is adequate, and is considered as a good potential ground water aquifer. It is unsuitable for waste disposal, except for widely separated septic drain tile fields.

3.4 GLACIOLACUSTRINE

Examples: cmLP(RN) (pQT) cmLP(RN)(pOT) sgLB Lun-D(M) Ludp-D(W) Lp-D

Silty clay or clayey silt of glaciolacustrine origin is widespread in the area and apparently represents deposition in Glacial Lake Agassiz II (Zoltai 1961). These fine-grained calcareous sediments form gently undulating plains (LP) that are dissected (d) in places and interrupted by bedrock hills (RN). Although exposures are extremely poor, the clay is varved almost everywhere in the map-area. The varves are, at most, a few centi metres thick, but Rittenhouse (1934) noted considerable variations in their character. At least 7 m of varved clay occurs along parts of the Wabigoon River, and sequences up to 10 metres thick are common in the Dinorwic Lake area. At Mcivor Point, 2 km southwest of the village of Dinorwic, Rittenhouse (1934) described a sequence of varved clays which may represent approximately 800 years of rhythmic sedimenta tion. Due to irregularities in the bedrock surface, the clay varies con siderably in thickness. A red varved clay unit, l to 2 m in thickness, commonly occurs at or near the surface, especially in the southwestern and southern parts of the map-area (Zoltai 1961).

Drilling results from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Com munications and field observations during the present study indicate that sand interbeds are not uncommon in the subsurface below the glacio- 13 lacustrine plains. In some test holes, the lower part of the clay sequence is measurably firmer. Along Dinorwic Lake and Wabigoon Lake, numer ous banks in clay are presently slumping. Some beaches along the lakes are composed of calcareous concretions derived from the clay (Satterly 1942).

Extensive organic deposits (pOT) overlie the clay in flat, poorly drained depressions. In most other places, the clay plain is well drained (D). Glaciolacustrine silt and clay occur widely in association with bedrock terrain, especially in the lowland bordering Wabigoon Lake and Dinorwic Lake; however, some rocky uplands (e.g. south of the Revell River and around Rugby Lake) appear to be devoid of significant occurrences of glaciolacustrine material.

Raised beaches of glaciolacustrine origin occupy the tops of the moraine- like features and are discussed in Section 3.2. These beaches are not necessarily related to the maximum extent of Glacial Lake Agassiz in this area. Other glaciolacustrine beaches overlie outwash in the vicinity of Burning Lake in the southern part of the area, while still others occur on the flanks of some bedrock landforms. Minor raised beaches of recent age lie just above mean lake levels in several places, such as the south western shore of Sandy Beach Lake in the central part of the area.

The glaciolacustrine silt and clay plains are ideally suited for the excava tion involved in engineering projects such as pipeline and transportation routes. The material is easy to handle and is dry in many places, although wet conditions do exist locally. It tends to settle, which makes it a poor fill material, and generally is highly frost susceptible, which reduces its suitability for foundations. Bank stability in the glaciolacustrine unit is a potential problem along the steep slopes of river banks and along shore lines subject to wave action.

Interbedded sand layers may occur at depth and would form potential groundwater aquifers, but generally the unit is a poor source of groundwater. The upper part of the clay is fractured, and dug wells in this unit supply water in some locations. Glaciolacustrine terrain is generally suitable for waste disposal and septic drain tile field installation. Sanitary landfill operations will experience difficult working conditions during winter months when the sediments are frozen. 14

3.5 EOLIAN

Examples: sED sgGO(RN) (sED) Lpn-D Luw-D

Sand of eolian origin (sED) occurs in a poorly defined dune field between Lateral Lake and Kathlyn Lake in the northern part of the Wabigoon Lake map-area. The sand deposit is fine to medium grained, planar to slightly hilly (pn), and occurs in a well-drained (D) lowland. Similar smaller deposits occur elsewhere in the area, especially in association with some parts of the moraine-like features and the glaciofluvial terrain. Sand dunes are particularly common northeast of Borups Corners, where they are associated with an extensive outwash deposit.

Eolian sand terrain is suitable for transportation routes and provides fair foundation conditions, but the sand may be loose and subject to wind erosion after any protective vegetation cover has been disturbed. The sand material would be suitable for construction of septic drain tile fields and for some landfill uses. Groundwater potential is good for development using sand point wells. The unit is not generally suitable for waste disposal, except for widely separated septic drain tile fields.

