PRELIMINARY REPORT
TO
-
International Joint Commission
RELATING TO
OFFICIAL REFERENCE
RE
LEVELS OF RAINY LAKE
AND
OTHER UPPER WATERS
TEXT
BY
S. S. SCOVIL,
P. C. BULLAKD,
Cons'ulling Enyznew,
Engineer .for the Dominion of Canada
llfajor, Corps of Engineers,
Engineer jor /he Unzled Sliles
OTTA\VA
F A ACLAND
PRINTER TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT IIAJESTY
1930
INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION
UNITEDSTATES
Chairman,
JOHNH. BARTLETT,
FREDT. DUBOIS,
P. C. M C C ~ B E R .
H. SMITH,
Secretary.
WILLIAM
CANADA
CHARLES
A. MAGRATH,
Chairman,
.
SIR WILLIAM
HEARST,K.C.M.G.,
GEORGE
W. KYTE,K.C.
LAWRENCE
J. BURPEE,Secretary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
PAGE
INTRODUCTION
.................................................................. 7
Rainy Lake Reference........................................................
7
8
Lake of the Woods Reference.................................................
Appointment of Engineers .................................................... 8
Instructions to Engineers and Status of Investigation ............................
8
Authorization for this Report .................................................
9
Nature of this Report ........................................................ 9
Further report by the Engineers...............................................
9
Acknowledgments ........................................................... 9
CHAPTER I1
CHAPTER I11
...................................
GENERAL
DESCRIPTION
OF FIELDINVESTIGATIONS
General Remarks ............................................................
Surveys by Other Agencies ...................................................
General Plan of Field Work ...................................................
Aerial Survey ...............................................................
Triangulation and Ground Control .............................................
Topographic Surveys-By United States Engineers ..............................
Topographic Sumeys-By Canadian Engineers ..................................
OtherField Work ...........................................................
General Working Conditions ..................................................
Office Methods ..............................................................
Accuracy of Maps ...........................................................
Accuracy of Data other than maps ............................................
Accuracy of Levels ..........................................................
Meteorological Data ..........................................................
13
13
13
13
14
14
17
18
19
20
21
22
22
22
23
CHAPTER IV
.......................................
DETAILED
DATAFOR INDIVIDUAL
RESERVOIRS
Remarks on Accuracy of Reservoir Data .........................................
Northern Light Lake .........................................................
SaganagaLake ...............................................................
ICnifeLake .................................................................
Birch Lake .................................................................
Kawishiwi River ............................................................
Basswood.Lake..............................................................
Crooked Lake ........ ; .......................................................
Maligne River ..............................................................
Iron Lake ..................................................................
Lac La Croix ...............................................................
Loon Lake ..................................................................
NamakanRiver .............................................................
. Namakan Chain of Lakes .....................................................
Rainy Lake ..................................................................
25
25
25
26
27
27
28
28
29
30
30
31
31
31
32
32
APPENDIX I
Notes on Topographic Maps and Detail Plans .......................................
34
preliminary Report to International Joint Commission
relating to Official Reference re Regulation of the
Levels of Rainy Lake and other
Upper Waters
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Rainy Lake Reference.-At the moment of the signing of the Convention
andFProtocol in the matter of the Regulation of the Lake of the Woods, the
plenipotentiaries of Canada and the United States agreed that their governments should, without delay, address to the International Joint Commission
identic letters of reference concerning the levels of the boundary waters within
the Rainy Lake Watershed. Accordingly, such identic letters were sent on
February 27, 1925, and the content is here reproduced:I have the honor to inform you that, in pursuance of Article 9 of the
Treaty of the 11th January, 1909, between the United States and Great
Britain, the Governments of the United States and Cancida have agreed t o
refer to the International Joint Commission the following questions for
examination and report, together with such conclusions and recommendations as may be deemed appropriate.
QUESTION1.-In order to secure the most advantageous use of the
waters of Rainy Lake and of the boundary waters flowing into and from
Rainy Lake, for domestic and sanitary purposes, for navigation purposes,
for fishing purposes, and for power, irrigation and reclamation purposes;
and in order to secure the most advantageous use of the shores and harbours
of both Rainy Lake and the .boundary waters flowing into and from the
lake, is it, from an economic standpoint, now practicable and desirable,
having regard for all or any of the interests affected thereby, or under what
conditions will it become thus practicable and desirable(a) To regulate the level of Rainy Lake in such a manner as t o
permit the upper limit of the ordinary range of the levels to exceed
elevation 1108.61 sea-level datum?
(b) To regulate the level of Namakan Lake and the waters controlled by the dams a t Kettle Falls in such a manner as t o permit the
upper limit of the ordinary range of the levels to exceed elevation
1120.11 sea-level datum?
(c) To provide storage facilities upon all or any of the boundary
waters above Namakan Lake?
QUESTION2.-If
it be found practicable and desirable thus (1) t o
regulate the level of Rainy Lake, and /or (2) to regulate the level of Namakan Lake and the waters controlled by the dams a t Kettle Falls, and/or (3)
to provide storage facilities upon all or any of the boundary waters above
Namakan Lake(a) What elevations are recommended?
(b) To what extent will it be necessary to acquire lands and t o
construct works in order to provide for such elevations and/or storage,
and what will be their respective costs?
7
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
(c) What interests on each side of the boundary would be benefited? What would be the nature and extent of such benefit in each
case? How should the cost be apportioned among the various interests
so benefited?
QUESTION3.-What
methods of control and operation would be
feasible and advisable in order to regulate the volume, use and outflow of
the waters in each case in accordance with such recommendations as may
bc made in answer to questions 1 and 2?
QUESTION
4.-What interests on each side of the boundary are benefited by the present storage on Rainy Lake and on the waters controlled
by the dams a t Kettle Falls? What are the nature and extent of such
benefits in each case? What is the cost of such storage and how should
such cost be apportioned anlong the various interests so benefited?
Each government will appoint from its public service such engineering
and other technical assistance as may be necessary to enable the commission
to make the desired examination and submit their report.
Lake of the Woods Reference.-In June, 1912, somewhat similar questions concerning the Lake of the Woods were referred to the International Joint
Commission by the governments of Canada and the United States. The report
of the International Joint Commission on these questions was made in 1917,
and in 1925 the governments of the two countries, based on the recommendations of this report, formulated the convention and protocol referred to above
in the preamble to the Rainy Lake Reference.
One of the recommendations of the International Joint Commission was
that when the demands for power warrant the reservoir capacity of the Upper
Rainy Watershed be increased. In furtherance of the investigations of this
project and other related projects, the governments initiated the letters of reference which are the subject of the present inquiry.
The engineers to the International Joint Commission in the matter of the
Lake of the Woods published their report in 1916. In the course of their investigations, much basic physical data directly affecting the present problem were
obtained, and are for the most part herein published. For a detailed description of the history and physical characteristics of this region, reference is made
to the report of the International Joint Commission on the Lake of the Woods
Reference.
Appointment of Engineers.-The
letters of reference regarding the
Rainy Lake Watershed directed that the governments should appoint from
their respective public services such engineers and technical advisers as were
necessary to assist the Commission in making its investigations. The Canadian Government appointed Mr. Stuart S. Scovil, a t that time of the Dominion
Water Power and Reclamation Service, who has remained on this work throughout and has had charge of all Canadian operations. The United States Government appointed the District Engineer, Duluth District, Duluth, Minnesota.
This latter office has been held in turn by several officers of the Corps of Engineers, United States Army. Major E. H. Marks, from April, 1925, to June, 1925,
and Major C. F. Williams, from July, 1925, to September, 1925, made preliminary arrangements, including the provision of funds and the laying out of
field work; Major R. W. Crawford from September, 1925, to July, 1928, carried
out the field work and initiated the hydraulic computations, and Major P. C.
Bullard, from July 18, 1928, to the present time, has had charge of the preparation of this preliminary report and of the work toward the preparation of
the final report, all of this pertaining to the portion of the work falling to the
United States organization.
Instructions t o Engineers a n d Status of Investigation.-The letters of
reference relating to the Rainy Lake watershed were addressed to the Inter-
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
9
national Joint Comn~issionon February 27, 1925. A hearing was held by the
Commission a t International Falls, Minnesota, 28th-30th September, 1925, a t
which all interested parties were given an opportunity to make argument for or
against a change of levels.
At a meeting of the International Joint Commission held in New York
City in January, 1926, by direction of the Commission, a report was submitted
by its engineers giving an estimate of the time and funds necessary for the collection of the engineering data which would be needed for the for~nulationof a
proper answer to the four questions of the reference. As a result of this report,
and a t this meeting, the engineers were instructed to proceed with the field
investigations essential to the procurement of these data. Accordingly, the
necessary triangulation, contouring, metering, gauge reading, evaluation, and
timber cruising were thereupon commenced by the engineering forces of both
governments. These were completed in the summer of 1928. Based on these
data, preliminary hydraulic computations have been made, the topographic
maps have been completed, and detailed surveys of certain possible sites of
control structures have been platted. No engineering conclusions have yet been
reached.
Authorization for t h i s Report.-The
International Joint Commission
met in their offices a t Ottawa, Ontario, on 2nd October, 1928, for the purpose of
learning from the engineers the progress of their investigations. At that time
i t was reported to the Commission that the field investigations had been practically completed, but that the studies necessary to an engineering report which
could embody conclusions were of such a complex and involved nature, that a
great deal of time would necessarily be needed to complete such a report.
The Commission took cognizance of the fact that there was a public demand
for the release of basic physical data pertaining to the watershed, and thereupon
directed their engineers to submit a report to include only such physical -data
of the watershed as were based upon observations and field investigation. It is
in accordance with these instructions that this present preliminary report has
been prepared. This report is to be followed a t a later date by a further report.
N a t u r e of this Report.-This
report is designed to include all available
data heretofore collected which would be of use to persons desirous of studying
the Rainy Lake Watershed with a view to planning 'a hydraulic development.
The data comprise, in general, the readings of lake levels, determinations of
discharge measurements, measurements of area, etc., which have been gathered
for later study, but no conclusions nor even preliminary studies will be found
herein. The report consists of a short introductory and explanatory text, a
book of tables and compilations of data, a book of plates and an atlas of maps.
Data are published herein to include the calendar year 1927.
F u r t h e r R e p o r t by the Engineers.-The
work of the engineers to the
commission will involve the preparation and submission of a further report
embodying technical studies, conclusions and reco~nmendationsto the International Joint Commission.
Acknowledgments.-The
following authorities have been' freely drawn
upon in the course of the field investigations and in the preparation of this
report, and i t is desired to acknowledge indebtedness to these agencies and
sources and extend thanks to their representatives or authors:Report of the Consulting Engineers to the International Joint Commission
in the matter of the Lake of the Woods Reference.
International Boundary Commission.
Corps of Engineers, United States Army.
United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
United States Geological Survey.
Air Corps, United States Army.
Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
.
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
Weather Bureau, United States Department of Agriculture.
General Land Office, United States Department of Interior.
Department of Conservation, State of Minnesota.
Department of State, State of Minnesota.
Water Power and Reclamation Service, Department of Interior, Canada.
Department of Public Works, Canada.
Geodetic Survey of Canada.
Topographical Surveys, Department of Interior, Canada.
Air Service, Department of National Defence, Canada.
Meteorological Service of Canada.
Department of Lands and Forests, Province of Ontario.
The acknowledgments and thanks of the engineers are also due the following
persons who have contributed to the investigation and the preparation of this
report :I N THE UNITEDSTATESORGANIZATION:
Associate Engineer E. L. Lull, who had direct charge of the field and office
work under the District Engineer.
Captain R. D. Ingalls, Corps of Engineers, who succeeded to this charge
and has handled the detailed preparation of this report.
1st Lieut. E. G. Plank, Corps of Engineers, who performed the air photographic work.
1st Lieut. E. C. Batten, Air Corps, Pilot.
Mr. R. B. McKennan, formerly of the U.S. Forestry Service, who performed
the timber cruising.
Senior Draftsman W. 0. O'Rourke, who adjusted the aerial photographs.
.
'
Among the other United States field and office personnel whom it is particularly
desired to mention are:
Assistant Engineer,W. B. Anthony.
.
Junior Engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Inspector A. C. Zimmerman.
Surveymen J. E. Frank, M..V.. Curran, S. .S. Sandstrom, C. A. Carlson,
C. H. Tennstrom, W. H. Magie, Paul Seavey and Carl Jylha.
(Each of whom at various times had responsible charge of. field par tie^.)
Senior Draftsman H. E. Furu, who performed the bulk of the drafting.
Surveyman R. S. Chapman, who projected the U. S. Land subdivision lines
.
on the topographic maps..
i in all^, thanks are due to the remaining members of the office force, including the typists.
IN THE CANADIAN
ORGANIZATION:
Field and office work on the part of Canada has with certain few exceptions
hereinafter noted, been carried out by the staff of the Dominion Water Power
and Reclamation Service. I n particular specific reference should be made to
the following members of this organization:
Mr. J. T. Johnston, Director, whos<assistance and co-operation has been
invaluable.
Mr. I. R. Strome, who has had direct charge of field and office work and to
whom the highest credit is due for the prosecution of the work.
Mr. C. H. Attwood, who has supervised field operations.
Mr. G. G. McEwen, who has had charge of field surveys.
Mr. N. T. Allan, who has been responsible for draughting and mapping.
Mr. E. B. Patterson, who had charge of reconnaissance power and storage
surveys.
Mr. B. B. Hogarth, and Mr. J. T. Rose, who have acted as principal assistants on the surveys.
