General Layer Usage

*** Before using the data layers found on this site, please read the disclaimer on the main page ***

Routes Layer

This layer has both tracks (aka paths) and polygons (aka areas) that are color coded based on relative safe speeds.

Green polygon areas are generally "safe" areas for water sports (skiing, wake-boarding, tubing, etc) at any speed.

To be on the safe side, water sports should probably be avoided below 1670 ft.

That being said, when you'd normally want to engage in water sports (warm summer temps), the water levels are almost always above 1670 ft.

Green routes are relatively straight, high speed capable routes to every corner of the reservoir. They have the highest separation distance from hazards and traverse through the deepest waters. These paths should be usable down to well below 1670 ft, however the safety margin is getting narrower with every foot below 1670 ft. In high water (>1673), it is not necessary to exactly follow the green paths, as more direct paths often exist while still avoiding the hazards (see depth map layer below).

Yellow routes have at least one section where the margin for error decreases significantly. This is due to several possibilities. First, the separation from a hazard may be minimal and may be approaching the horizontal accuracy of a GPS position solution. Second, the boat may be entering shallower water. Either way, slow it down and be careful. In order to use yellow paths, the water level should be above 1670 ft.

Red routes have at least one section that comes very close to hazards (well within GPS horizontal accuracy) and/or should only be used in higher water levels. Read the notes for the individual route to determine the minimum water height required, if there is no note, only take the route above 1677 ft. These paths are very dangerous and should probably be avoided in a motor boat if at all possible, unless it's really high water and using a small craft. Use a canoe, kayak, or trolling motor on a small craft instead. If a motor is used, it might be good to utilize a spotter at the bow of the boat to look for hazards while moving as slowly as possible.

Although the routes have sharp corners, it is fine to round out the corners on the green routes at (relatively safe) speed while staying on the inside of the turn. Try not to overshoot the turn. Red routes should be followed as closely as possible at idle speed.

If a route does not exist to a specific campsite, it is usually best to follow a virtual line perpendicular to shore from the closest point on the nearest route. Use the depth map for further guidance.

Depth Map

This layer is color coded by depth. Red through orange are dangerous areas in any water height, with the lightest orange color being a transition zone. White areas are typically safe in most water heights, and blue areas are safe at all times.

Depth values can be seen enumerated on the vector map, and the color legend can be found in the Google Earth layers. All depth values assume a water height of 1680 feet.

You should use the USGS website to view the water height for the day before departing, and perform the "mental math" to figure out the true depth for that point for that day.

Please keep in mind that just because you may be in a deep zone currently, doesn't mean that you aren't dangerously close to a shallow area, with respect to horizontal position.

The vector map version of the depth map contains a simple flattened color palette, which is easier to interpret while navigating on the water, especially when overlaid on top of satellite imagery.

The shaded relief map portrays much more detail through a more complex color palette and shading. The drawback is the additional detail makes it harder to interpret while navigating.

Additional Notes

It is highly recommended to always utilize a depth finder in addition to your mobile device when boating on Stillwater Reservoir.

Unfortunately, tree stumps and individual boulders are not always discernible in the map data. There are a lot of stumps and boulders! That's why I say this is by no means a fool proof safety measure.

Another issue is often in the map data, there are clouds or reflections that can look like hazards under the surface. This is very hard to discern sometimes, so I've always attempted to err on the side of caution in most cases, or use the depth map to cross-check. This method is far from perfect, but still better than other solutions, or nothing at all.

If going somewhere the routes don't lead, it's possible to load up the imagery with a lower water height than the present value, and manually avoid obstacles. However, caution should be taken to avoid using manually rectified imagery. Additional routes and destinations can be requested via the email at the top of the contact page.

Hazards Layer (deprecated in lieu of the depth map)

This layer contains polygons only, and is color coded in yellow, orange, and red.

- The yellow polygons encompass everything visible using the lowest water level satellite imagery I could locate.

- They are most useful when the water is below 1670 feet.

- In water higher than 1673 feet, the yellow polygons can likely be ignored (or turned off).

- The orange layer encompasses everything visible above and below the surface at 1668 ft.

- The red layer encompasses everything visible above the surface at 1672 ft.

- One exception with the polygons are shores that follow the tree lines closely and do not jut out in any way are not highlighted.

For safety, heed the orange and red polygons in any water height.

Note: The lower-water polygons (yellow) will always encompass and surround both the mid and high-water polygons.

The mid-water polygons (orange) will always encompass and surround the high-water polygons (red).

The hazard polygons are my attempt to outline any of the following:

- A hazard visible in the middle of the reservoir that may or not be visible in higher water

- A hazard that juts out from the shore line and disappears in high water

- A hazard that encroaches on a path

- Anything else that is visible in the map data with low water levels that cannot be seen at higher water levels.