Lock 21

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The lock before being flooded
The lock before being flooded
Aerial photograph of Lock 21
Aerial photograph of Lock 21
SOS Diver's Guide to Lock 21
SOS Diver's Guide to Lock 21
A view of Lock 21 from the South side
A view of Lock 21 from the South side

Contents

[edit] Location

44.99792, -74.89912

In Long Sault Park, Ontario.

[edit] Conditions

Current: Strong (2-3 knots)

Depth: 40' (upper lockwork) 60' (bottom)

Visibility: 10'-20'

Water temperature: From 1C (Feb.) to 25C (July)

[edit] Description

These locks were constructed in 1885 and were submerged in 1936 when this area was flooded to serve as headwater for the hydro-electric dam in Cornwall.

These locks are still very-much intact. One can explore the walkway along the upper lock-work (40'), drift through a sluice gate just below this (60') or drift through the lock (60') which still has its wooden floor. Bring along a light for peering into various parts of the locks like the manholes at the downstream end. Exit this site by swimming north until reaching the shallows.

[edit] Access

This is a shore dive. Surface swim out the farther (blue, as of Summer 2007) buoy and then follow a line leading upstream and down to the upper lockworks. This swim can be tiring, so take a moment to catch your breath before descending. If the current is too strong to swim against, forget about getting to the "entry" buoy. Use the "exit" rope to enter the lock. The current is still there, but using the bottom, you'll spent much less energy getting to the sluice-gates.

There is a park access fee of $4 per person.

[edit] Hazards

Despite the shallow depth, this should be considered an advanced dive due to current and potentially low visibility.

[edit] Recent Conditions

DateTemperatureVisibility
2007-07-0766°XX'

[edit] Links, References, and Other Sources

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