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Garibaldi Lake Bathymetric Survey
Garibaldi Lake Bathymetric Survey
Mapping the hidden floor of a volcanic lake.
Collaboration:
Quest University Canada
Research Lead:
Dr. Steve Quane
Location:
Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia
The Challenge
Mapping the floor of a remote alpine lake at 1,450m elevation presents significant logistical challenges. Equipment, personnel, and survey platforms must be transported nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The lakes freeze solid from late December through April, limiting survey windows. And the scientific stakes are high - the unstable Barrier dam contains over one trillion litres of water directly above the town of Squamish.
What We Found
Our bathymetric surveys revealed a maximum depth of 255 metres - far deeper than previously estimated. We mapped 10 square kilometres of lake floor with side-scan sonar, discovering an undulating lava plateau beneath the western shoreline. This is evidence of volcanic flows that wrapped around stranded icebergs during the lake's formation. We also collected critical data on the lava flow/bedrock contact that defines the dam's structural boundaries.
The lake floor tells a story of fire and ice: where lava met glacier, where water found its way through porous volcanic rock, and where an entire valley was transformed into one of British Columbia's most iconic landscapes.
Research Applications
This bathymetric dataset supports ongoing research into volcanic hazard assessment for the Squamish-Whistler corridor, hydrological modelling of the Garibaldi Lakes–Barrier–Rubble Creek system, glaciovolcanic reconstruction of Pleistocene and Holocene events, and water volume calculations for emergency planning scenarios. The data contributes to understanding one of Canada's highest-threat volcanic systems - research that directly benefits the 50,000+ residents living downstream.
Technical Approach
Survey platforms were selected based on lake-specific access constraints. Inflatable vessels with integrated sonar and GNSS covered Garibaldi Lake's 10 km² surface area. Portable platforms served the smaller, more confined Lesser Garibaldi and Barrier Lakes. RTK positioning ensured survey-grade accuracy in remote alpine conditions. Data products include detailed bathymetric contour maps, 3D lake floor models, and bottom surface characterization from side-scan imagery.
Services:
Bathymetric surveying, SONAR mapping, scientific research collaboration, remote environment operations, volcanic hazard assessment support
Garibaldi Lake is a lake that shouldn't exist. Formed roughly 9,000 years ago when lava from Clinker Peak collided with retreating glacial ice, this turquoise jewel sits 1,450 metres above sea level, held in place by a 300-metre wall of unstable volcanic rock known as The Barrier.
Aeria Solutions provided bathymetric survey services for this multi-year research initiative led by volcanologist Dr. Steve Quane and Quest University. Our work contributed to the first comprehensive depth mapping of Garibaldi Lake and its smaller siblings, Lesser Garibaldi Lake and Barrier Lake.