3.6 ALLUVIAL

Alluvial terrain occurs along some streams but the deposits are generally too small to map at the l: 100 000 scale. The unit consists mainly of peat with some silt, sand, or peaty sand (spAP). Almost all localities are poorly drained and subject to flooding (W or M). The principal examples of alluvial terrain are the flood plains of the Wabigoon River in the southern part of the area and Gullwing Creek in the northeastern part.

Alluvial terrain may be subject to flooding. Due to the predominance of fine-grained and organic materials, it is a very poor foundation material. Some steep slopes along the Wabigoon River and Gullwing Creek may be susceptible to erosion and slumping. Groundwater potential is poor and the unit is unsuitable for waste disposal.

3.7 ORGANIC

Examples: pOT pOT/cmLP Lp-W Lu-M 15

Organic terrain composed of peat (pOT) is common, especially in low lands adjacent to lake bays and along poorly developed drainage systems. Organic deposits have flat or slightly undulating surfaces (p or u), are very poorly drained, and are either wet throughout the year (W) or for part of the year (M). Organic material commonly overlies glaciolacustrine silt and clay (pOT/cmLP) in the Wabigoon Lake area.

Construction is difficult and expensive in organic terrain due to the poor drainage and the low strength, low bearing capacity, high compressibility, and extremely high frost susceptibility of the soil material. Groundwater potential is low and water quality is poor. Organic terrain is not suitable for waste disposal.

4.0 REFERENCES

Davies, J.C. and Pryslak, A.P. 1967: Kenora-Fort Frances Sheet, Kenora and Rainy River Districts; Ontario Department of Mines, Map 2115, Geological Com pilation Series, scale 1:253440 or l inch to 4 miles. Geolo gical compilation 1963-1965.

Gartner, John F., Mollard, J.D., and Roed, M.A. 1980: Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study Users© Manual; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 5288, 99 p.

Hills, G.A. and Morwick, F.F. 1944: Reconnaissance Soil Survey of Parts of Northwestern Ontario; Ontario Soil Survey, Report No. 8, 56 p.

Prest, V.K. 1970: Quaternary Geology of Canada; p. 675-764 in Geology and Economic Minerals of Canada, edited by R.J.W. Douglas, Geological Survey of Canada, Economic Geology Report No. l, 5th edition, 838 p.

Rittenhouse, G. 1934: A Laboratory Study of an Unusual Series of Varved Clays from Northern Ontario; American Journal of Science, Vol. 28, p. 110-120. 16

Satterly, J. 1943: Geology of the Dryden-Wabigoon Area; Ontario Department of Mines, Vol. 50, Pt. 2, 67 p. Accompanied by Map 50e, scale l :63 360 or l inch to l mile.

Springer, Janet 1978: Ontario Mineral Potential, Dryden Sheet, Districts of Kenora and Rainy River; Ontario Geological Survey, Preliminary Map P.1530, Mineral Deposits Series, scale 1:250 000. Compilation 1977, 1978.

Zoltai, S.C. 1961: Glacial History of Part of Northwestern Ontario; Proceeedings of the Geological Association of Canada, Vol. 13, p. 61-83. 1965: Surficial Geology, Kenora-Rainy River; Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, Map S165, scale 1:506880 or l inch to 8 miles. Surficial geology 1958-1960. Ontario Geological Survey

Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 22

WABIGOON LAKE AREA

(NTS52F/NE) District of Kenora

M.A. Roed

1980

THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NORTHERN AFFAIRS AND IS MANAGED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Orders for publications should be accompanied by cheque or money order payable to the Treasurer of Ontario.

ISSN 0709-4671 ISBN 0-7743-4298-6

Parts of this publication may be quoted if credit is given. It is recommended that reference to this report be made in the following form:

1200-80-HofC CONTENTS

TABLE l Summary of terrain unit characteristics and engineering significance ...... 8, 9

FIGURE l - Diagrammatic sketch showing typical terrain types and their representative letter symbols ...... 6

MAP (accompanying report)

Map 5059 (coloured) - Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study, Data Base Map, Wabigoon Lake (NTS 52F/NE). Scale 1:100000.

Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study 22

WABIGOON LAKE AREA

(NTS52F/NE)

District of Kenora

M.A. Roed 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Interpretation of 1969 black and white aerial photographs, at a scale of approximately 1:50000, formed the basis of the terrain mapping process.

Geological Consultant, Geo-analysis Limited, Ottawa, Ontario.

Appreciation is expressed to the Ontario Geological Survey for providing a manuscript copy of the aggregate inventory map for the area, prepared by E.V. Sado.

