Black Donald Lake
From DiveSpot
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[edit] Location
At the end of Highway 508, just southwest of the town of Calabogie, Ontario.
[edit] Conditions
Current: none
Depth: up to 45' (excluding the mine)
Visibility: 5'-8'
Water temperature: From 1C (Feb.) to 25C (July)
[edit] Description
This spot is the remains of the town of Black Donald, the site of Ontario's richest graphite deposit. The foundations of a dozen houses can be found here as well as an old Packard automobile.
Following the underwater roadway leads to white highway posts and the graphite mine. Diving the mine is not safe nor recommended.
You may see very large snails at this spot.
[edit] Access
This spot is accessible by shore. Try to find someone who will let you enter near the historic marker.
31 Jul 10: All private properties on Graphite Bay Rd, west side, will not let you through. The only access found was through the campground on the east side. Follow Black Donald Rd to the end. Ask for permission at the main office. You will have to swim 300 yds to the west and enter through the south side of the site.
[edit] Hazards
Poor visibility and some boating traffic are hazards at this site. Fly a diver's down flag and avoid disturbing the bottom.
The actual mine itself is deep and treacherous. Don't go there.
31 Jul 10: Vis 20 ft above and 15ft below the thermocline(@37ft)without a light.
[edit] Recent Conditions
| Date | Temperature | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| YYYY-MM-DD | XX° | XX' |