,
'
RAINY LAKE IN VESTZGATION
11
In addition to'the members of the above organization special reference
should be made to the following Canadian officials:Of the Department of Public Works-Mr. K. M. Cameron, Chief Engineer;
Mr. S. J. Chapleau, Supervising-Engineer, who has assisted materially by compiling and furnishing hydrological data relating to Rainy: Lake Watershed;
Mr. F. Y. Harcourt, District Engineer a t Port Arthur, for a detailed report on
, .
certain structures affected by change in stage of Rainy Lake.
Of the Department of National Health-Mr. Geo. H. Ferguson, Chief
Sanitary Engineer, for a report on water supply and sewage disposal a t the Town
of F.ort Frances, Ontario.
Of the Department of Lands and Forests, Ontario.-Mr.
L. V. Rorke,
Surveyor-General, for co-operation and assistance in matters relating to Ontario
Government natural resources.
REPORI' OF ENGINEERS
CHAPTER I1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DRAINAGE AREA
Rainy Lake with an area of 345 square miles forms the collecting basin for a
drainage area of 14,500 square miles of which about 10,100 square miles are in
Ontario and about 4,400 square miles in Minnesota. Along the International
Boundary the drainage commences in North Lake and flows through Gunflint
Lake into Lake Saganaga. From the latter lake the river connection between
intervening lake expanses diverges from the International Boundary and the
flow is through Ontario around the north of Hunter's Island, by may of the
Maligne River and Kawnipi Lakes and Sturgeon Lake to the boundary water
of Lac la Croix. Meanwhile, along the International Boundary t o the west of
Lake Saganaga a second water system tributary to Lac la Croix has its source
in Cypress Lake, from which the flow is westward through Knife, Carp, Birch,
Basswood, Crooked and Iron Lakes and thence into Lac la Croix. From the
latter lake the outflow is again away from the border through Ontario, down the
Namakan River into Namakan Lake. A secondary chain of lakes along the
International Boundary draining into Namakan Lake comprises Loon, Little
Vermilion and Sand Point Lakes. At the outlet of Namakan Lake, control
dams were constructed whereby the levels of, and outflow from, Little Vermilion,
Crane, Sand Point, Kabetogama and Namalian Lakes into Rainy Lake have
been artificially controlled since March 1914. From the outlet of Rainy Lake,
which has been controlled since March 1909 by the dam and power houses of
the Minnesota and Ontario Power Company, the flow is through Rainy River
into Lake of the Woods and thence down the Winnipeg River into Lake WinnipegOf the land situated along the International Boundary above Rainy Lake,
there is a relatively small percentage suitable for cultivation. From the upper
boundary waters down to and including Lac la Croix there is practically no
settlement. Logging operations have been and will in the future be pursued in
this area. In particular the numerous lakes, both tributary to and along the
boundary, are from year to year attracting increasing numbers of sportsmell
and tourists. The construction of automobile roads in northern Minnesota has
made access to such waters relatively easy, and the consequent influx of tourists
becomes an important factor for consideration in the problem in hand.
RAINY LAICE INVESTIGATION
13
CHAPTER I11
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
General Remarks.-In
carrying out their assigned task of assisting the
International Joint Commission in making the desired examinations, gathering
and compiling data, and formulating engineering conclusions, a general plan
and estimate of cost were submitted to the International Joint Commission and
upon this basis the survey was planned. This survey was designed to furnish
topographic maps of the water areas, including shore lines, contours to the upper
limit of possible regulation, detailed information concerning forested areas,
volume of flow a t outlets of possible reservoirs, plans of possible sites of storage
or power structures, damages to property by various increases of levels, and
other data from which to determine the engineering and economic basis of a
solution of the questions of the reference.
Surveys by Other Agencies.-Previous to the contour and flowage survey
of the upper boundary lakes which has been completed under this Reference,
several surveys have been inade in the watershed. The United States portion of
the watershed has been subdivided into townships and sections, and isolated
parts of the Canadian portion of the watershed have been similarly subdivided.
The International Boundary Commission has completed its survey of the International Boundary and the final adjustments of the boundary line have been
inade based on a primary triangulation of the area by the Geodetic Survey of
Canada and the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
During the course of the investigation of the levels of Lake of the Woods
the engineers to the International Joint Commission made a reconnaissance of
the low-lying lands around the shores of Rainy Lake and prepared maps of
a small portion of these lands. These maps are being republished herewith.
In the years 1922 and 1923 survey parties of the Dominion Water Power
and Reclamation Service made a reconnaissance survey of the power and storage
resources of the Upper Rainy boundary waters and much valuable information
mas collected which has been used in the present investigation.
I n 1917 the Department of Lands and Forests of the Province of Ontario
made a survey of Namakan River from Lac la Croix to Namakan Lake.
I n 1925 the Minnesota and Ontario Power Company had a contour and
power survey made from the outlet of Little Vermilion Lake up .to and includi~lg
Lac la Croix.
The Topographical Surveys Branch of the Department of the Interior,
Canada, have been engaged during 1927 and 1928 in making an aerial survey
of the Canadian territory lying within the Lake of the Woods watershed, from
aerial photographs taken by the Royal Canadian Air Force. When this survey
has been completed sectional topographic maps will be available for the entire
Canadian portion of the Rainy Lake watershed.
field work was divided between the
General P l a n of Field Work.-The
United States and Canadian engineer organizations. With respect to Rainy
Lake itself and to its immediate vicinity, it was considered that, with the
exception of a few elements, the information already available was sufficient in
amount and was of the required degree of accuracy for the purpose of this
investigation. For the verification of data already available and for the collection of such additional data as were here needed, the vicinity of Rainy Lake
itself was divided between the engineers of the two countries, each assuming
responsibility on his own side of the International Boundary. The remainder
of the region, constituting the greater part of the area to be surveyed, was
divided by an arbitrary north-south line passing through the western end of
Crooked Lake above Curtain Falls, the United States engineer taking that
__
. -.
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
'
portion of the watershed to the east of this line, and the Canadian engineer
taking the portion to the west, each portion including both United States and
Canadian territory. In this way, the work a t any lake and along a series of
lakes was placed under one control, and, since these lakes furnished practically
the only means of communication, the operations of each government organization were simplified and concentrated in a more compact area than would have
been the case if it had operated only on its side of the International Boundary.
This resulted in considerable economy and simplicity of operation.
The locations of these assigned areas may be determined from the index
map, which shows the ground covered by the individual map sheets. Sheets 1
to 20 were constructed under the direction of the United States engineer; sheets
22 to ,44under the direction of the Canadian engineer, and sheet 21 was constructed jointly.
~
Aerial Survey.-The United States made a vertical aerial photographic
survey over the area assigned to the United States engineer and a portion of
that assigned to the Canadian engineer. The flights were made in October,
November, and December of 1925, with a Loening amphibian airplane, furnished
by the Air Corps, U.S. Army, from McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio. Immediately
after exposure, the films were sent to McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio, where they
were developed, transformed where necessary, and printed, the prints being then
forwarded to the Duluth office, where they were mounted on cardboard. The
scale of the photographs taken by the United States Air Service, varied from
1/15,000 to 1/20,000. Adjustments by the United States engineer were made
by the radial line method, modified by a more or less completed ground control
resulting in a shore line map, a t a scale of 1/24,000, of the area covered by
the photographs.
In the summer of the year 1927, the Topographical Surveys Branch, Department of the Interior, Canada, in conjunction with the Royal Air Force, obtained
vertical aerial photographs of that portion of the boundary lakes lying between
Loon Lake on the east and Kettle Falls on the west, including Loon River,
Little Vermilion, Sand Point, Crane, Narnakan, and Kabetogama Lakes.
Each engineer having received the aerial photographs of his assigned area,
thereafter completed the survey by such methods as appeared most suitable.
Triangulation a n d Ground Control.-No
triangulation survey was
made by the Canadian engineer in the area which was assigned to him. The
ground control used for the aerial photographs of this survey was obtained by
tying-in on the photographs the boundary monuments along the International
Boundary and in the case of Kabetogama Lake by tying-in a sufficient number
of the township or section corners of the United States land survey.
I n the United States work, an effort was made t o make immediate use of
the aerial photographs by using as a control the maps of the International
Boundary Commission. Due, however, to the impracticability of identifying
a sufficient number of accurately known points which were common to map and
photograph, it was found impossible to make use of the photographs until
further field work had been done. Ground control was finally obtained by means
of triangulation and local surveying, described below, which was used to determine the location of prominently defined natural objects, such as small islands
and points of land, selected as being desirably placed for tie points and appearing
plainly upon the airplane photographs.
The United States engineer used as a basis for the ground control of his
surveys, the triangulation stations of known geographic position which had been
established by other agencies and supplementary triangulation nets were
extended to cover unsurveyed areas. These nets were then used to locate the
prominent points used as ground control for the aerial survey, which points were
tied to them by traverse or intersection, and the nets were also used as a basis
for the control of other ground survey work.
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
15
The basic triangulation was established by the International Boundary
Commission and the Geodetic Survey of Canada in the area covered by these
maps. Their systems are secondary in nature, being in turn based on the
primary system of first-order stations previously established by the United
States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Unsurveyed areas, over which the additional triangulation nets were
extended, included the areas in the vicinity of Northern Light Lake, Cache Bay,
Seagull River, Seagull Lake, Red Rock Bay, south arm of Knife Lake, and
Hoist, Pipestone, Jackfish and North Bays of Basswood Lake. .
It is to be noted that the geodetic datum established by the International
Boundary Commission and used herein, is subject to revision according to the
revised North American datum, 1927, determined in a general adjustment of
the triangulation of the western half of the United States, made by the United
States Coast and Geodetic Survey. For example, according to International
Boundary Commission datum, the geographical position of the United States
Coast and Geodetic Survey triangulation station "Fang" of the first order
triangulation which was plotted on the topographic map entitled "East Birch
Basswood Lake," is:
Latitude.. . . . . . . . . .48 deg. 01 min. 41-68 see.
Longitude. ........ .91 deg. 25 min. 08.65 sec.
whereas its position, according to the North American Datum, 1927, is:
Latitude.. . . . . . . . . .48 deg. 01 min. 41.335 sec.
Longitude.. ....... .91 deg. 25 min. 08.768 sec.
Similarly contrasting data concerning station ''Mabel" which was established
by the Geodetic survey of Canada and is plotted on our topographic map,
entitled "Southern Part of Saganaga Lake," ?re as follows:
1nternational'~oundar~
Commission datum:
Latitude.. . . . . .48 deg. 10 min. 43.450 sec.
Longitude. .... .SO deg. 52 min. 37.968 sec.
North American datum, 1927:
Latitude.. . . . . .48 deg. 10 min. 43.114 sec.
Longitude. .....90 deg. 52 min. 38 .138 sec.
.
I n the Northern Light Lake region fifty triangulation stations and twentyfour tie points for photographic control were established by United States
parties, covering an area of approximately 125 square miles, thus providing
control for the aerial survey. Triangulation stations "Light" and "Stuart"
of the Canadian Geodetic Survey were used as the ends of a base line and the
system also included triangulation station "Dire" and Reference Monument
No. 983 of the Internatianal Boundary Commission.
Nineteen triangulation stations and eight additional tie points were established in the region comprising Jackfish Bay, Pipestone Bay, and Hoist Bay of
Basswood Lake, which region includes an area of approximately 35 square miles.
This provided complete control for the aerial survey of this area and furnished
reference points for extending the survey beyond the limits of the photographs.
Triangulation stations "Hunch" and "Fluke" of the International Boundary
Commission were used as the ends of a base line.
I n the North Bay district of the Basswood Lake area, United States parties
established a network of ten triangulation stations and six tie points. This
system was based on the International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments 809 and 813.
The Cache Bay system, (west end of Saganaga Lake), consists of six triangulation stations and three tie points, based on Reference Monument 962 and
Reference Monument 959 of the International Boundary Commission.
16
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
.
The Seagull system consists of nine triangulation stations and seven tie
points, baaed on stations '(Duplex" and "Dundee" of the International Boundary
Commission system.
The Red Rock Bay system, (southern part of Saganaga Lake), consists of
four triangulation stations and three tie points, based on stations "Delhi" and
"Digit" of the International Boundary Commission system.
On the south arm of Knife Lake, eight triangulation stations and two tie
points were established. These were based on stations ('Earn" and "Earth"
of the International Boundary Commission system.
Each station of these nets was permanently located by a brass pin or lead
plug firmly set in a hole drilled in rock.
Elevations, except for those referring to Rainy Lake and the lakes controlled by the dams a t Kettle Falls, are based on sea-level datum, and were
determined directly from the bench marks established in the region by the
International Boundary Commission. The levels of the excepted bodies of
water are referred to Public Works Department datum of Canada, which is
based on the so-called "500" bench mark, described as follows:
Department of Public Works, Canada, B.M. top of iron bolt set vertically
in solid rock, 4 feet from edge of north side of canal, directly beneath
the Canadian end of the Minnesota and Ontario Power Company's
bridge :
Elevation, Public Works, Canada, datum. . . . . . . . . . . .
500 00
Elevation, Sea-level datum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1111.61
a
The work of triangulation and the work of topographic surveying on any
lake were, in general, performed by the same field parties, ancl both were usually
completed in each vicinity before moving camp to the next area. The general
history of this fielcl work of both kinds is as follows:
In July 1926, the first United States party took the field, establishing camp
a t the eastern end of Saganaga Lake. Here work was confined to the supplementing of the survey of the International Boundary Commission in that
vicinity. This was accomplished by September, and the party moved to Jackfish Bay of Basswood Lake where a winter camp of log cabins was built. Survey
operations in this area were then continued through the winter of 1926-27 and
by March 1927, all triangulation work in Jackfish, Pipestone, and Hoist Bay
areas, and all topographic details of shore lines of Jaclrfish and Pipestone Bays
and of Sandpit and Newton Lakes had been completed.
