Seton Lake
{{Short description|Lake in British Columbia, Canada}}
{{Infobox body of water
| name = Seton Lake
| image = Setonlk.jpg
| caption = Seton Lake from Mission Mountain, c. 1950 Shalalth and Ohin on points at left. Looking west toward Mount Brew and Lillooet
| image_bathymetry=Seton-lake-outline.png
| caption_bathymetry=
| location = British Columbia
| pushpin_map= Canada British Columbia
| coords = {{coord|50|41|16|N|122|07|35|W|region:CA-BC|display=inline,title}}
| type = natural lake
| inflow = glacial feed and Cayoosh Creek from hydro overflow and Carpenter Lake Reservoir.
| outflow = Seton River
| catchment =
| basin_countries = Canada
| length = {{convert|21.9|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| width =
{{convert|1.1|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| area = {{convert|24.6|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}[https://www.lakepedia.com/en/article/seton-lake Seton Lake], on lakepedia.com
| depth = {{convert|85|m|ft|abbr=on}}[https://www.researchgate.net/en/article/seton-lake Seton Lake], on researchgate.net
| max-depth = {{convert|151|m|abbr=on}}[https://www.researchgate.net/en/article/seton-lake Seton Lake], on researchgate.net
| volume =
{{convert|2.091|km3|cumi|abbr=on}}[https://www.researchgate.net/en/article/seton-lake Seton Lake], on researchgate.net
| residence_time =
| shore =
| elevation = {{convert|243|m|ft|abbr=on}}[https://www.lakepedia.com/en/article/seton-lake Seton Lake], on lakepedia.com
| frozen =
| islands =
| cities =
}}
Seton Lake is a lake in the Squamish-Lillooet region of southwestern British Columbia. On the northeast side is Mission Ridge. On the southwest is the Cayoosh Range. By road, the eastern end is about {{convert|7|km|mi}} southwest of Lillooet.
Name origin
In 1827, Francis Ermatinger of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), the first European explorer, referred to the Seton and Anderson lakes as the first and second Peseline Lake (various spellings). In 1846, Alexander Caulfield Anderson paddled along the lakes when seeking a new HBC fur brigade route from Fort Alexandria. In 1858, Governor James Douglas commissioned Anderson to establish a route to the goldfields during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush.{{BCGNIS|1522|Anderson Lake (lake)}} The governor encouraged Anderson to name the lakes after his family. Anderson's cousin Colonel Alexander Seton of the 74th Regiment, who was in command of the troops on board HMS Birkenhead, which sank in 1852, was noted for his exemplary conduct in the moment and was among those who drowned.{{cite book | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcbooks/1.0379345#p111z-3r0f:%22Seton%22 |last=McKelvie |first=Bruce Alistair |page=112 (94) |title=Fort Langley: outpost of Empire |year=1947 |via=library.ubc.ca}}
The misspelling as "Seaton Lake" on Jorgensen's 1895 map{{BCGNIS|18908|Seton Lake (lake)}} was commonly repeated for decades in both newspaper accounts and government reports.
Dimensions and tributaries
The lake is {{convert|21.9|km|mi}} long and averages {{convert|1.1|km|mi|1}} wide. The surface area is {{convert|24.6|km2|1}}. The mean depth is {{convert|85|m}} and maximum depth is {{convert|151|m}}. The lake has not completely frozen in recent decades but has in the past.{{Cite web | url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348229855 |pages=2–4 |title=Influence of glacial turbidity and climate on diatom communities in two Fjord Lakes (British Columbia, Canada) |date=Jan 2021 | website=www.researchgate.net}} The water is a few degrees colder than Anderson Lake.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0060111#p537z-3r0f:%22warmer%22 |page=538 (D462) |title=Minister of Lands annual report, 1913 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
The primary inflow (western end) and outflow (eastern end) are the Seton River. Clockwise, the main tributaries are Omin Brook, Carpenter Lake (via Mission Ridge tunnels), Tsee Creek, Ohin Creek, Olin Creek, Ptilla Creek, Puck Creek, Duguid Creek, Madelina Creek, and Audrey Creek, on the northern shore, and Machute Creek on the southern shore.
