Fetch /feCH/ – the distance travelled by wind or waves across open water.
Warning: These are all large lakes lying in narrow mountain valleys. Slocan Lake, at about 40 km, is the smallest and Kootenay Lake, at 115 km long does not have a significant bend for the entire distance.
Winds from any direction tend to funnel down the lake valleys. Because of the enormous length of the lakes, the potential fetch is equally large and the size of the wind waves generated can be prodigious.
Virtually any storm during the summer is preceded by a front of fast-moving air. As it funnels down the mountain valleys, that front often shows as the “black line”. Many people have drowned on these lakes during storms.
It is highly recommended to listen to weather forecasts whenever planning on paddling here. It is recommended to paddle in the mornings and be off the water by the early afternoon. If you see the black line, get off the water if able.
Kayaks are inherently more stable than canoes and would likely handle the black line well if done correctly. Hit it at 90° paddling as hard as you can to break through the surf. Then try to keep heading directly into the wind while making your way to the closest landing.
Introduction
KOOTENAY LAKE
SLOCAN LAKE
ARROW LAKES
PEND OREILLE CANYON
Seven Mile Dam Reservoir