I n the meantime, a second United States survey party had been established
a t Northern Light Lake, Ontario, in August 1926. This area had been hitherto
unsurveyed, except for the establishment of the two triangulation stations,
"Light" and "Stuart," referred to above. Upon these points as a base, a triangulation net was built up to cover the entire Northern Light Lake area and
was extended to include two stations on Saganaga Lake previously established
by the International Boundary Commission. In October 1926, survey work of
this party was suspended to await the formation of ice, and two log cabins for
use as winter quarters were built. As soon as the ice was safe, field operations
were resumed and continued through the winter, resulting in the completion of
the triangulation net and of about 20 per cent of the topographic detail by
February 1927, a t which time work was suspended and the party disbanded to
await the open season.
From May 1927 to July 1927 two parties were in the field on triangulation
work, one operating in the North Bay district of Basswood Lake, and the other
in the Cache Bay district of Saganaga Lake.
During the period from 1st July, 1927, to 31st October of the same year,
there were five United States parties in the field, one each located as follows: a t
Northern Light Lake; Saganaga Lake; Basswood Lake; Basswood River; and
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
17
Crooked Lake. This force completed the work with the exception of the investigation of possible power sites on the Basswood River. This operation was
carried to a conclusion during February of 1928. The force of men employed
varied from three to fifty during the course of topographic work, and the period
elapsed from commencement to completion was about sixteen months.
Canadian field work directly under this reference was initiated in the year
1925 on Lac la Croix and as hereinafter noted was prosecuted throughout the
open water seasons of 1926 and 1927. Previous to the foregoing in anticipation
of questions arising as to the control of the upper boundary waters the Dominion
Water Power and Reclamation Service made throughout the seasons of 1922 and
1923 an extensive reconnaissance survey of the boundary waters from Northern
Light Lake to Namakan Lake, which has been of extreme value in subsequent
field work and in the preparation of this report.
Topographic Surveys.--By
United States Engineers.-Topographic
detail obtained by parties in the field was, for the greater portion of the area,
placed directly upon field sheets which had been previously prepared in the
office and sent into the field for that purpose. Th'ree different general types of
such field sheets were used.
For areas previously surveyed by the International Boundary Commission, preliminary sheets were obtained from that commission and were reproduced on bristol board, a t a scale of 1/24,000, by the Engineer Reproduction
Plant a t Washington, D.C.
For areas, hitherto, unsurveyed, but for which airplane photographs were
available, cardboard field sheets of convenient size were prepared, in the United
States Engineer office a t Duluth, a t a scale of 1/6000 for certain areas on Northern Light Lake and Basswood Lake and 1/12,000 on the remaining portions of
the area covered by this type of mapping. The method used in preparing these
sheets was by pantograph from the 1/24,000 shore line map which had been
previously compiled from airplane photographs, as described under "Aerial
Survey" above.
For the intervening areas from Saganaga Lake to Basswood Lake, exclusive,
which were not covered by the surveys of the International Boundary Commission, but for which aerial photographs were available, a third type of field
sheet was used. This field sheet was a rough shore line map, pantographed
directly from the aerial photographs a t an approximate scale of 1" equals 1,550
feet. Topography placed upon these field sheets was transferred from them to
the 1/12,000 shore line map, from which the final tracings were made, by the
use of scale and proportional dividers.
This last mentioned type of field sheet was used after completion of triangulation work in order to avoid idle delay or unnecessary change of camp location
while awaiting office work of triangulation adjustment and preparation of field
sheets. The area where this method was used is comparatively unimportant.
For other areas sufficient time elapsed between the triangulation work and the
topographic work to allow for preparation of field sheets in the office. This
permitted the triangulation work to be done in the winter when there was better
visibility, the topographic work being performed in summer, the intervening
period of ice breakup allowing time for the necessary office work.
The topography placed on these various types of field sheets consisted only
of contours, water levels, swamp areas, and buildings. Elevations for. contour
work were secured, for the most part, by hand level, although steep shore lines
were sketchedand extensive draws were surveyed by transit and stadia or by
plane-table methods. Canoes were usually used for the field parties in carrying
on this work.
Areas covered neither by the International Boundary Commission sheets
nor by the airplane photographs were mapped by plane table a t scales of 1/6000
and 1/12,000. Short gaps in the shore line which were found on the sheets
94678--2
18
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
furnished by the Boundary Commission were completed from airplane photographs or by stadia traverse. The area north of Basswood River in the vicinity
of Crooked Lake was mapped by transit and stadia methods.
Areas not covered by the Boundary Commission maps, but appearing on
airplane photographs, include Northern Light Lake, Cache Bay, Red Rock
Bay, Red Rock Lake, Seagull River, Seagull Lake, Newton Lake, Ensign Lake,
Moose Lake, portions of Cypress, Knife, Birch, and Carp Lakes, and Jackfish
and Pipestone Bays and portions of Hoist and North Bays of Basswood Lake,
together with several small lakes to the north and east of the upper end of
Crooked Lake.
Areas mapped by plane table include the southern portion of Newton Lake
and areas contiguous to Horse Lake, Horse River and Murphy Lake.
While the International Boundary Commission advance sheets are contoured a t 10-foot vertical intervals, all topography mapped by the field parties
has been reproduced a t 5-foot vertical intervals. I n establishing vertical control, levels were transferred from the bench marks of the Boundary Commission
by combined water-level and instrumental levelling. The history of the field
topographic work has been described above under "Triangulation and Ground
Control."
Topographic Surveys-By
Canadian Engineers.-Engineers
of the
Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service have made a complete contour and flowage survey of that part of the boundary lakes from Curtain Falls
a t the outlet of Crooked Lake to Kettle Falls a t the outlet of Namakan Lake.
This includes Lac la Croix, Loon Lake, Loon River, Little Vermilion Lake,
.Sand Point Lake, Crane Lake, Namakan Lake and Kabetogama Lake.
The contour survey in 1925 of Indian Reserve No. 25 D on the Canadian
shore of Lac la Croix was the first survey made by the Dominion Water Power
and Reclamation Service under this reference. A careful stadia traverse was
run along the shore of Lac la Croix within the boundaries of the reserve, and
subsidiary traverses were carried up creeks and gullies, etc., to secure the necessary data and topographic features. The survey was made entirely by transit
and level without the use of aerial photographs and the contours were located
with great detail. Notes were taken as to the character of the land and the
nature and extent of the timber.
For the contour survey of the remaining-portion of Lac la Croix and of
Loon Lake, in 1926, there were available the aerial photographs taken by the
United States War Department and the preliminary sheets showing contours
along the International Boundary which had been procured from the International Boundary Commission. From these photographs and boundary sheets
a composite map was made. This preliminary map did away with the necessity
of laying out a traverse control and it was only necessary to locate the contours
with transit and level along those areas where the contours were not shown by
the boundary survey. Thus the work was greatly facilitated and much better
progress was made than was the case in the survey of Indian Reserve No. 25 D.
The method of locating the contours around the Namakan Lakes was an
improvement on the previous methods used. The whole area was covered by a
vertical aerial survey in 1927 before any ground work was done. The control
for this aerial survey consisted in tying in the boundary monuments on the
photographs. Successive photographs were adjusted together by means of
common,points in the office of the Topographical Surveys Branch. The photographs were then taken into the field and by use of plane tables and field stereoscopes the contours were drawn directly on the prints. I n usiqg this method
sufficient instrumental elevations were taken to ensure accurate drawing of the
contours under the stereoscopes. Where the slopes were a t all steep very rapid
progress was made, and even in cases where the slopes were flat or where large
swamps skirted the lake shore, a minimum of instrumental work was required
in order to locate the contours accurately. As the water level of Namakan reser-
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
19
voir was very high during the summer of 1927 i t was necessary to take soundings
out from the shore line in order to locate the under-water contours down to the
natural high water level of these lakes.
I n all cases the datum used for these contour surveys was mean sea level
datum as obtained from the elevations of the bench marks on the monuments of
the International Boundary Survey. On Lac la Croix and Loon Lakes the
surveys were carried up to the 1,200 foot contour and on the Namakan chain of
Lakes up to the 1,130 foot contour. I n the case of Loon River, Little Vermilion
Lake and Sand Point Lake the contours up to elevation 1,200 had been
obtained by the Engineers of the Minnesota and Ontario Power Company and
after an adequate check had been made on the work the contours were plotted
on the topographic sheets covering that portion of the work.
Other Field Work.-Possible dam sites in the area of operations were
selected and examined with a view to their use for power or storage purposes, or
both. The most advantageous localities were first decided upon by examination of the topographic maps. Reconnaissance surveys were then made a t
these points in order to determine the feasibility of the general development,
and what appeared to be the most advantageous locations of the structures
were selected. A profile of the center line was made a t each location, using
International Boundary Con~mission bench marks and reference monuments
for datum purposes. Due to the preliminary nature of the investigation, no
borings were made to determine sub-soil conditions excepting a t the point of
possible overflow from Lac la Croix northward in Wolseley Lake.
Surveys of the above nature were made a t the following locations:
Northern Light Lake outlet,
Saganaga Lake outlet,
Swamp Portage,
Knife Lake outlet, .
Birch Lake outlet,
Basswood Lake outlet,
Wheelbarrow Portage, Bassmoocl River,
Picture Rock, Crooked Lake,
Curtain Falls, outlet of Crooked Lake,
Rebecca Falls, outlet of Iron Lake,
Bottle Lake inlet,
Bottle Lake outlet,
Upper McAree Rapids,
Lower McAree Rapids, '
Snake Falls, Namakan River,
Upper Myrtle Falls, Namakan River,
Little Myrtle Falls, Nainakan River,
Myrtle Falls, Namakan River,
Ivy Falls, Namakan River,
Lady Rapids, Namakan River,
Hay Falls, Namakan River,
High Falls, Namakan River,
Beatty's Portage, west end Lac la Croix,
Loon Falls, outlet of Loon Lake,
Mouth of Loon River,
Various overflow channels, Namakan Lake.
Kettle Falls Dams.
Timber cruising of the area around Loon Lake and part of Lac la Croix was
earried on by the Dominion Forest Service in 1926 and was completed by cruisers
of the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests in the winter of 1927. The
latter Service next made a cruise in the winter of 1928-29 of the timber around
the Namakan chain of lakes. A United States timber cruising psrty was in the
94679-2)
.
20
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
field continuously fiom September, 1926, until the spring of 1928, engaged in
compiling data upon which to base the value of timber growing on the flowage
areas. The resulting data and a description of the methods used will be included
in a further report.
I n conjunction with the general field operations, staff gauges, bench marks,
and metering sections were established a t hydraulic control points throughout
the watershed and records of lake level and discharge were obtained. Descriptions of these are published herewith together with the tabulation of records
obtained.
On the Seine and Turtle rivers, both of which are tributary to Rainy Lake,
hydrometric work was started in 1914 by the Hydro-Electric Power Comnlission
of Ontario. This work was turned over to the Dominion Water Power and
Reclamation Service in 1919 and continuous records have been obtained on
bot-h these streams to date. Since the summer of 1922 miscellaneous stream
measurement work has been carried on in connection with the various surveys
and considerable valuable data have been obtained on most of the important
lakes and streams which are now under consideration. Owing to the great
distances to be travelled and the lack of permanent residents in the area very
few continuous gauge readings have been obtained but on Lac la Croix continuous records have been obtained since the 22nd of August, 1921. All data
collected are shown in the Book of Tables published herewith.
Measurements of stream or lake discharge were made by the two-point
method a t sections where depth of water permitted, and a t other sections by
the one-point method. Depending, also, on depth of the water, the measurements were made either by wading or from a boat. Price current meters were
used in every case.
The Department of Public Works, Canada, since the investigation of the
levels of Lake of the Woods has obtained daily records of the levels of Namakan
Lake, the levels and outflow of Rainy Lake and has maintained a series of water
level gauges along the Rainy River from Rainy Lake to Lake of the Woods.
This information is shown in the Book of Tables accompanying this report.
The same Department has also made a report on the cost of raising the
grade of the Canadian National Railway across Rainy Lake to provide for
additional storage on Rainy Lake and has also obtained a report on the additional
cost of sewage facilities and water supply for the town of Fort Frances, Ontario.
I n connection with the topographical survey of Lac la Croix and the Namakan chain of lakes detailed information has been collected in respect to the
extent and value of private property which might be affected by a change in the
water levels. I n addition a special reconnaissance was made of the arable land
around the Namakan chain of lakes.
A survey of the shore of Rainy Lake in the vicinity of the village of Ranier
was made during the winter of 1927-28 for the purpose of estimating the damage which would result t o the buildings of the village by the raising of
the lake-level. At about the same time, a reconnaissance of the shoreline and
islands of Rainy Lake was made for similar purposes. The results of these
surveys will be published in a further report.
General Working Conditions.-The territory in which these operations
were conducted is a forested wilderness without roads, with few trails, and with
few human habitations, but, fortunately for one who wishes to traverse the
district, there is a countless multiplicity of lakes and streams. These are navigable in summer by canoes and small boats, and freeze so solidly in winter as t o
bear safely the weight of men and sleds with their requisite dog teams.