In 1979, a creek was partially diverted to mix creek water with powerhouse water, so that sockeye salmon would not lose their bearings, but instead proceed upstream to their traditional spawning grounds.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1979-09-05-03 |page=3 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=5 Sep 1979 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}}
File:Seton Lake.jpg (right)]]
Environment
The lake is bounded by snow-capped mountains that descend abruptly to the shores.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0064119#p1z-3r0f:%22abruptly%22 |page=2 (822) |title=Report of the Fisheries Commissioner, 1901 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Environmental conditions largely mirror the Anderson Lake geology, topography, and climate. However, glacial silt from Cayoosh Creek, entering via the power station tunnel, makes the lake water much cloudier than Anderson.
Ferries
=1858–c.1864=
Although a trail existed along the north shore, this section of the Douglas Road was mostly travelled via the lake, initially by canoe.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0064442#p151z-3r0f:%22Seton%22 |page=152 (K134) |title=Minister of Mines annual report, 1910 |website=library.ubc.ca}} Despite repairs and upgrades to this rudimentary trail over the years, the condition remained as unsuitable for livestock passage.{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/dailycolonist18751224uvic/page/n2/mode/1up?view=theater&q=seton |page=3 |title=Daily Colonist |date=24 Dec 1875 | website=archive.org}}
Built on the lake for Taylor & Co, the {{convert|110|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} paddle steamer Champion entered service in June 1860.{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/dailycolonist18600612uvic/mode/1up?view=theater&q=champion |page=1 |title=Daily Colonist |date=12 Jun 1860 | website=archive.org}}{{cite journal | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bch/1.0190706#p42z-4r0f:%22Seton%22 |last=Hacking |first=Norman R. |title=BC Historical Quarterly: Steamboating on the Fraser in the 'Sixties |date=Jan 1946 |volume=X |issue=1 |pages=15–16, 43, 46 (11–12, 38, 41) |website=library.ubc.ca}} Assumedly, this was the vessel that qualified for the $150 government grant.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/newestimes/1.0319288#p2z-3r0f:%22Seaton%22 |page=3 |title=New Westminster Times |date=25 Feb 1860 |website=library.ubc.ca}} However, John Colbraith and John Taylor focussed on their hotel at the end of lake, leaving the day-to-day operations of the ferry to Flynn and Kelly.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212203#p0z-5r0f:%22Seton%22 |page=1 |title=Prospector |date=4 Apr 1913 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
In 1862, the Short Portage–Lillooet steamer fare was $1.{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/dailycolonist18620701uvic/page/n3/mode/2up?view=theater&q=thence |page=4 |title=Daily Colonist |date=1 Jul 1862 | website=archive.org}} The next year, Taylor & Co, introduced faster paddle steamers, which were the {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} Seaton and the {{convert|110|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} Prince Alfred.{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/dailycolonist18630803uvic/page/n3/mode/1up?view=theater&q=taylor |page=4 |title=Daily Colonist |date=3 Aug 1863 | website=archive.org}}{{cite book | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcbooks/1.0222484#p151z-3r0f:%22Seaton%22 |last=Wright |first=Edgar Wilson |page=152 (120) |title=Lewis & Dryden's marine history of the Pacific Northwest |year=1895 |via=library.ubc.ca}}
The fate of these vessels is unclear, but the remains of the Seaton were still visible on the lakeshore in 1901.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212187#p0z-2r0f:%22Seaton%22 |page=1 |title=Prospector |date=3 Aug 1901 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
=Intermediate years=
=c.1898–1934=
An influx of gold prospectors, which overwhelmed the private boats and barges, highlighted the need for regular lake transportation.{{sfn|Edwards|1976|p=168}} In February 1899, the {{convert|40|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} steamboat Minnehaha entered service{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212220#p0z-4r0f:%22Minnehaha%22 |page=1 |title=Prospector |date=10 Feb 1899 |website=library.ubc.ca}} but was destroyed in a violent storm in 1902.{{sfn|Edwards|1976|p=171}}