2.0 GEOLOGIC SETTING

2.1 BEDROCK GEOLOGY

2.2 QUATERNARY GEOLOGY

2.3 PHYSIOGRAPHY

3.1 BEDROCK

Examples: RN(tsMG) RN(cmLP) RN(cmLP) (tsMG) Lu-D Ln-D Mnj-D

RR(cmLP) RP(cmLP) Mr-D Lu-D

X3 51

m Jo m w eo * m m

m O m H 33 < w2 ^ o ODZ> r- OH C m f 3D

3.2 MORAINE

Examples: sgLB/sgtGD tsMG7RN(RN) tsbMH(RN) Lu-D Mn-D Mn-D

Moraine in this area includes major, complex moraine-like features, as well as widely separated patches of ground moraine and minor hum mocky moraine.

susceptibleislightvehicleroads;lowcompressiblepoor;poor; highcapacity;drainagesusceptiblemixeddrainage

suitableforgoodstructures fS

drainagedrainagecapacitybearingpoor

s. rei 1- T3 T)~ O) reO fc O) a T3 o0 S Cn

0 10

3.3 GLACIOFLUVIAL

Examples: sgGO(RN) sgGO(tsMG) (pOT) Ln-D Lu-D(M)

sgGO(RN) (sED) gs GO (RN) (cmLP) Luw-D Lpt-D

sgLB/gsGD sgGE(RN) sgGK Lp-D Lnr-D Lnr-D

3.4 GLACIOLACUSTRINE

Examples: cmLP(RN) (pQT) cmLP(RN)(pOT) sgLB Lun-D(M) Ludp-D(W) Lp-D

3.5 EOLIAN

Examples: sED sgGO(RN) (sED) Lpn-D Luw-D

3.6 ALLUVIAL

3.7 ORGANIC

Examples: pOT pOT/cmLP Lp-W Lu-M 15

4.0 REFERENCES

Gartner, John F., Mollard, J.D., and Roed, M.A. 1980: Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study Users© Manual; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 5288, 99 p.

Hills, G.A. and Morwick, F.F. 1944: Reconnaissance Soil Survey of Parts of Northwestern Ontario; Ontario Soil Survey, Report No. 8, 56 p.

Rittenhouse, G. 1934: A Laboratory Study of an Unusual Series of Varved Clays from Northern Ontario; American Journal of Science, Vol. 28, p. 110-120. 16

Satterly, J. 1943: Geology of the Dryden-Wabigoon Area; Ontario Department of Mines, Vol. 50, Pt. 2, 67 p. Accompanied by Map 50e, scale l :63 360 or l inch to l mile.

pOT RN(tsMG) George,/ t. i -e Ontario Geological Survey Lp-W Lun-D pVermtttonf v,o r sLPXRP(HN) ; ^ ,. t"* N(KMG|i:mLP) Map 5059 LQn-[i WABIGOON LAKE NTS52F/NE

sgOO(RN]lcmLP Data Base Map Maskinonge L Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study

cmLP(RN)(pOT) \ cmLP/RNfRNUpOT) sgLB(tsME)(RN)

cmLPIRNljpOTj cmLP(RN)(pOTl

sLP(RN) y L u D cmLP/RNIRNHpOT) sgLB(tsMEKRN)

ciiLP(RN)pOTl

sgLB/gsbGDfHN) RNItsMG) cmLR

MG(flN)(cmLP) 2 RNfttMG cmLP RNItsMGHcmLP) One centimetre represent E one kilometre R N tem L P pOT)

RNhsMGHcmUP) LEGEND

RN(tsMG)(cmLP) mLP RNWsgLB LANDFORM MATERIAL MORAINAL b bouldars, bouldery ME End moraine C clay, clayey MG Ground moraine g gravel, gravelly MH Huirimockymoraine p peat, muck r rubble EMENT~f\ Sandbcach Lake GLACIOFLUVIAL *i-^i j-DLofc© s sand, sandy GD Ice contact delta, esket m silt, silly /L/ ^pOT/cmLP ^ \X /T-E—————— delta, kame delta, delta t tilt Lp-W moraine GE Esker, esker complex, Mn p-D crevasse filling GK Kame, Kame field, kame RN(tsMG)(cmLP) terrace, kame moraine GO Outwash p!am, valley train QLB/s! GO(RN) TOPOGRAPHY LOCAL RELIEF LB Raised (abandoned! beach torrri H Mainly high local relief RNItsMGMcmLP} LD G lac ra lac us trin B delta M Mainly moderate local relief LP Gladotacustrine plain L Mainly low local relief VARIETY se 3O{Rfy||cmLP) sGO(RPJ)(pOT) c channellBd sgLB/RNfRNKcntLP) d dissected, gullied j tagged, rugged, cliffed |* cliffed volcanic rock signature k tef/ted, pitted CS Stope failure CT Talus pile n knobby, hummocky CW Slopewash and debris creep p plain sneet; minor latus t ridged Copelard s stoping Pr- S \l devils t terraced RN{tsMGJ(cmLP) ^ Lp D u undulating tc rolling c^r^-A^r ^J 0 e ED Sand dunes s--.---.lunp Mn w wasned.