Such were accordingly the means of transportation used for penetrating the
area in summer and winter and for providing the survey parties with equipment,
supplies and provisions. In summer, bases of supplies having been established
a t the ends of the roads, and a motor-propelled, flat-bottomed boat having been
placed in each connecting lake, supplies were moved on schedule from base t o
RAINY LAKE IN-VESTIGATION
21
party, being packed over the intervening portages. I n winter, regular trips
were made by dog sled and snowshoe over the highways of the ice-covered lakes.
About 10 per cent of the field personnel was employed in supplying the remainder.
It may be interesting to note that, during the months of July to October,
inclusive, of 1927, two thousand gallons of high-test gasoline were consumed in
the operation of the United States boats alone, this being equivalent to from
fifteen thousand to twenty thousand boat-miles.
The topographic surveys carried on during this investigation by the Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service were done entirely during the summer
seasons. Weather conditions were in general very good and as all travelling
and transportation was done by motor-driven boats and canoes, excellent progress was made. On the Namakan chain of Lakes, where the stereoscopic
method of employing the vertical aerial photographs was used, a minimum
of instrumental work was required in order to locate the contours on the photographs, and the survey of the whole area was completed in a little over four
months.
Office Methods.-The
engineer of each country carried out the office
work pertaining to the area for the survey of which he was responsible.
The photographic office work is described generally under "Aerial Survey,"
above.
The final office tracings of the topographic sheets were prepared at' a scale
of 1/12,000, each sheet covering 10 minutes of longitude by 5 minutes of latitude,
or an area of approximately 50 square miles. I n printing, the scale was reduced
to 1/24,000, the scale of the final maps.
For the area to the East of Lac la Croix the office work consisted in preparing field sheets as outlined above under Topographic Surveys and in reproducing the field work to the proper scale and final form.
For the area of Lac la Croix and Loon Lake the plotting of the contour
surveys was carried out as follows. The control points were plotted on a grid of
minute lines and from this the triangulation and traverses were plotted. Spot
shots and elevations were then plotted from the traverses and the contours
.sketched in from them.
I n the case of the survey of the Namakan Lakes the method of placing the
contours on the sheets was necessarily changed. As before the control was laid
out on the sheets. The photographs which had been taken in each aeroplane
flight and upon which the contours had been drawn in the field, were traced on a
strip a t the natural scale of the photographs and this strip was reduced to the
1/12,000 scale by accurate photographic reduction. The provisional sheets of
the International Boundary maps were also increased in scale by the same
method. The strips and sheets were then adjusted to the control on the gridded
sheets and the contours were traced directly on to the final map. Great care
was taken in each operation.
Land lines on the Unitedstates territory showing on the sheets were plotted
or indicated by intersections, having been obtained from photostat copies of the
township sheets which were supplied through the United States District Engineer
Office a t Duluth, Minn. On sheets Nos. 1 to 21 the land lines have not been
placed upon the maps except by intersections intended to be used as general
guides, these intersections having been located in the office by inspection methods
assisted by proportional dividers. On sheets Nos. 21, 24 to 29 and 34, the land
lines were located in a similar manner but are shown completely. On sheets Nos.
22, 23, 30 to 33, and 35 to 44, the land lines, where shown, are based generally
upon land corners actually found upon the ground. As the area in Canada
bordering on these lakes has not been subdivided, no land lines could be shown
on the Canadian territory.
The International Boundary Line was plotted on sheets Nos. 1 to 21
by the United States Section of the International Boundary Commission. On
sheets Nos. 22 to 44, it was plotted by the Canadian engineers from the final
o
22
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
niaps and geographic positions as supplied from the office of the C a a a d i ~ ~ n
Section of that Commission a t Ottawa.
Printing of this preliminary report has been carried out under the supervision of the Canadian engineer.
~ c c u r a c yof Maps.-The accuracy of the maps may be judged from a
consideration of the methods used in the field and office. These are described in
detail above under the headings of Aerial Surveys, Topographic Surveys and
Office Methods.
Accuracy of Data Other than Maps.-The hydrometric work throughout
the Upper Rainy Lake watershed was carried out by the engineers of the
Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service, of the United States Corps
of Engineers, and of the United States Geological Survey, according to the latest
approved methods.
The computation of supply factors for Lake of the Woods has been based
on the records taken by the United States War Department a t Warroad, Minn.,
and the records taken by the Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service
a t Kenora, Ontario. The records for Rainy and Namakan lakes have been
taken by engineers of the Department of Public Works, Ottawa.
The tabulation of supply factors for these three major reservoirs as published in the Booli of Tables constitutes a record of the inflows from the watershed. From this record computations have been made of the levels and
outflows of Namakan Lake, Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods in order to
determine what would have been the actual figures had these lakes been allowed
to remain in their natural state.
The forestry data were collected by experienced foresters from the official
Forestry Services of the two governments.
It is not the intention of the engineers to claim absolute accuracy for the
data published in this Preliminary Report. It has been their constant effort to
obtain the best data available and to supplement them with observations suited
to the end in view. Their use has been and will be tempered with knowledge as
to their degree of accuracy. With this end in view indications have been given
in this report of the sources and means of obtaining the data and of the methods
of employing them.
Accuracy of Levels.-The water levels along Rainy River as tabulated in
the Book of Tables of this report are referred to a Department of Public Works
bench marli a t Fort Frances a t an arbitratory datum of 500.00. The equation
of this arbitratory datum to sea level datum is 500.00 D.P.W. datum = 1111.61
sea level datum.
From the above bench marli a t Fort Frances a line of levels was carried
down Rainy River in 1912 in connection with a survey of the river and the
establishment of river slope gaugec;.
It would not appear however that a tie had been made between the above
line of levels and the International Joint Commission bench marl< a t Warroad
to which the Warroad Lake Gauge has been referred.
Inspection and comparison now show that Lake of the Woods level as
recorded by Warroad gauge is apparently higher under certain conditions than
Rainy River Recorded level a t the Village of Rainy River, a point some twelve
miles up stream from Lake of the Woods.
The main levelling nets in the locality are now being adjusted and a new
equation will be made available in the near future and to avoid complication no
attempt has been made a t the present time to correct the discrepancy which
apparently amounts to about one foot.
International Boundary Commission datum was used throughout on the
American portion of the field work and that portion of the Canadian work above
the Namakan Chain of Lakes. An explanation of methods, datum, and accuracy
is contained in the following statement:-
RAINY LAKE IA~VESTIGATION
23
ELEVATIONS
OF TEMPORARY
BENCHMARKSESTABLISHED BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL FALLSAND THB EASTENDOF LAKENAMAKAN
IN FEBRUARY,
1913.
The elevations of temporary bench marks established by the United States
Section of the International Boundary Commission along Rainy Lake and Lake
Namakan in February, 1913, for topographic purposes are based on the elevation
of a U.S. Geological Survey bench mark a t International Falls, described as
follows :International Falls, 300 feet north of First Street, in line with Third Avenue,
180 feet southwest of edge of Rainy' River, in ledge of solid rock in
front of office of Maguire and Penniman (temporary); aluminum
tablet stamped "1126". . . . . . . . . . . . . .1124.376 ft."
A line of levels was run from this bench mark to the western end of Rainy
Lake, and a water level gauge established there. The bench marks along the
lake were then established by cutting holes in the ice and determining the
difference of elevation between the water level of the lake and the temporary
bench marks, which were generally spikes driven in roots of trees, and were
intended for the use of the topographic survey on the iake the following summer.
Water level gauges were also established a t the east end of Rainy Lake and
the west end of Lake Naniakan, and connected by a line of levels.
The levels were checked a t Kettle Falls on the two bench marks established
by Mr. Brown of the Canadian Public Works Department.
OF BENCHMARKSFROM LACLA CROIXTO NORTHLAKEESTABELEVATIONS
L I S H ~BY UNITEDSTATES
PARTIESIN 1915-16.
The elevations of the bench marks from Lac la Croix to Lake Superior are
based upon the elevation of a railroad bench mark of the Duluth & Iron Range
R.R. a t Winton, Minn. Starting a t the bench mark a t Winton, Minn., (elevation 1342.55 ft., as reduced to sea level datum), a line of levels was run to
Fall Lake, thence across Fall Lake by water levels; and thence a line run to Rice
Lake, thence across Rice Lake by water levels; and thence a line of levels to
triangulation station "Hoist" on Basswood Lake (elevation 1305.81 ft.)
From this bench mark (station "Hoist"), levels were run northwestward
between water gauges established a t the ends of the various lakes and carrying
the elevations across the lakes by water levels to Lac la Croix (bench mark east
end of Lac la Croix elevation 119070 ft.)
I n the same manner, elevations were carried eastward from station "Hoist"
to the head of Pigeon River, which includes the last bench mark given in the
list (North Lake astronomic pier, elevation 1564.65 ft.)
From the head of Pigeon River, a line of levels was run to Lake Superior
and checked on the water level of Lake Superior on November 8, 1917 (elevation
602.53 ft. as furnished by the U.S. Engineers' Office). The discrepancy between
the elevation of Lake Superior as determined by the level line and that given by
the U. S. Engineers' Office was approximately 0.50 foot.
The line was also tied to a Canadian Geodetic B.M. a t North Lake astronomic pier with a discrepancy of 1.07 feet. However, as the levels of the
Geodetic Survey of Canada differ slightIy in northern Minnesota from the U.S.
Coast and Geodetic Survey levels which determined the datum upon which the
above levels are based, it would require considerable investigation to determine
the true discrepancy between the Boundary Survey levels and the levels of the
Geodetic Survey,of Canada a t North Lake astronomic pier.
Meteorological data.-The Canadian Lake of the Woods Control Board
has kept a record of the meteorological data collected throughout the Lake of
the Woods watershed by various agencies. These records go back to the year
1916 and may be said to continue the records published in the report of the
consulting engineers on the Lake of the Wood levels. Records are obtained
24
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
from the meteorological stations maintained in and near the watershed by the
United States Weather Bureau, the Meteorological Service of Canada and the
Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service.
I n the main the stations from which the records were obtained have recorded
only the maximum and minimum temperatures, the fall of rain or snow, and the
general conditions of the weather. These records have been received direct from
the stations on daily or weekly cards and have been checked later by the published reports of the services.
The mean precipitation for the Rainy Lake watershed has been computed
on a monthly basis by geometric weighting of individual station records. These
records, as compiled by the Canadian Lake of the Woods Control Board, are
published in the Book of Tables.
. Records of temperature have been computed in exactly the same manner
as the precipitation records, and are also published in the Book of Tables.
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
1
CHAPTER IV
25
,
DETAILED DATA FOR INDIVIDUAL RESERVOIRS
Remarks on Accuracy of Reservoir Data.-Drainage areas as tabulated
elsewhere in this report have been obtained in various ways. These areas
previously ascertained by the engineers to the International Joint Commission
and published by them in their report have been here republished without
change. The majority of the remaining areas were planimetered by Mr. E. B.
Patterson, Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service, from the watershed map of the Lake of the Woods, scale 1 /500,000, as published in the report
referred to above. The remaining areas were planimetered a t the United
States Engineer Office, Duluth, Minnesota, from the same map. Since this map
was not everywhere based on accurate surveys, but was compiled rather from
available information of varying accuracy, these figures are subject to correction. However, they are considered sufficiently close for the purposes of this
report.
Lake areas of Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake are those determined by
the engineers to the International Joint Commission in the matter of the Lake of
t4e Woods Reference. For the remaining lakes lying along the International
Boundary the areas, as here published, are those determined by planimeter from
the topographic maps accompanying this report.
Reservoir areas were obtained by planimeter from the accompanying topographic maps, the pool areas of the various reservoirs a t standard water level,
and a t each successive higher ten-foot contour as far as the limit of practical
storage. The intermediate reservoir areas were computed by interpolation
between the areas so measured.
Flowage areas shown on page 12 of the Book of Tables were obtained by
planimeter, from the accompanying topographic maps, the land areas between
the shore line and the contour corresponding to the highest contemplated pool
level of each reservoir. These areas are considered to be sufficiently accurate to
be used as a basis for the making of preliminary hydraulic computations.
There are no available direct data on inflow to the various lakes in the
upper part of the Rainy Lake watershed except where one lake discharges
directly into another. It is possible, however, to deduce such data from the
precipitation and temperature records, discharge data of tributary waters, and
a comparison of drainage areas. Such data of this character as are available are
published herewith in the Book of Tables.
"Standard water levels" as mentioned hereunder in the description of
the various individual reservoirs are the levels used for lake elevations on the
maps. They have been selected arbitrarily within the range of lake levels in
each case, and have no other purpose than to serve as a basis for the topographic
work.
NOPTHERN LIGHT LAKE
This lake and its watershed lie wholly within the borders of Canada. Its
surface is a t an elevation varying from 1439 to about 1444 feet above sea level,
with 1441 feet used as the standard water level on the map. It empties through
a channel about two miles long, into an arm of Saganaga Lake. Northern
Light Lake is not strictly a boundary lake. However, since Saganaga Lake is a
boundary water, and since the surface elevation of the latter is about 1431
feet above sea level, should the level of the latter be raised more than ten feet
by a dam a t its outlet, the reservoir would also include Northern Light Lake.
For this reason, Northern Light Lake has been included in the present investigation.
26
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
Northern Light Lake lies directly east of Saganaga Lake and about 9 miles
northwest of North Lake railroad station. Being surrounded by rocky hills,
its shore line is decidedly notched or serrated. The lake is very irregular in
shape, being broken up by numerous small arms, bays, and channels, and is
dotted with countless islands.
