DIVE SITE MAP
WEST HAWK LAKE
MANITOBA

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The Manitoba Underwater Council suggests that on the day of the planned dive, both the site and diving conditions be adequately assessed and diving should take place only if these conditions are acceptable. Remember, West Hawk Lake is often dark and ALWAYS cold; weather conditions can change water conditions dramatically.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable dive, the council also suggests that the diver observe the following precautions:

1. Always mark your dive site with a diver down flag.
2. Be alert for boat traffic when surfacing and snorkelling.
3. Never dive alone and always do a buddy check before descending.
4. After a long snorkel, rest at the surface prior to descent.
5. Do not dive beyond your comfort zone.
6. Watch depth and bottom time carefully.
7. Finally, practice good buoyancy control.  Much of the bottom the lake is silty.  Bottom floundering can drastically reduce visibility creating a hazard for you and for those following.

The information provided in this brochure is intended as a guide.  Although we have attempted to advise the diver of any hazards, some hazards may exist of which we are unaware.  It is the diver's responsibility to obtain further information where available.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Call Operator - ask for ZENITH 50,000  Contact O.P.P. (in Ontario) or the R.C.M.P. (in Manitoba) and state the following:

"This is a diving emergency."

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DIVEPAC is a service provided by the Manitoba Underwater Council with financial assistance from Sport Manitoba and Manitoba Lotteries

This pamphlet has been prepared by:

D.G. Hartrick
K.V. Ticknor
A.H. Kerr

Acknowledgements

W.D.S. Brereton (Dive site information) R. Lemonine (History of West Hawk Lake)
March 1990


Converted to HTML by:

Sean Ennis

Site A Cat's Ass
Shore Access - This is the most heavily dived area in West Hawk Lake. Located off Section A of the campground, the site has become most commonly known as Cat's Ass. Entering the water directly off the point, takes the diver to the edge of a wall. This wall and ledge system extends North and North-Easterly for a considerable distance. Depths at the base of the wall vary from 25 to in excess of 60 feet. The site along the base of the wall is characterized by odds and ends of paraphernalia from a signpost to a bathtub as well as a small boat. To the East of the dock, the rock face drops to approximately 25 feet where two wooden platforms can be seen that are used for training exercises.

Site B
Short Access - From the shoreline to the North and West the site is characterized by a relatively shallow (20-25 feet) sandy bottom with occasional rocks and boulders. Even further North-West will take the diver to an underwater forest of sorts as many downed trees strew the bottom at a depth of 3040 feet. A large vein of quartz can be seen at approximately 30 feet.

Site C
Shore Access - The shoreline South-East of the Miller Beach dock offers a gently sloping silty and rocky bottom with boulders increasing in number as the dive proceeds away from the dock area. This site may be best as a night dive but can offer encounters with fish life during daylight diving.

Site D
Shore Access - A medium length snorkel is required from the Miller Beach dock to reach the red marker bouys anchored over the reef. The top of the reef comes to within 4-5 feet of the surface while a descent down the walls will take the diver to a silty bottom at 45-50 feet. Short walls typify the site. In season, bass can be found above the thermocline found at 35 feet in mid-July. The site offers an interesting alternative to Cat's Ass (see Site A) for those limited to shore diving. Frequent boat travel over the site requires a dive flag be used and care be taken upon ascent.

Site E
Boat Access - This Peanut Island offers a variety of good diving. The area to the West of the island offers a relatively gentle slope with numerous rocks and boulders at which bass can often be observed sunning themselves during the day or resting near the bottom during the night. The majority of the rest of the perimeter of the island is typified by drop off and short walls cascading to depths well in excess of 60 feet. The bass generally reside above the thermocline once it establishes itself around a 35 foot depth.

Site F
Boat Access - This site is marked by sheer walls, recesses, undercut wall faces, and small cave like openings at greater depths. The sheer cliffs are regarded as lingering evidence of the meteor that created the depression that is now West Hawk Lake. This site is not recommended for the novice and extreme care must prevail when diving such a site.

Site J
Boat Access - This Site is similar in many ways to Site L.

Site K - The Flower Garden
This sites maximum depth is approximately 80 feet. Above this depth, ranging between a depth of 40 to 60 feet, will treat the diver to an underwater grotto. This undercut recedes some 20 feet and is encrusted, particularily in the more shallow depths with fresh water sponges. There is also a sheer wall which adds a delightful touch.

Site L
Boat Access - The orange cliffs are visible across the lake from the campground to identify this area. Sheer cliffs rise above the water but a number of trees grow along the shore to provide assistance for docking. Underwater, the site is marked by stretches of sheer wall face and areas providing ledge and boulder topography. Depths exceed 60 feet.

Site M
Boat Access - This site is similar in many ways to Site L.

Site N
Boat Access - This site is similar to Site F in terms of depth, but is remarkable for the sheer wall starting at 20 feet and extending to well beyond 80 feet. An excellent wall dive.

Site O - McKenzie Beach
Boat/Shore Access - This site can be reached via a long (approx 200 yds) snorkle from McKenzie Beach. Boat access is preferable. This site is adjacent to one of the deepest areas of the lake. The drop off is relativly undulating and marked by the short steep walls seen including a large pinnacle at around 70 feet and several small overhangs. Odd white sponge-like fungi are quite prevalent at 30-40 feet. Depths well in excess of 100 feet are common. A dive light is recommended as ligh penetration in this area is limited. The West side of the inlet is less interesting with a fairly gentle rocky slope down to the sandy bottom at about 70 feet.

Site G
Boat Access - This island site offers an excellent shallow (30 feet) dive although greater depths can be reached if desired. A number of interesting rock formations along with abundant fish-life makes this site worth the plunge.

Site H
Shore Access - A snorkel to the mouth of the bay provides some interesting diving amongst rock and boulders along a sandy bottom. Fish-life is plentiful but boat traffic requires the diver to be aware when shallow.

Site I
Boat Access - The North end of the lake can be reached via PR #312 to McDougall's Landing. A mixed bottom, primarily sandy with weeds and occasional rocky areas at a maximum of 30 feet. This may be a junk collector's dream site as areas of the bottom are strwn with various "artifacts". A large pipe and an abundance of weeds offer cover for small aquatic life. This site is better suited for snorkelling.