A new steamer was completed in September 1900.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212296#p0z-4r0f:%22Seaton%22 |page=1 |title=Prospector |date=21 Sep 1900 |website=library.ubc.ca}} The owners built wharves at the foot of the lake and Shalalth.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212397#p3z-4r0f:%22Seaton%22 |page=4 |title=Prospector |date=24 Aug 1900 |website=library.ubc.ca}} The vessel was likely the {{convert|50|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} Britannia,{{sfn|Edwards|1976|p=204}} which dominated the lake service after 1902.{{sfn|Edwards|1976|p=171}} Its final year on the run to Mission (Shalalth) and Short Portage (Seton Portage) was 1914.{{sfn|Edwards|1976|p=204}}{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0211967#p2z-4r0f:%22Britannia%22 |page=3 |title=Prospector |date=20 Feb 1914 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In May 1912, the {{convert|30|ft|m|adj=on|order=flip}} gasoline engine Durban was launched for the same route.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212374#p6z-4r0f:%22Seton%22 |page=7 |title=Lillooet Prospector |date=10 May 1912 |website=library.ubc.ca}} That year, the railway contractor made a daily round trip with its gasoline tug and scow.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/expressnv/1.0309677#p0z-2r0f:%22tug%22 |page=1 |title=Express |date=24 Dec 1912 |website=library.ubc.ca}} In total, one steamer and two or three gasoline launches carried freight and passengers on the lake that year.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0059933#p346z-3r0f:%22steamboat%22 |page=347 (D272) |title=Minister of Lands annual report, 1912 |website=library.ubc.ca}} The Seton Lake Steamboat Co operated at least until November 1916, apparently with gasoline boats in later years.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212324#p2z-4r0f:%22steamboat%22 |page=3 |title=Lillooet Prospector |date=10 Nov 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}} That summer, Capt. E.W. Cox, who operated a launch on the lake and was about to receive an operating subsidy, drowned while repairing a wharf.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/pwv/1.0373983#p6z-3r0f:%22Seaton%22 |page=7 |title=Week |date=22 Jul 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
Ernie Marshall and his brother operated a Lillooet–Shalalth ferry until 1934.{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/dailycolonist0734uvic_5/page/n24/mode/1up?view=theater&q=seton |page=25 |title=Daily Colonist |date=8 Jul 1934 | website=archive.org}}
Railway
By late 1912, seven construction camps had been established along Seton and Anderson Lakes.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/fgh:1912-12-07-01 |page=1 |title=Fort George Herald |date=7 Dec 1912 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} The next summer, a falling rock killed a worker.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/nelsondaily/1.0385354#p0z-2r0f:%22Seton%22 |page=1 |title=Daily News |date=25 Jul 1913 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
The northward advance of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) rail head reached the western end of Seton Lake in late January 1915{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212100#p0z-4r0f:%22steel%22 |page=1 |title=Prospector |date=29 Jan 1915 |website=library.ubc.ca}} and the Lillooet vicinity in mid-February.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212080#p0z-4r0f:%22rails%22 |page=1 |title=Prospector |date=19 Feb 1915 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
In 1916, high water extensively damaged the track.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/pwv/1.0373972#p6z-3r0f:%22Seton%22 |page=7 |title=Week |date=5 Aug 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
The stations along the north side of the lake have been as follows:
File:Seton Lake, Canada (Unsplash).jpg
{{small|{{note|Alpha|a}}. Formerly known as the Mission, an unofficial flag stop existed by 1918.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0059678#p246z-3r0f:%22Mission%22 |page=247 (K229) |title=Minister of Mines annual report, 1918 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
{{note|Alpha|b}}. The station may have been an unofficial flag stop by 1916{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/proslill/1.0212078#p0z-4r0f:%22Craig%22 |page=1 |title=Lillooet Prospector |date=8 Sep 1916 |website=library.ubc.ca}} but was definitely one by 1921.{{cite book | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcbooks/1.0380570#p119z-5r0f:%22P.G.E.%22 |last=Gillespie |first=Alexander Alistair |page=121 (115) |title=Journey through life: biography of Alexander Gillespie |year=1954 |via=library.ubc.ca}}}}
The shuttle along the lake, which commenced as Lillooet–Shalalth in 1934 and became Lillooet–Seton Portage in 1958, would stop most anywhere on request.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.cwrailway.ca/sites/default/files/Cariboo/Cariboo%20-%20Issue%2022.pdf#page=7 |last=Hind |first=Patrick O. |title=The Cariboo: PGE's Shalalth Service |date=Oct 1995 |issue=22 |pages=7–13 |website=www.cwrailway.ca}} The service became the Kaoham Shuttle in 2002.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.cwrailway.ca/sites/default/files/Cariboo/Cariboo%20-%20Issue%2041.pdf#page=18 | last1=Biln |first1=J. Singh |last2=Roberts |first2=Jay |title=The Cariboo: BC Rail's New Rail Shuttle Vehicles |date=Fall 2002 |issue=41 |pages=18–21 |website=www.cwrailway.ca}}
In 1949, the construction of concrete walls eliminated five bridges along the lake.{{Cite web | url=https://open.library.ubc.ca/viewer/bcsessional/1.0340941#p5z-3r0f:%22Seton%22 |page=JJ6 |title=Railway Department annual report, 1949 |website=library.ubc.ca}}