The drainage area of Northern Light Lake is 385 square miles. The area of
the lake a t elevation 1441 is 24.11 square miles; a t elevation 1445, it is 28.26
square miles; and a t 1450, it is 33.45 square miles. In the Book of Tables will
be found a tabulation of the acreage of land overflowed.
No record of extreme high water marks has been made. The extreme
recorded high water level is 1443.66, on 17th May 1927. The extreme recorded
low water level is 1439.71, on 2nd October, 1923. I n the Book of Tables forming
a part of this report will be found a tabulation of observed water levels of this
lake.
Discharge measurements were made by 'Canadian engineers in 1922 and
1923, and by United States parties in 1927. A total of eight measurements have
been made, a t stages of the lake ranging from 1439.71 to 1442.88, with corresponding discharges ranging from 100 c.f.s. t o 899 c.f.s.
A tabulation of these measurements, together with a description of the
metering section will be found in the Book of Tables.
A discharge rating table for this lake has been included in the Book of
Tables. This table is based on the results of the discharge measurements
referred to above.
SAGANAGA L A K E
This body of water lies partly in Canada and partly in the United States.
I t s outlet, the Maligne River, is a Canadian river, which after flowing through
Canadian territory for some sixty miles, empties into Lac la Croix, a boundary
water. Saganaga Lake is separated from Cypress Lake, the adjacent boundary
water on the west, by a height of land, which has a controlling elevation of about
1435. The portages a t this point are called Swamp and Monument Portage.
The elevation of the lake varies from about 1429 to about 1434 feet above sea
level, with 1431 feet used as the standard water level on the map. The terrain
surrounding Saganaga Lake is, generally spealting, high, but rough and broken,
the immediate shores being steep and rocky. Inflow to the lake is received
principally from two sources; Northern Light Lake discharges from the east
into a long, narrow arm of Saganaga Lake, while from the southeast the run-off
of a string of small boundary lakes is received.
The drainage area of this lake is 740 square miles, of which 97 is water
surface and 643 is land. The portion of the drainage basin in Canadian territory
is 535 square miles in area, or 72.3 per cent of the total area.
At elevation 1431, Saganaga Lake has an area of 29.06 square miles. At
1435, the area of the water surface becomes 31.52 square miles. At elevation
1440, the area is 34.44 square miles. At 1441, Northern Light, Mariboeuf and
Round Lakes become a part of the reservoir, and its water surface area is 61-04
square miles. At elevation 1445, the reservoir area is 67.89 square miles. At
elevation 1448, Granite Bay is added to the reservoir and the area is 73.11 square
miles, while a t elevation 1450 the reservoir area is 76.60 square miles.
In the Book of Tables will be found a tabulation of the acreage of land
overflowed.
Locations and descriptions of staff gauges used in determining the water
levels will be found in the Book of Tables. High water marks were observed a t
elevation 1435 -34 in 1925. I n 1929 high water marks were observed as follows:
small green lichen 1433.4; mat-coloured lichen 1434.3; and large black lichen
1434.9.
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
27
The extreme recorded high water occurred on 20th May, 1927, a t elevation
1433.87, while the recorded low level was 1429.56, on 29th September, 1923,
and 28th September, 1925.
A record of observed levels is tabulated in the Book of Tables.
A description of metering sections used in the measurement of discharges of
Saganaga Lake will be found in the Book of Tables, together with a tabulation
of the ten measurements which have been made, and a discharge rating table
based on these measurements.
KNIFE LAKE
This body of water lies on the International Boundary about half-way
between Saganaga and Basswood Lakes. It is composed of two long narrow
arms extending eastward, the northern and larger arm being traversed by the
boundary line, while the other arm extends into Minnesota. The shores are
flanked by steeply-rising, rocky ridges. The drainage area is about 120 square
miles in extent, lying mostly in Minnesota. There is no tributary system of
importance. To the east, Cypress Lake which is narrow and about six miles
in length, lies a t an elevation of about one foot higher than that of Knife Lake,
and is tributary to it. Beyond Cypress Lake are Monument and Swamp
Portages, which cross the height of land separating Cypress and Saganaga
Lakes.
At the outlet of Knife Lake, which is a t its western end, there is an old
logging dam,.provided with two timber sluice gates. The dam is built of timber
cribs filled with broken rock, boulders and clay. The dam had been left closed,
and, according to the high water marks, was overtopped a t flood peaks; it has
now been flanked by the stream.
This lake is small in comparison with others of the watershed, having an
area a t elevation 1385, of about 9 square miles. There is no continuous record
of water levels, and, while ten measurements of discharge have been made,
only three of them were feferred to lake level, so that the construction of a
discharge rating curve is not feasible. The measured discharges vary from
27.5 to 165 c.f.s.
BIRCH LAKE
Birch Lake is one of three small boundary lakes between Knife and Basswood
Lakes. The three lakes in descending order are Carp, Birch and Sucker. Carp
Lake is some 20 feet higher than Birch and Sucker Lakes which have the
same elevation, and are directly connected. The outlet of Sucker Lake is at
Prairie Portage, a t the southeastern extremity of Basswood Lake, and the
connecting channel between Sucker and Birch Lakes is half a mile east of Prairie
Portage. Birch Lake is much the larger of the two lakes and is the name given
to the combined expanse.
There is an old logging dam a t the head of the outlet channel of the lake a t
Prairie Portage. The dam, which is out of repair and falling to pieces, is built
of rock-filled timber cribs and is provided with two sluice-gates. The gates
have been left closed, and, according to the water marks, the dam has been overtopped during floods. Birch Lake and Sucker Lake are combined into one
expanse by this logging dam. The levels and*controlsunder natural conditions
are not known. This proposed reservoir is too small to be of importance, but is
included because it has been referred to as a possible reservoir after the larger
lakes are developed.
The combined area of Birch and Sucker Lakes is only two square miles, and
is therefore of little consequence. The drainage area is 275 square miles. The
principal tributaries are the channel from Carp Lake a t the east end of Birch
Lake and a small stream from a series of lakes discharging into Sucker Lake.
Only two measurements of discharge a t the outlet of Birch Lake have been
made. On 31st August, 1927, the discharge was 133 c.f.s., while on 5th October
of the same year, it was 82 c.f.s.
28
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
'
There is no continuous record of water levels. The standard elevation of
the lake recorded on the map is about 1335 feet above sea level. High water
marks have been observed in 1923 a t elevation 1339.1.
KAWISHIWI RIVER
Kawishiwi River rises in Syonite Lake in the eastern part of township 62
north, range 6 west, in Lake County, Minnesota and flows north and west
through a chain of lakes, the chief ones being Polly, Boulder, Alice, Wilder and
Crab Lakes. I n the southeast corner of township 63 north, range 10 west, the
river divides, one fork known as the North Kawishiwi, continuing westward
through Friday and Farm Lakes into Garden (or Eve) Lake. The other fork,
known as the South Kawishiwi or Birch River, flows southwest through Copeland
Lake into Birch Lake where it turns northward and flows through White Iron
Lake into Garden Lake, joining the North Kawishiwi. From Garden Lake, the
Kawishiwi flows northward through Fall and Newton Lakes into Basswood
Lake, a tributary of Rainy River. The South Kawishiwi is the larger of the
two forks.
There are no important tributaries above the upper forks, nor are there any
entering the North Kawishiwi. Isabella, Stony, Dunka and Beaver Rivers
enter the South Kawishiwi, and the outlet of Long Lake enters the Kawishiwi
through Fall Lake. There are no tributaries below this point.
The drainage area is rugged, and thickly dotted with lakes which lie in
rock-bound basins, and have their outlets over the rocky rims, which rims have
not been eroded to any great extent. The southern boundary is a broad, undulating plateau which rises to an altitude of 1,800 to 1,900 feet above sea level.
This is the region of light glacial drift or bare rocks, the latter comprising granites, gneisses, mica-schists, gabbros, and green-stones of the Cambrian and
Archean systems. The soil of the basin is very scarce, and is almost entirely
decomposed vegetable matter.
The United States Geological Survey obtained records of the discharge of
this river near Winton, Minnesota, for the period from October 1912 to September 1919, when the station was discontinued. These records are given in the
Book of Tables accompanying this report.
The river was dammed a t the outlet of Garden Lake in 1923. The dam is
now owned and controlled by the Minnesota Power and Light Company, whose
Winton hydro-electric plant is established there. Records of head and tail
water elevations and of daily discharges as made a t this dam, will be found
tabulated in the Book of Tables accompanying this report.
BASSWOOD LAKE
Basswood Lake is situated some ten miles northeast of the town of Winton,
Minnesota. The outflow of the lake is carried by Basswood River, which drains
it from the western end of the lake. At the outlet there are two channels, one
International and the other Canadian.
Weirs, two to four feet high constructed of loose rock, have been placed
across both outlets of Basswood Lake. About half the crest of the weir in the
international channel has been washed away or removed. The crest of the
weir in the Canadian channel is a foot and a hal'f higher than the weir in the
international channel, the flow in the Canadian channel a t low stage being by
leakage through the weir. The effect of these dams is to raise the natural levels
of Basswood Lake, and a t the same time reduce the natural discharging capacity
of the outlets. The weirs, which are simply loose rock dumped across the channel, were built by the Swallow & Hopkins Lumber Company of Winton, Minnesota, 'to improve navigation in the lake.
Basswood Lake has an area of some 40 square miles and acts as an equalizing basin for a drainage area of 1,800 square miles. The outline of Basswood
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
?9
Lake is very irregular, as the lake is composed of long, branching arms. The
intervening points or peninsulas are usually high, but between these, there are
low areas extending back from the lake, particularly on the United States side.
The principal tributaries are the Kawishiwi River, draining some 1,225
square miles in Minnesota, and the inflow a t Prairie Portage from the boundary
lakes above.
The drainage area of the lake is 1,800 square miles in extent, about 15 per
cent of this being water surface. Of the 1,800 square miles of watershed area
119 lie in Canada, while 1,681 square miles are within the State of Minnesota.
The area of Basswood Lake a t its normal elevation of 1301 feet above sen
level is 39.84 square miles. At 1305, the area is 43.69; a t 1310, it is 49.57;
while a t 1315, it is 53.54 square miles.
Land areas between elevations 1301 and 1320 are tabulated in the Book of
Tables.
A description of staff gauges used and a record of levels observed will also
be found in the Book of Tables. High water marks were observed a t 1303.5
and 1304.1 in 1923, while the highest recorded water level occurred a t elevation
1303.87 on 12th May, 1927. The lowest recorded water level was 1299.3, on '
8th, 9th, loth, 11th April, 1926.
Thirteen discharge measurements have been made a t the outlet of this lake,
of which three were not referenced to lake level. Two of the remaining ten were
made in 1922 and 1923, but the results do not show present conditions because
the rock weirs a t the outlet of the lake have been partially removed by ice action
or from other causes. Changes in the rock weirs occurred between the measurements of 23rd September, 1923, and 1st October, 1925, andresulted in dropping
the lake level approximately 1.2 feet. On the basis of the remaining eight
measurements, a discharge rating curve and a rating table therefrom has been
constructed, which latter is included in the Book of Tables, as is also a tabulation
of the measurements on which the curve is based.
CROOKED LAKE'
Crooked Lake lies between Basswood Lake and Lac la Croix and is connected to them by intervening waters. The outlet is a t the western end of the
lake. Crooked Lake may be reached by water routes from a number of points,
but is most accessible from Winton, Minnesota.
It has an area of about 16 square miles. The general shape of the lake is
long and narrow, with a very irregular outline and branching bays. I n most
places, high, rocky, brokendridges rise from the shore. There are also numerous
small areas of muskeg bordering on the lake. The drainage area is 1,940 square
miles, of which 90 square miles is contiguous to the lake, and the remainder is
drained by Basswood River. Basswood River, carrying the outflow of Basswood Lake, discharges into the south end of a long, narrow arm in the southeastern section of Crooked Lake.
The waters of Crooked Lake are discharged by two channels, one being
dry during average low-water periods. If the level of the lake should be raised
above elevation 1257, a third channel would be formed in the gully between
Crooked and Iron Lakes through which an old tramway is located. The International Boundary follows the main channel, which commences a t the northwestern extremity of the lake.. I t is some 800 yards long and flows in a westerly
direction, discharging into Iron Lake. The high, rocky banks a t the head of
this channel are connected by a rocky ledge over which the water cascades over
a 23-foot drop to form Curtain Falls. The high-water or subsidiary channel lies
wholly in Minnesota, the entrance being about half a mile south of Curtain
Falls. Across the entrance of this latter channel, which is about 500 feet wide,
there is a very regular ridge of rock formed like a round-crested weir. Some
1,200 feet below this control, the channel is contracted to a width of 60 feet.
The channel returns its flow to the boundary waters by emptying into Iron Lake.
30
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
Crooked Lake stands a t a normal elevation of about 1249 feet above sea
level, a t which elevation its area is 15-82 square miles. At 1250, its area is
16.31 square miles; a t 1255, i t is 18-72; a t 1260, 21.14; a t 1265, 24.48; and a t
1270, 27.82 square miles. Tabulation of acreage overflowed is included in the
Book of Tables.
A continuous record of water levels is available for the period 15th July to
29th October, 1927, inclusive, and is published in the Book of Tables. ' High
water marks 'were noted a t elevations 1255.0 and 1254.3 in 1925, while the
highest recorded water level occurred a t elevation 1250.2 on 24th June, 1915,
and the extreme recorded low water a t elevation 1246.5 on 29th October, 1927.
