September 2, 2016 - Submerged Features Map

Post date: Sep 03, 2016 12:46:5 AM

Drawing from multiple layers of information I've previously added to this project, I created an accurate map of the submerged and "extinct" water features that originally existed under what is now the Stillwater Reservoir. The main feature is the estimated original river bed of the Beaver River. To create this, I drew mainly from four sources, with each source especially useful in a distinct section of the reservoir. Between the existing dam and Wolf Creek, the depth data layers show the river bed quite distinctly. I utilized both the Insight Genesis social depth map, as well as the the Reefmaster depth map. Although they are created from the same source data, two different interpolation algorithms are utilized to create the contours. Because of this, you can draw varied inferences from the different maps. Continuing eastward from Wolf Creek for a fairly short distance to Picnic Island, I utilized a small section of the original Verplanck Colvin survey map. The depth data did not clearly show the river bed due to the relative flatness of the area. The aerial imagery discussed next was no help in this section either, because the water height was still high enough to cover the area. This section is definitely the least accurate depiction of the river bed with respect to proper orthorectified location. From Picnic Island east to the end of the reservoir, I used the composite aerial imagery from the 2001 draw down of the reservoir. This imagery was discussed in an earlier update post. I believe this combined method of sources resulted in a very accurate estimate of the entire original river bed. Amazingly, when I created the sections of river bed utilizing the depth data and the aerial composite imagery, the general look of the twists and turns of the river matched Verplanck Colvin's original survey map quite closely for those sections of the reservoir. Quite a testament to the surveyor's (and his team's) skills.

I also created estimated creek beds that originally fed into the Beaver River. All of the creeks are still there today, but their paths were originally much longer to reach the river. In addition to this, I created precise depictions of extinct bodies of water, including lakes and ponds that existed before the creation of the reservoir. To create this layer, I once again utilized the sources previously mentioned. In addition, I also utilized several other sources. The Adirondack Timber and Mineral Company Map from 1898 which identified several extinct bodies of water. I also received help from local residents Jim Fox, Mary Kunzler-Larmann, and Don Phelps, to identify several features found in the depth data that were not named on any currently available map.

The map can be viewed by loading this KMZ file into Google Earth. For mashing up the various data mentioned, the other layers are available either on the "Available Imagery" page, or within the first download link on the "Main Page".