^Xfi/GOOA^ ^-^-\y OT Organic terrain RN(tsMG)(cmLP) 4 " ^ DRAINAGE SURFACE CONDITION RL Bedrockplatsau RN Bedrock knob W Wet RN(tsMG)(cmL,P) RP Bedrockpiain D Dry RR Bedrock riage M Mixed wet and dry wa drift veneer h Suspected high wste© table

RN(tsMG}(cmLP)

The letter codes describing the terrain units are made up of lour sMG(RNMs9GOt components arranged as follows: —

•fe* J sgGO MATERIAL LANDFORM tsMG(RN|(sgGO

RN(cmLP)(tsMGl TOPOGRAPHY DRAINAGE

lsMG(RN)(sgap)

Examples - dominant landform cmLP[RN)(pOT) subordinate landform material . Ldp-M -tMG(RHr Melgund Lake ^Mu(Hj)-D drainage ^~Telief of subordinate landform local relief' topographic variety of dominant landform

.slash indicates a veneer of one landform overlying a second landform Lp-W

pOT(sED(;sgGO SYMBOLS

Significant end moraine or linear Smell landslide scar tnoraine-likB feafufs

RNJcWLP)(tsMG) LVs// expressed cirumlins and Sand or grat/el pit \\un-DIM) dm m l moid ridges Quarry or mine workings evident A a other linear ice-flow features from airphotos or field observa tion (crossed picks are shown in the area ot open excavation) Ester r/dge (continuous, discon sgLBfcmLPjfsgGOl tinuous: the symbol does not in Other man-node l&atures (rock dicate direction of How) dumps, tailings, lagoons, land fills, etc.: tyoe of feature men Abandoned shoreline (continu tioned where ©dentiHable) RN(cmLP)|tsMG ous. Steep-wailed valleys, often bed Local dune area (type ana loca rock-controlled features tion of individual dunes not indi es ted) Talus (defined, inferred: bsse of talus triangle indicates down RN(cml.P)(1sMG) Abandoned river channel, spill slope side of escarpment) way. or ice marginal channels Line joining ttie same terrain units Escarpment cmLP|taMG)(RN}

•10 Saviple location cmLP RNMpOT) RP!(tsMGHpOT|

NOTE1: Lu-D r\aii.\ 0val L This map is intended to be an inventory of regional engineering terrain conditions, as determined largely by airphoto interpretation. Its purpose is lo provide a guide for engineering pOT(sfeOHcmLP) RN(cmLPKtsMGj and resource planning functions. The boundaries of the terrain units shown on the map are Eagle , Lake M approximate only, consistent with a 1.100 000 scale Site specific investigations are required ir Mn-D order lo obtain detailed information for a particular area. The map user should refer to the accompanying report f or a fuller description of terrain in the study area, (sGO pOT/cmLP NOTE 2: RN(tsMG)(pOT) RN(tsMGMpOT) f? Colour is used to enhance what is considered to be the dominant engineering condition in simple, complex or layered terrain units. RN{cmLP)(tsMG) NOTE 3. tsMH (RNHcmbR) Not all letter and graphic symbols shown in t he legend necessarily appear on t his map sheet.

Information from this publication may be quoted if appropriate credit is given. Reference to this map is recommended as follows: Roed M A. Published 1980. Base Map derived from 1 men to 2 miles Provincial Series, Engineering Geology Terrain Evaluation by M. A. Roed. Surveys and Mapping Branch, Ministry of Natural Resources, GEO-ANALYSI5 LIMITED, OTTAWA, ONT 1978. 1980. Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study, Data Base Map. Wabigoon Lake Ontario Geological Survey. Map 5059, Scale 1 ;10D 000 THIS PROJECT WAS FUNDED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NORTHERN AFFAIRS