MALIGNE RIVER
-
The Maligne River has its source in Saganaga Lake and flows, first in a
northwesterly, and then in a southwesterly direction for a distance of sixty-two
miles, wholly within the Province of Ontario, to its mouth in Lac la Croix. The
outlet of Saganaga Lake is a t its western end, in an arm of Cache Bay, and a t
this point the river conlmences with a vertical fall of 23 feet. This is followecl,
in ? distance of about three-quarters of a mile, by three small rapids having a
total fall of 11 feet, and the river then expands into Saganagons Lake. This
lake is comparatively long and narrow and is dotted with numerous islands.
The banks are generally high and rocky and well timbered. The outlet of
Saganagons Lake is a t the end of an arm extending t o the westward, and in the
next mile the Maligne River passes over three rapids or falls with a total drop of
34 feet, and enters Wet Lake. Wet Lake is a small body of water enclosed by
high, well wooded banks, and its outlet discharges to the northward over Little
Falls. This is succeeded by several other rapids and falls in the distance of two
miles to the head of Kawnipi Lake, the total drop from Wet Lake to this lake
being 65 feet. Kawnipi Lake is long and narrow, with several deep bays extending northeast and southwest, and the banks are generally high and well timbered.
I n the next ten miles, between Kawnipi Lake and Sturgeon Lake, the river passes
over several rapids and falls separated by small lakes, and has a total fall of 73
feet. Sturgeon Lake is the largest lake on the river below Saganaga Lake, and,
like the others, is long and narrow, with deep bays on either side. Its outlet is
a t the southwestern end, and from this point the river is generally narrow,
except for the expansion of Tanner's Lake, and has many stretches with markecl
current between the still more pronounced rapids and falls. The total drop
from Sturgeon Lake to Lac la Croix is 41 feet, m+king the total drop below
Saganaga Lake 247 feet.
IRON LAKE
Iron Lake is situated southeast of Lac la Croix, into which it discharges via
McAree Lake. There is also a subsidiary or high-water channel which discharges a small percentage of the flow into Bottle Lake and thence by Bottle
River t o Lac la Croix. The International Boundary follows this latter watercourse. Iron Lake receives the outflow from Crooked Lake from the east,
together with the flow of a small tributary from the south.
The area of Iron Lake is oilly 3 1 square miles and it is consequently unimportant as a storage reservoir. The drainage area is 2,000 square miles, of
which 50 square miles drain directly into the lake.
Iron Lake stands a t about elevation 1219 sea level datum and a t this elevation has an area of 3.12 square miles, a t elevation 1225 its area is 3-93
square miles, and a t elevation 1230 its area is 4.60 square miles. Tabulation of
acreage overflowed is included in the Book of Tables.
Some miscellaneous records of the water levels of Iron Lake are given in the
Book of Tables. High-water marks were noted a t elevations 1222.8,1224.6 and
1225.9 in 1923. I n 1929 a high-water mark, based on grayish-green lichen, was
found to be a t 1224.0.
9
RAINY L A K E INVESTIGATION
31
LAC LA CROIX
Lac la Croix is situated some 80 miles easterly along the International
Boundary from Fort Frances and 20 miles from Namakan Lake by the Namakan
River.
Lac la Croix may be reached by water route from Fort Frances, Ontario, or
from Harding, Minnesota, a t the south end of Crane Lake. From Flanders,
Ontario, on the Canadian National Railway there is a graded road leading to the
northeast section of Beaverhouse Lake, and from the southwestern end of
Beaverhouse Lake an old tote road 15 miles long follows the high ground through
to Snake Falls on the Namakan River and to .Lac la Croix.
Lac la Croix has an area of about 42 square miles a t standard level of 1183,
has a drainage area of 5,035 square miles, and receives the run-off from all the
boundary lakes above it. I n addition it receives the run-off of the Maligne
River watershed from the northeast. The outflow from Lac la Croix is carried
by the Namakan River through Indian Reserve 25 D in Ontario and is discharged into Namakan Lake. At the southwest extremity of Lac l a Croix a t
Beatty's Portage there is a high-water channel which discharges a small percentage of the flood flow into Loon Lake and thence through Loon River, Little
Vermilion Lake and Sand Point Lakes, rejoining the main waterway in Nalnakan
Lake. The International Boundary follows the latter channel.
The level of Lac la Croix varies from low water level a t elevation 1181.5 to
high-water marks a t elevations 1188.1, 1189.2 and 1191.8. I n 1929 highwater marks were observed as follows-grayish-green lichen, 1190.1; large black
lichen 1190.9. At elevation 1183 its area is 42.28 square miles; a t elevation
1200 it is 65-52 square miles. Tabulation of acreage overflowed is included in
the Book of Tables.
A continuous record of water levels and discharge for Lac la Croix is available from 22nd August, 1922, to date, and this record is given in t,he Book of
Tables up to and including December, 1927. During this period the lowest
lake level recorded was elevation 1181.5 in the winter of 1924 and the highest
record was elevation 1189.77 on 20th May, 1927.
LOON LAKE
Loon Lake is a small body of water situated south of the west end of Lac la
Croix, from which lake i t receives a small percentage of the flood flow by way of
the high water overflow channel a t Beatty's Portage. In addition i t receives an
insignificant run-off from a small adjacent watershed. The outflow from Loon
Lake flows down the Loon River to Little Vermilion Lake. The International
Boundary follows this channel.
Loon Lake has a standard elevation of 1164 sea level datum. At elevation
1164 it has an area of 3.79 square miles and a t elevation 1200 an area of 7.66
square miles. Tabulation of acreage overflowed is included in the Book of
Tables.
Some miscellaneous records of water levels are given in the Book of Tables.
NAMAKAN RIVER
The Namakan River commences a t the north side of Lac la Croix and
flows northwesterly some 20 miles to Namakan Lake. About 1; miles from
Lac la Croix the flow of the river is broken by Snake Falls, a 43-foot drop which
occurs in a series of small pitches and rapids in a distance of 700 feet. A short
distance below Snake Falls the river is divided into two main channels, Ivy Channel t o the right and Myrtle Channel to the left. There is also a cross channel
flowing from Myrtle to Ivy and a smaller channel subsidiary to the Myrtle
waterway; I n Ivy Channel most of the drop, of about 14 feet, is concentrated
a t Ivy Falls, while in Myrtle Channel this drop occurs a t two points about 4
mile apart. All the channels unite before discharging into Three Mile Lake some
32
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
3 miles below Lac la Croix. Wisa Lake to the west is directly connected to
Three Mile Lake and to the east Wolseley Lake is some 3 feet higher. The
outlet of Three Mile Lake is to the north and a t this outlet there is a small drop
called Crooked Rapid. The river then flows west and southwest some 4 miles
to Quetico Rapids a t the entrance to Bill Lake. There are two channels leading
from Bill Lake. The left is a small high-water channel in which there is a series
of rapids. I n the right channel the drop, of about 19 feet, is concentrated a t
High Falls. The channels unite before discharging into the south end of Eva
Lake. The flow from Eva Lake is to the southwest and a t the outlet is broken
for 3 mile by a series of rapids and pitches called Hay Rapids, with a total fall of
about 13 feet. A short distance below Hay Rapids there is a bend in the river
and the flow is westward to where the river empties into Namakan Lake. Half
way between Hay Rapids and the mouth of the river there is a drop of about
11 feet, called Lady Rapids. The total fall in the river between Lac la Croix
and Namakan Lake is about 71 feet.
NAMAKAN CHAIN O F LAKES
including
Little Vermilion Lake, Sand Point Lake, Crane.Lake, Namakan Lake,
Kabetogama Lake.
These lakes, forming the Namakan chain of lakes known as Namakan reservoir, lie west of Lac la Croix and southeast of Rainy Lake and are reached by
water route from Fort Frances or by motor from the Duluth-Winnipeg railroad
to Harding, Minn., a t the south end of Crane Lake. The level of these lakes
has been artificially controlled by the two dams a t Kettle Falls since March,
1914. These dams are constructed with masonry walls and piers, and with stop
log sluices. The details of these structures, including governing sill and deck
elevations are shown on the detailed plans included in the accompanying atlas.
The area of the reservoir is about 100 square miles and constitutes the
most important storage reservoir above Rainy Lake. It has a drainage area of
7,200 square miles which includes all the boundary lakes mentioned in this
report. Of this drainage area 5,035 square miles are tributary to Lac la Croix
and the balance, 2,165 square miles, drains directly into the reservoir.
Since the construction of the two control dams in the International and
Canadian Channels a t Kettle Falls in the year 1914 the water level of the reservoir has been artificially regulated with an authorized range between elevation
497.0 and 508.5 Public Works of Canada datum or elevations 1108.61 and
1120.11 sea-level datum, which range has, however, been exceeded.
There are a number of overflow channels in which it would be necessary to
construct dams should the upper storage limit of this reservoir be raised. Plans
and cross-sections of these overflow channels are also shown on the detail sheets
contained in the accompanying atlas.
Continuous records of lake level have been obtained since August 1912 and
these, up to and including December 1927, are given in the Book of Tables. In
addition to the above, computations have been made of the natural levels and
outflow from these lakes during the period of regulation and these are also given
in the Book of Tables.
I n 1929 a well defined high-water mark was observed in Little Vermilion
Lake a t elevation 1121.7.
RAINY LAKE
Rainy Lake with a water area of 345 square miles is the largest lake in the
watershed and forms a collecting basin for the run-off from the 14,500 square
miles of watershed. It can be reached by railroad at the towns of International
Falls, Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario, which towns are situated a t the
western extremity of the lake.
RAINY LAKE INVESTIGATION
33
The level of Rainy Lake has been artificially controlled by the dam a t
International Falls on the Rainy River, since March, 1909, with an ordinary
range between elevations 490.00 and 497 00 Public Works of Canada datum or
elevations 1101.61 and 1108- 61 seailevel datum.
Records of lake level and discharge have been obtained, continuously, by
the Department of-Public Works, Canada, since.August 1911 and these up to
and including December 1927 are given in the Book of Tables. I n addition to
these records computations have been made of the natural levels and outflow
from this lake for the period of regulation and these are
. .. also given in the Book of
Tables.
REPORT O F ENGINEERS
APPENDIX I
NOTES ON TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS AND DETAIL PLANS
1. TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS
(A) BY UNITED STATESSURVEYP A R T I ~ S
Datum.-The datum used on all topographic maps is sea-level datum as established by the
United States section of the International Boundam Commission by their levels fun in 1915
and 1916 from the bench-mark of the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad a t Winton, Minnesota, through the boundary lakes to Lake Superior.
Water Level.-The letters "WL," followed by figures, appearing on the maps, indicate water
levels which, for lakes through which the International Boundary passes, are the levels
shown on the advance field sheets prepared by the International Boundary Commission.
For all other lakes, the level indicated on the map is the approximate elevation of the surface
of the lake a t the time of the survey. This elevation may be called a "Standard" Level.
It is adopted a s a basis for delineating shore lines, and is not a high, a low, nor an average
level.
Aerial Photography.-Photography was done by First Lieut. E. G. Plank, Corps of Engineers,
First Lieut. E. C. Batten, Air Corps, pilot. Developing, printing and transformation were
accomplished by the Air Corps, U.S. Army, a t McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio. Adjustment
of photographs by radial line method was made by Senior Draughtsman W. 0. OIRourke a t
the U.S. Engineer Office, Duluth, Minn.
International Boundary.-The International Boundary line was placed upon the topographic
'maps by the United States section of the International Boundary Commission in their offices
a t Washington, D.C. Reference monuments established by the International Boundary
Commission are shown by a square with a dot in the centre, the diagonal of the square being
parallel t o the vertical edge of the sheet. These monuments bear the numbers assigned
them by the International Boundary~Commission.
United States Land Subdivision Lines.-Few township, section or meander corners were located
in the field. The United States land subdivision intersections were placed on the topographic maps by the following method: Township, section, and meander corners were
transferred from the United States Land Office maps to the topographic maps by inspection
methods, aided by the use of proportional dividers and scales. Straight lines were then
drawn passing as nearly as possible through these previously located corners. The intersections of these lines were placed on the topographic maps for use in reproducing approximately the United States land subdivision lines. These marks therefore, do not represent
the actual section or township corners; their location is approximate only, and they have
been included as a general guide, but they should in no sense be relied upon for use in transfer
of title.
Triangulation Systems.-Triangulation stations are shown by the symbol A. Those not named,
and all those named except "Tennessee" on sheet No. 18, "Florida" on sheet No. 19, and
"Light," "Stuart," and "Mabel" on sheet No. 4, are a part of the International Boundary
Commission triangulation system. "Tennessee" and "Florida" and all stations designated
by both a letter and a number are those established by United States parties as extensions t o
the International Boundary Commission or Canadian Geodetic Survey systems. Stations
"Light," "Stuart," and "Mabel," are a part of the system established by the Canadian
Geodetic Survey.
Index Map.-Index Map of Topographic and Detail Sheets of Rainy Lake and Upper Boundary
Waters. Prepared by Canadian Engineer.
Sheet No. 1.-Southeastern Part of Northern Light Lake.
Geodetic Control.-Extension of Canadian Geodetic Survey triangulation system'by United
States parties with tie t o stations "Dire" and R.M. 982 of International Boundary
R A I N Y LAKE INVESTIGATION
35
Cbmmission.. Chief of party: surveyman J. E. Frank. Computer: Junior engineer
E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-From airplane photos.'
Contours.-By hand level. and sketching, by United States parties. Chiefs of party: Surveymen J. E. Frank and Paul Seavey.
swimp Lands.-By Upited States parties. Chiefs of party: Surveyman J. E. Frank and
Paul Seavey.