In January 1950, an avalanche rushing down the mountainside forced a locomotive and tender into the icy lake. The engineer and fireman drowned inside the locomotive,{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1950-01-26-01 |pages=1, 4 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=26 Jan 1950 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} which came to rest {{convert|90|ft|m|order=flip}} below the surface.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1950-02-09-05 |page=5 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=9 Feb 1950 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}}
In December 1964, a diesel locomotive hauling a freight train struck a rockslide on the track, derailed, and plunged into the icy lake. The engineer drowned, but two other crew swam to safety.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1964-12-14-04 |page=4 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=14 Dec 1964 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} The locomotive, which rested on a ledge {{convert|140|ft|m|order=flip}} underwater, was secured a month later to prevent it from slipping to the bottom of the lake.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1965-01-06-09 |page=9 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=6 Jan 1965 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} The PGE implemented a coroner's jury recommendation that a speeder precede all trains along the lake to check for track obstructions.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1965-01-21-12 |page=12 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=21 Jan 1965 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} In June 1965, the 120-ton locomotive was raised.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1965-06-23-07 |page=7 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=23 Jun 1965 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}}
In December 1969, two locomotives and 13 cars of a 77-car freight train derailed. One car rolled into the lake and another caught fire.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1969-12-17-03 |page=3 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=17 Dec 1969 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}}
File:Seton Lake, BC (5762486367).jpg
In February 1980, a large rock fell upon the track after the speeder passed. On rounding a bend, a southbound 59-car freight train struck the rock, derailing the two lead locomotives and two cars. The locomotives tumbled into the lake, where one crew member swam free but one drowned.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1980-03-03-03 |page=3 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=3 Mar 1980 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}} In May 1981, BC Rail raised and restored one locomotive. In April 1989, a private citizen raised the second locomotive, but BC Rail expressed no interest in it.{{Cite web | url=http://pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca/fedora/repository/pgc:1989-04-14-08 |page=8 |title=Prince George Citizen |date=14 Apr 1989 |website=pgnewspapers.pgpl.ca}}
Canadian National Railways have operated the BC Rail line since 2004.{{Cite web |url=http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/nrm_news_releases/2003OTP0103-001046.htm |title=$1-Billion BC Rail Investment Partnership moves forward |work=Province of British Columbia press releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050409101406/http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/nrm_news_releases/2003OTP0103-001046.htm |archive-date=9 April 2005 |url-status=dead }}
Recreation
The one-kilometre return Seton Lake Viewpoint hike offers the lake and mountains as a background and the switchback highway as a foreground. The Upper Bench Loop Trail provides views of Cayoosh Creek, the valley, and Seton Powerhouse. The short trail down to the lake offers lake views. The stoney Seton Lake beach has a boat launch, dock, and several picnic tables. Fishing is better in the creeks and river than the lake.{{Cite web | url=https://routinelynomadic.com/seton-lake |title=Seton Lake: Stunning Blue Water and a Viewpoint Hike |website=routinelynomadic.com|date=13 May 2021 }}
Maps
{{Commons category}}
- {{Cite web | url=https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~2162~200068:Rand-McNally-Official-1925-Auto-Tra?title=Search+Results%3A+List_No+equal+to+%275215.002%27&thumbnailViewUrlKey=link.view.search.url&fullTextSearchChecked=&dateRangeSearchChecked=&showShareIIIFLink=true&helpUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV75D%2FLUNA%2BViewer%23LUNAViewer-LUNAViewer&showTip=false&showTipAdvancedSearch=false&advancedSearchUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fdoc.lunaimaging.com%2Fdisplay%2FV75D%2FSearching%23Searching-Searching |title=BC map |year=1925 |website=www.davidrumsey.com}}
- {{Cite web | url=https://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/workspace/handleMediaPlayer;JSESSIONID=83caf6bd-5c13-4a2d-8744-65fde1e6d603?lunaMediaId=RUMSEY~8~1~212315~5500350 |title=Shell BC map |year=1956 |website=www.davidrumsey.com}}
See also
Footnotes
{{reflist}}
References
- {{cite book|last=Edwards |first=Irene |title=Short Portage to Lillooet |publisher=self-published |year=1976}}
{{British Columbia hydrography}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Lakes of British Columbia