Don't Change the Channel EarthCache
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An earthcache is a special geological location that people can visit to learn about a unique feature of the Earth. As such, there is no physical container and no log book. Answers must be submitted for approval by cache owner, and once approved, you may log a find.
The coordinates will bring you to a bridge spanning a channel which connects Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg to Grand Beach Lagoon. Grand Beach is a freshwater beach located within the Rural Municipality of St. Clements, approximately 75 kilometres North of Winnipeg. Park fees will apply to enter the park.
PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION NEAR THE BRIDGE. ON A WINDY DAY, THE WATER LEVEL OF THE LAKE RISES SIGNIFICANTLY.
Grand Beach is part of Grand Beach Provincial Park and features 3 kilometres of fine, white sand and is backed by sand dunes that rise up to 12 metres above the beach.
Originally founded by homesteaders, the area was home to a substantial Metis community who were the only settlers until the Canadian Northern Railway built its line and set up the resort along the 'Grand' beach in 1917. After being made accessible by the railway it became a very popular resort for Manitobans, and has remained so to this day.
Lake Winnipeg is shallow and consequently contains less water than many other large lakes. On average, Lake Winnipeg is only about 12 metres deep although its deepest point is about 36 metres.
Because of its long, narrow shape, Lake Winnipeg exhibits a variety of interesting wind and wave effects, including temporary water level rises of up to one metre in height at its southern shore. This occurs when prevailing northerly winds blow along the length of Lake Winnipeg, exerting a horizontal stress on its surface. Surface waters move in the direction of the wind and pile up along the leeward south shores.
Furthermore, water depths are known to be extremely variable at the south end of the lake. Many of the recreational beaches on the southern end of the lake feature rustic, seasonal piers for swimmers. It is not uncommon to be able to walk off the end of one of these piers one day into more than waist-deep water, then return a few days later to the same spot to find the water only ankle deep, or even exposed sand.
Another feature of the area is the large lagoon lying to the South of the beach area.
A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by sandbars, coral reefs or some other type of natural barrier. At Grand Beach, the natural barrier dividing the large lake from the lagoon is sand dunes.
The natural channel between the East and West beaches at Grand Beach provides drainage for water moving North into Lake Winnipeg from the lagoon and the Southern marshes.
Requirements
To log this EarthCache, email me the answers to the following questions using the profile link above. Please reference GC5EERV.
1) At the posted coordinates, take a good look at the water flowing under the bridge, and describe the direction that the water appears to be flowing.
2) At the posted parking coordinates, you will see a sign. According to the sign, what is the name of the kind of wave movement that piles water at one end of the lake.
3) Why is swimming strictly forbidden in the channel?
4) Optional: Post a picture of you and/or your GPSr at the posted coordinates.
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