Sheet No: 2.-Northeastern Part of Northern Light Lake.
Geodetic Control.-Extension of Canadian Geodetic Survey triangulation system by United
States parties, with tie to stations "Dire" and R.M. 982. of International Boundary
Commission. Chief of party: Surveyman J. E. Frank. Computer: Junior engineer
E. R. Gustaifson.
Shore Lines.-From airplane photos.
Contours.-By hand level and sketching, by United States parties. Chiefs of party: Surveymen Jt E. Frank and Paul Seavey.
Swamp Lands.-Do not appear.
Sheet No. 8.-Northwestern part of Northern Light Lake.
Geodetic Control:-Extension of Canadian Geodetic Survey triangulation system by United
States parties with tie to stations "Dire" and R.M. 982 of International Boundary
Commission. Chief of party: Surveyman J. E. Frank. Computer: Junior engineer
E , R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-From airplane photos.
Contours.-By hand level and sketching on steep shores and by transit and stadia traverse
in low lands. United States parties did this work. Chiefs of party: Surveymen J. E.
Frank and Paul Seavey.
Swamp Lands.-By United States parties. Chiefs of party: Surveymen J. E. Frank and
Paul Seavey.
Sheet No. 4.-Southwestern Part of Northern Light Lake.
~ e o d e t i cControl.-In Northern Light area, extension of Canadian Geodetic Survey triangulation system by United States parties with tie to stations "Dire" and R.M. 982
of International Boundary Commission. For west edge of sheet, control was based
directly on International Boundary Commission triangulation system. Chief of
. party: Surveyman J. E. Frank. Computer: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-1n. Northern Light area, from airplane survey. West edge of sheet from
advance sheets of International Boundary Commission. Shore line closures from
airplane photos.
Contours.-In Northern Light area, by hand level and sketching. Along west edge of sheet
from International Boundary Commission advance sheets. Closures to International
Boundary Commission contours by United States parties by hand level and sketching
.and transit and stadia traverse. Northern Light area, Chiefs of party: S u r v e p e n
J. E. Frank and Paul Seavey. Sagan(tg3 area, C ~ e fof party: S u ~ e y m a n M. V.
Curran.
Swamp bands.-From International Bounday Commission advance sheets,
Sheet No. 6.-Seagull Lake.
.
Geodetic Control.-;Extensions of International Boundary Commission triangulation system
by United States parties! Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom. Computer:
Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-From airplane photographs.
Contours:--By hand level and sketching on steep shores, and by transit and st(tdia in low
portions. This work done by United States parties. Chief of party; S u ~ e y r n a nS. F.
Sirndatrom.
Swamp Lands.-Do not appear.
'Sheet No: 6.-Southem Part of Saganaga Lake.
. Geodetic Control; International Boundary Commission triangulation system and extensions
to that system by United States parties. Chief of party: Sqrveyman S. F. Sandstrom.
Computer: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
S46794t.
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
36
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with shore line
closures by United States parties and from airplane photos. Chiefs of parties: Survey.
men M. V. Curran and S. F. Sandstrom.
Contours.-From
International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
hand level and sketching and by transit and stadia survey, by United States parties.
- I n Southern portion of area, by hand level and sketching on steep shores and by transit
and stadia in low lands, by United States parties. Chiefs of parties: Surveymen M . V.
Curran and S. F. Sandstrom.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and by United
States parties. Chiefs of parties: Surveymen M. V. Curran and S. F. Sandstrom.
Sheet No. 7.-Northern
-
Part qf- seganaga Lake.
Geodetic Control.-International Boundary Commission triangulation system.and extension
by United States parties of system established by Canadian Geodetic Survey. Chief of
. party: Surveyman J. E. Frank. Computer: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson:
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets, and from airplane
photographs.
Contours.-From
International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
United States parties using hand level and sketching methods and transit and stadia
survey. I n extreme eastern portion of area, by United States parties using hand level
and sketching methods and also using transit and stadia methods. Chief of party:
Surveyman M. V. Curran.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and by U. S.
parties. Chief of party: Surveyman M. V. Curran.
Sheet No. 8.-Cypress
Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission triangulation system and
extension by United States parties to that system. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F.
Sandstrom. Computer: Senior draftsman W. 0. O'Rourke.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closure of
Cache Bay area and north arm of Cypress Lake by United States Engineers, using airplane photographs.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
hand level and sketching methods. Closures made by United States parties. Chief
of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets.
Sheet No. 9.-Eastern
'
Part of Knife Lake.
Geodetic Control.-Knife Lake, proper, and Cypress Lake, from .International Boundary
Commission triangulation system. South arm of Knife Lake by United States Engineers
from an extension of that system. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F: Sandstrom. Com.
puter: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-Knife Lake, proper, and Cypress Lake, from International ~ o u n d a r yCommission advance sheets, with closures from airplane photographs. 1 South,arm of Knife
Lake from airplane photographs.
Contours.-Knife Lake, proper, and Cypress Lake, from International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by United States Engineers, using hand level and
:
slietching'methods. South arm. of Knife Lake by United S h t e s parties, using hand
.
1evel.and sketching methods. ChiefLof party: Surveyrnan S. F . Sandstrom.
. .
Swamp Lands.-Do not appear.
Sheet No. 10.-Western Part of Knife Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boun'dary Commission triangulation system for
Knife Lake, proper. From extensions to that system, by United States Engineers for
south arm of Knife Lake and Carp Lake. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom.
Computer: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary 'Commission advance sheets for Knife Lake,
proper, with closures from airplane photographs. From airplane photographs for
south arm of Knife Lake and for Carp Lake.
RAINY L A K E INVESTIGATION
37
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets for Knife Lake, with
closuies by United States parties, using hand level and sketching methods. For south
arm of Knife Lake and for Carp Lake, by United States parties, using hand level and
sketching methods. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F . Sandstrom.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission sheets and by United States
parties. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom.
Sheet No. 11.-Southern Part of Knife Lake.
Geodetic Control.-For Knife Lake and Knife River, by International Boundary Commission triangulation system. For Ensign Lake, by a n extension t o that system by United
States parties. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom. Computer: Junior
Engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-For Knife Lake and Knife River, from International Boundary Commission
advance sheets. For Ensign Lake, from airplane photographs.
Contours: For Knife Lake and Knife River, from International Boundary Commission
advance sheets with closures by United States parties, using hand level and sketching
methods. For Ensign Lake, by United States parties, using hand level and sketching
methods. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets.
Sheet No. 12.-Birch Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission triangulation system, for
Carp, Birch, Sucker, and Basswood Lakes. From extensions t o that system by United
States parties for Ensign and Newfound Lakes, and for the north part of Moose Lake.
For the south part of Moose Lake there is no geodetic control. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom. Computer: Junior Engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets for Carp, Birch,
Sucker, and Basswood Lakes. From airplane photographs for Ensign and Newfound
Lakes, and for the north part of Moose Lake. From United States Land Office maps for
the south part of Moose Lake. Transfer by Senior Draftsman W. 0. O'Rourke.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets for Carp, Birch,
Sucker, and Basswood Lakes, with instrumental closures on Basswood Lake by United
States parties. For Ensign, Newfound, and Moose Lakes, by United States parties
using hand level and sketching methods. For Basswood area, Chief of party: Junior
Engineer E. R. Gustafson. For Ensign, Newfound and Moose areas, Chief of party:
Surveyman S.F. Sandstrom.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and by United
States parties. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom.
Sheet No. 13.-Northeastern Part of Basswood Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission triangulation system for
Basswood and Carp Lakes and from an extension of that system by United States parties
for Burke Lake and for North Bay of Basswood Lake. Chief of party: Surveyman
C. A. Carlson, Computer: Junior Engineer E . R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance Sheets for Basswood and
Carp Lakes. For Burke Lake and North Bay of Basswood Lake, from airplane photographs. A portion of the shore line neai. North Bay was located by United States
parties using transit and stadia methods. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
C o n t o ~ r s . ~ Basswood
In
and Carp Lake areas, from International Boundary Commission
advance sheets, with closures by United States parties, using hand level and sketching
methods. I n North Bay of Basswood Lake and in Burke Lake areas, by United States
parties using hand level and sketching methods on steep shores and transit and stadia
methods on low lands. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and by United
States parties. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Sheet No. 14.-Robinson Lake.
Geodetic Control.-By transit and stadia traverse extensions of the International Boundary
Commission triangulation system. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Shore Lines.-From airplane photographs.
38
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
Contours.-By United States parties, using hand level and sketching methods. Chief of
party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Swamp Lands.-By United States parties. chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Sheet No. 15.-North Central part of Basswood Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission triangulation system for
main areas of sheet. From an extension to that systeh by United States parties for
the north part of North Bay. For the small lake a t elevation 1294, and for Nub Lake,
by transit and stadia extensions t o the triangulation system established by the International Boundary Commission. These extensions, by United States parties. Chief
of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson. Computer: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-For main parts of area, from International Boundary Commission advance
sheets. For north part of North Bay, and for Nub Lake, from airplane photographs.
For small lake a t elevation 1294, by transit and ,stadia survey. Instrumental survey
by United States parties. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Contours.-For main part of area from advance sheets of International Boundary Commission, with closures by United States parties, using hand level and sketching methods
on steep shores and transit and stadia methods on low lands. For north part of North
Bay, by United States parties using hand level and sketching methods on steep shores
and transit and stadia methods on low lands. For small lake a t elevation 1294, by
transit and stadia. For Nub Lake, by hand level and sketching. Chief of party:
Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Swamp Lands.-From Internati'onal Boundary Commission advance sheets, and by United
States parties. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Sheet No. 16.-South Central Part of Basswood Lake.
Geodetic Control.-For main part of sheet, by International Boundary Commission triangulation system. From a n extension of that system by United States parties, for Hoist
Bay area. Chief of party: Junior Engineer E. R. Gustafson. Computer: Senior
draftsman W. 0. O'Rourke.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets for main part of
area. From airplane photographs for Hoist Bay area.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets for main part of area,
with closures by United States Engineers, using transit and stadia methods. For
Hoist Bay area, by United States parties, using hand level and sketching methods on
steep shores and instrumental methods on low lands. Chief of party: Surveyman
C. A. Carlson.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and by United
States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Sheet No. 17.-Newton Lake.
Geodetic Control.-For north part of Newton Lake and for the Urn Lake area, from an
extension by United States parties to the triangulation system established by the International Boundary Commission. For the southern part of Kewton Lake by plane
table. For Fall Lake, no geodetic control. For North part of Newton area and for
Urn Lake area, Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom. Computer: Associate
engineer E. L. Lull. For south part of Newton Lake area, Chief of party: Junior
engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Shore Lines.-For north part of Newton Lake and for Urn Lake area from ?irplane photographs. For south part of Newton Lake, by plane table survey. For Fall Lake,
approximate shore line sketched from commercial map. For plane table survey, Chief
of Party: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson. Fall Lake transfer by Senior draftsman
W. 0. O'Rourke.
Contours.-By United States parties, using transit and stadia and plane table methods.
Chief of party : Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Swamp Lands.-By United States parties. Chief of party: Junior engineer E. R. Gustafson.
Sheet No. 18.-South Western Part of Basswood Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From extension of International Boundary Commission triangulation
system by United States parties. Chief of party: Surveyman M. V. Curran. Computer: Associate engineer E. L. Lull.
,
.
RAINY L A K E INVESTIGATION
Shore Lines.-From airplane photographs in Pipestone and Jackfish Ray areas, and by
transit and stadia and plane table surveys of Sandpit, Murphy, Horse Lake and Horse
River areas. Chiefs of parties: Surveymen Paul Seavey and S. F. Sandstrom.
Contours.-By United States parties, using the following various methods: Hand level and
sketching plane table, and transit and stadia. Chiefs of parties: Surveymen Paul
Seavey and S. F. Sandstrom.
Swamp Lands.-By United States parties. Chiefs of parties: Surveymen Paul Seavey and
S. F. Sandstrom.
Sheet No. 19.-Southern Part of Crooked Lake.
Geodetic Control.-For Basswood River and Crooked Lake areas, by International Boundary
Commission triangulation system. For Bass Lake area, by transit and stadia traverse,
based on that system. For Horse Lake and Horse River areas, by extension of triangulation system of International Boundary Commission. Extension made by United
States parties. For Bass Lake area, Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson. For
Horse Lake and Horse River areas: Chief of party: Surveyman Paul Seavey.
Shore Lines.-For Basswood River and Crooked Lake areas, from advance sheets of International Boundary Commission. For all other areas, by United States Engineers using
transit and stadia methods. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission sheets with instrumental closures
by United States parties for Basswood River and Crooked Lake areas. For all other
areas, by United States parties using hand level and sketching on steep shores and
transit and stadia on low lands. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission sheets and by United States
parties. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Sheet No. 20.-Eastern Part of Crooked Lake.
Geodetic Control.-By International Boundary Commission triangulation system and a
transit and stadia traverse extension of that system in Robinson and Bart Lake areas,
and in the area east of Gardener's Bay. This extension was run by United States
parties. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets for the most part.
From airplane photographs in Robinson and Bart Lake areas, and in the area east of
Gardener's Bay.
Contours.-In main part of shect, from International Boundary Commission advance sheets
with a number of closures by United States parties, using instrumental methods. I n
the Robinson and Bart Lake areas and in the area east of Gardener's Bay, by United
States parties using hand level and sketching methods. For closures, Chief of party:.
Surveyman M. V. Curran. For Robinson and Bart Lake areas, Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
%amp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and also by
United States parties. Chief of party: Surveyman C. A. Carlson.
