It is now official – the water level of Cobb’s Pond has declined since last year. But according to historical data collected by the Town of Gander, it is at a water level comparable to the years prior to damming by beavers.
Since the spring of last year, water levels at the pond have declined 1.2 feet, according to data presented by the Town at the July 21 council meeting.
On July 13, Cobb’s Ponds surface was measured to be 391.8 feet (119.4 metres) above sea level. Last spring, it was estimated to have been 393 feet (119.8 metres) above sea level.
At its lowest, the water levels for the pond dipped to 391.6 feet (119.3 metres) on July 6, before climbing to the measurement taken on July 13.
The level taken for July 13 is an identical match to a measurement taken in 1977, preceding damming of the pond by beavers. The 1977 levels were found by looking at topographic maps for Crown Lands.
“It appears it is at a natural level,” said Coun. Allan Scott, chair of the municipal works and services committee. “What happened in the last number of years is I guess the beaver was damming the water, and the water level raised. Everybody is used to a much higher level in the pond than what it is today.”
The Town was unable to provide data on the depth of the pond.
A beaver dam was removed from the pond last year after flooding occurred in the Spruce Court area last April.
The decreased water level became an issue for organizers of the inaugural Gander Triathlon, who originally planned to hold the swimming portion of the event at the pond. They have since relocated swimming to Jonathan’s Pond for the Aug. 22 triathlon.
“We certainly don’t want to create any problems, and we’ll be cautious about what we do.” - Coun. Allan Scott
Coun. Scott said the Town will continue with its plan to seek advice from the provincial government’s Department of Environment and the Wetland Stewardship Partnership on how to proceed.
“The advice we get could be that if that’s the natural level for the pond, then why bother with it. But, if the wetlands group and others say we should go back to the levels from the last few years, then we’ll investigate ways of doing it, pending approval.”
Coun. Doug Foley said a measured approach is necessary in making any further decisions regarding Cobb’s Pond.
“The important thing to remember is I guessed we messed with nature a little while ago, and we’ve seen where that got us. So, we’re going to take a very careful approach this time around – we’re not going to make any harsh moves, and we’re going to do it the right way. There’s no panic. The water level is not continually dropping. We’re being told it’s at a steady level.”
Coun. Scott said council would not want flooding to once again become a concern for residents adjacent to the pond.
“We certainly don’t want to create any problems, and we’ll be cautious about what we do.”
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