Sheet No. 21.-Western Part of Crooked Lake. (East part only.)
Geodetic Control.-From Internation'al Boundary Commission triangulation system.
Shore Lines.-From Ibternational Boundary Commission advance sheets.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets, with closures by
United States parties, using instrumental methods. Chief of party: Surveyman M. V.
Curran.
Swamp Lands.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets.
PARTIES
(B) BY CANADIAN
SURVEY
Datum.-The datum used on all topographic maps is sea-level datum as established by the Inter. national Boundary Commission and the Geodetic Survey of Canada.
Water Level.-The letters "WL," folIowed by figures, appearing on the maps, indicate water
levels which, for the lakes from Crooked Lake to Lac la Croix inclusive, are the levels shown
on the advance sheets prepared by the International Boundary Commission. For the
Namakan chain of lakes the water level indicated on the maps is the approximate elevation
40
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
of the surface of thelake a t t h e time of survey. This elevation may'be called a "Standard
Level." It is adopted'as a basis for delineating shore lines, and is not a high, low, nor an
average level.
Aerial Photography.-The aerial photography was done by officers of the Topographical Surveys
Branch, Department of the Interior, in conjunction with the Air Service, Department of
National Defence. The adjustment of photographs was obtained by tying-in the International Boundary Monuments.
International Boundary.-The International Boundary line was placed upon the topographic
maps in the draughting office of the Water Power and Reclamation Service, Department of
the Interior, from information supplied by the Canadian Section of the Internationd Boundary Commission a t Ottawa, Ontario. Reference monuments established by the International Boundary Commission are shown by a square with a dot in the center, the diagonal
of the square being parallel to the vertical edge of the sheet. These monuments bear the
numbers assigned them by the International Boundary Commission.
Land Subdivision Lines.-In the area surveyed by the Canadian survey parties there are no land
subdivision lines on the Canadian side, but the land on the united States side of the International Boundary has been subdivided. I n the contour survey of Iron Lake, Lac la Croix
and Loon Lake no township, section nor meander corners were located in the field. The
United States land subdivision intersections were placed on the topographic maps covering
this area by the following method: Township, section and meander corners were transferred
from United States Land Office maps to the topographic maps by inspection methods aided
by the use of proportional dividers and scales. Straight lines were then drawn passing as
nearly as possible through these previously located corners. The lines have been placed on
the topographic maps to represent approximately the United States subdivision lines and
should in no sense be relied upon for use in transfer of title. I n the contour survey of the
Namakan chain of lakes township, section and meander corners were located in the field
'.wherever possible. With the aid of this information and copies of the United States Land
Office maps the land subdivision lines were placed on the topographic maps in an accurate
manner.
Sheet No. 21.-Western Part of Crooked Lake. (West part only.)
Geodetic Control.-From I~ternationalBoundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets, with closures by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods.
Sheet No. 22.-McAree Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and from vertical
aerial photographs taken by the Air Service, United States Army.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods.
Sheet No. 23.-Northeastern Part of Lac la Croix:
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From vertical aerial photographs taken by the Air Service, United States
. Army, except in the case of Indian Reserve No. 25 D where i t was located entirely by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods.
Contours.-Located in the field by Canadia,n survey using instrumental methods. .
Sheet No. 24.-North Central Part of Lac la Croix.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and from vertical
aerial photographs taken by the Air Service of the United States Army, except in the
case of Indian Reserve No. 25 D where it was located entirely by instrumental methods.
The information for the Namakan river was obtained from the survey made by Mr.
D. J. Gillon, O.L.S., for the Department of Lands and Forests of Ontario.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods.
'
,'
.
R A I N Y L A K E INVESTIGATION
41
Sheet No. $5.-South Central Part of Lac la Croix.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and vertical aerial
photographs taken by the Air Service of the United States Army.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods.
Sheet No. %.-Lake Agnes.
Sheet No. 97.-Loon Lake.
Sheet No. $8.-Southwestern Part of Lac la Croix.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and vertical aerial
photographs taken by the Air Service of the United States Army.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods.
Sheet No. 99.-Northwestern Part of Lac la Croix.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and vertical aerial
photographs taken by the Air Sewice of the United States Army, except in the case of
Indian Reserve No. 25 Dl where it was located entirely by instrumental methods. The
information for the Namakan river below Lac la Croix was obtained from the survey
made by Mr. D. J. Gillon, O.L.S., for the Department of Lands and Forests of Ontario.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods.
Sheet No. 30.-Namakan River.
All the information shown on this sheet was copied from the plan of an instrumental survey
of Namakan river made in 1917 by D. J. Gillon, O.L.S., for the Department of Lands
and Forests, Province of Ontario.
Sheet No. 31.-Eastern Part of Namakan Lake.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From Iiiternational Boundary Commission advance sheets and vertical aerial
photographs taken by th6 Air Service, Department of National Defence, Canada, in
co-operation with engineers of the Topographical Surveys Branch, Department of the
Int~rior. All information of the eastern part of this sheet showing the Namakan river
,was copied from the plan of an instrumental survey of Namakan river made in 1917 by
D. J. Gillon, O.L.S., for the Department of Lands and Forests, Province of Ontario.
Contours.-From International Boundary. Commission advance sheets with closures by
Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods and a stereo of vertical aerial
photographs on field plane tables.
Sheet No. 39.-Sand Point Lake.
Sheet No. 35.-Western Part of Crane Lake.
Sheet No. 36.-Western Part of Sand Point Lake.
Sheet No. 37.-Central Part of Namakan Lake.
Sheet No. 38.-Northern Part of Namakan Lake.
Sheet No. 39.-western Part of Namakan Lake.
Sheet No. 40.-Ark River.
Geodetic Control.-From International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and vertical aerial
photographs taken by the Air Service, Department of National Defence, Canada, in
conjunction with engineers of the Topographical Surveys Branch of the Department
of Interior.
Contours.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets with closures by
Canadian Survey parties using instrumental methods and a stereo of vertical aerial
photographs on field plane tables.
Sheet No. 33.-Little Vermilion and Crane Lakes.
REPORT OF ENGINEERS
42
Sheet No. 84.-Loon River.
' Geodetic Control.-From
International Boundary Commission Reference Monuments.
Shore Lines.-From International Boundary Commission advance sheets and vertical aerial
photographs taken by the Air Service, Department of National Defence, Canada, in
conjunction with engineers of the Topographical Surveys Branch of the Department of
Interior.
Contours.-Above the damsite proposed by the Minnesota and Ontario Power Company,
a t Little Vermilion Narrows the contours shown to elevation 1200 where located by
the Minnesota and Ontario Power Company, by instrumental survey. Before adoption
for publication numerous instrumental checks were made in the field by Canadian
Survey parties.
Sheet No. 41.-Daley
Brook.
Sheet No. $9.-Eastern
Part of Kabetogama Lake.
Sheet No. 43.-Northern
Part of Kabetogama Lake.
Sheet No. 44.-Western Part of Kabetogama Lake.
Geodetic Control.-Extended from International Boundary Commission Monuments and
tied-in to township and section corners of the United States Land office survey as located
the field.
Shore Lines.-From vertical aerial photographs taken by the Air Service, Department of
National Defence, Canada, in conjunction with engineers of the Topographical Surveys
Branch of the Department of Interior.
Contours.-By Canadian survey parties using instrumental methods and a stereo of vertical
aerial photographs on field plane tables.
Sheet No. 45.-Rat
Sheet No. 46.-Black
Root River Sheet.
Bay Sheet.
Sheet No. 47.-Cranberry
Bay Sheet.
Sheet No. 48.-Stanjikoming Bay Sheet.
Reprints of International Joint Commission Maps published in connection with the Lake of
the Woods Report, showing ['Portions of Shore of Rainy Lake in vicinity of R a t Root
river and Stanjikoming Bay.
(A) PLANSPREPARED
BY UNITEDSTATESENGIXEER
Sheet No. @.-Detail Plans and Cross Sections of Outlets of Northern Light and Saganaga Lakes
and Swamp Portage.
a. Key map. From report of E . B. Patterson.
b. Plan No. 1. Saganaga Lake outlet. From report of E. B. Patterson. Line AB and
water levels from United States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman C. H. Tennstrom.
C. Section on line AB, plan No. 2, by United States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman
C. H. Tennstrom.
d. Plan No. 2. First rapids below Northern Light Lake. From report of E. B. Patterson.
Line AB and water levels by .United States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman
C. H. Tennstrom.
e. Section on line AB, plan No. 2. By United States Engineers. Chief of party. Surveyman C. H. Tennstrom.
f. Plan No. 3. Swamp Portage. From plane table survey by United States Engineers.
Railroad line from report of E. B. Patterson. Chief of party: Surveyman S. F. Sandstrom.
g. Section a t No. 4. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Captain R. D. Ingalls.
h. Plan No. 5. Second rapids below Northern Light Lake. From report of E. B. Patterson.
-
R A I N Y L A K E INVESTIGATION
43
Sheet No. 50.-Details of Controls, Knife Lake to Crooked Lake.
a. Key map. From report of E. B. Patterson.
b. Plan B4. Basswood River. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior
Engineer E. R. Gustafson.
c. B4. Section on line AB. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior Engineer
E. R. Gustafson.
d. Plan C1. Crooked Lake. By United States Engineers. Chief of party:Surveyman
C. A. Carlson.
e. C.1. Section on line AB. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman
C. A. Carlson.
f. Plan at D. From report of E. B. Patterson.
g. Plan at A. From report of E. B. Patterson.
h. Plan, Birch Lake Outlet. Topography from report by E. B. Patterson. Line A-B-C by
United States Engineers. Chief of Party: Surveyman C. H. Tennstrom.
i. Birch Lake Outlet. Section on the Line A-B-C by United States Engineers. Chief of
Party: Surveyman C. H. Tennstrom.
j. Section B5. By United States Engineers. Chief of Party: Junior Engineer E. R. Gustafson.
k. Section B6. By United States Engineers. Chief of Party: Junior Engineer E. R.
Gustafson.
Sheet No. 51. Details of Controls, Basswood Lake to Crooked Lake.
a. Key map. From United States Engineer topographic survey.
b. Plan Al. Upper Basswood Falls, Canadian channel. Topography from report of
E. B. Patterson. Line AB by United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior Engineer
E. R. Gustafson.
c. Al. Section on Line AB. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior Engineer
E. R. Gustafson.
d. Plan A2. Upper Basswood Falls, International channel. Topography from report of
E. B. Patterson. Line AB by United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior Engineer E. R. Gustafson.
e. A2. Section on Line AB. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior Engineer
E. R. Gustafson.
f. Plan B l and B2. Bass Lake By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman
C. A. Carlson.
g. B1. Section on line AB. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman
C. A. Carlson.
h. B2. Section on line AB. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Surveyman C.
A. Carlson.
i. Plan B3. Basswood River. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior
Engineer E. R. Gustafson.
j. B3. Section on lines AB. By United States Engineers. Chief of party: Junior Engineer
E. R. Gustafson.
k. Profile of Basswood River. From report of E. B. Patterson.
NOTE.-For plan and section at B4, C1, and Dl see sheet No. 50. For section at B5 and B6,
see sheet No. 50. There are no detailed plans for sites a t B7 and B8, the former being
a small dike, and the latter a cut.
(B) PLANSPREPARED
BY CANADIAN
ENGINEER
Sheet No. 52.-Detail Plans of inlet and OutIet of Bottle Lake, Curtain Falls, Rebecca Falls,
Upper and Lower McAree Rapids.
a. Key map. From Canadian Engineer topographic survey.
b. Details and cross sections: From report of E. B. Patterson.
Sheet No. 53.-Details of Beatty's Portage and Divide between lf701seleyLake and Lac la Croix.
a. .Key map. From Canadian Engineer topographic survey.
b. Details and cross sections: From Canadian Engineer survey.
&'
44
REPORT O F ENGINEERS
Sheet No. 64.-Detail Plans of Snake Falls, Ivjr Falls and Myrtle ~ a f i s .
a. Key map. From Canadian Engineer topographic survey.
.
.
b. Details: From report of E. B. Patterson.
Sheet No. 55.-Detail Plans of High Falls, Hay Rapids and Lady Rapids.
a. Key map. From Canadian Engineer topographic survey.
b. Details: From report of E. B. Patterson.
Sheet No. 56.-Detail Plans of Loon Falls and Mouth of Loon River.
a. Key map. From Canadian Engineer topographic survey.
' b. Details: From report of E. B. Patterson.
Sheet No. 57.-Detail Plans of Namakan Reservoir Overflow Channels.
Sheet No:58.-Cross
Sections of Namakan Reservoir Overflow Channels.
Sheet No. 59.-Details of Storage Dams a t Kettle Falls a t Outlets of Namakan Lake.
The plans made by Mr. E. B. Patterson, Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service,
were based on field work performed under his direction during the months of September and
October, 1923. The plans were drawn for inclusion in his report to Mr. C. H. Attwood, District
Chief Engineer, Dominion Water Power and Reclamation Service, Winnipeg, Manitoba. This
report was dated May 10, 1924.
Mr. Patterson's detailed surveys of the outlets of Northern Light and Saganaga Lakes are
based on International Boundary Commission datum (that used generally throughout this
report), while those surveys pertaining to all other lakes in the area of operation of the United
States parties are based on the datum used by the Canadian section of the International Boundary
Commission. This latter datum varies from the former by 1 . 2 feet, the Canadian section datum
being higher than that of the United States section by that amount.