Moose Mountain Quarry

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Dive Site Report: Old Moose Mountain Quarry #

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Dive Site Name: Old Moose Mountain Quarry
Location: Sudbury, ON
Coordinates: 46° 50′ 56” N, 81° 2′ 12” W
Type: Quarry
Depth: Varies, with deeper sections likely near the center of the quarry
Visibility: Can vary depending on weather and season; typical quarry visibility conditions

SITE DESCRIPTION #

The Old Moose Mountain Quarry is a historic dive site located approximately 15 miles northwest of Capreol, near the former Sellwood Mines in Sudbury, Ontario. This quarry, once part of a bustling mining complex, now serves as a unique underwater environment offering divers a glimpse into the industrial past of the region. The quarry is surrounded by rugged terrain, with steep walls that descend into the water, providing a varied topography for divers to explore.

The quarry features submerged remnants of the mining operation, including old structures, equipment, and possibly some artifacts left behind from its days as a working mine. The site’s history as part of the Sellwood Mines complex adds a layer of intrigue to the dive, as divers can imagine the once-thriving operations above the waterline.

HISTORY #

The Old Moose Mountain Quarry is intimately linked to the history of Sellwood Mines, a significant mining complex that operated from 1901 to the 1970s. Sellwood Mines was originally developed under the guidance of Mackenzie and Mann, the developers of the Canadian Northern Railway. The mine featured both underground and open-pit operations, with ore transported to Key Harbour on Georgian Bay for shipping.

In the 1950s, the area experienced a resurgence under Lowphos Ore, leading to the construction of a modern processing plant. However, by the mid-1970s, the decline of the steel industry led to the mine’s closure, and the area transitioned from an operational hub to a historical site. The quarry remains as a testament to this industrial past, now repurposed as a dive site.

DIVE SITE CONDITIONS #

Topography: The quarry’s steep walls and varied depths create an interesting underwater landscape, with ledges and drop-offs to explore.
Water Temperature: Typically cold, especially in deeper sections, with temperatures varying seasonally.
Visibility: Generally good, but can be affected by weather conditions and time of year.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS #

Depth: Ensure you are trained for the depths encountered at this site, as certain sections can be deeper than others.
Visibility: Be prepared for potential changes in visibility, which can vary significantly in quarries.
Hazards: Watch for submerged structures and debris from the old mining operations, which can pose entanglement risks.
Weather: Always check the local weather conditions before diving, as they can greatly affect the safety and enjoyment of the dive.

DIVE EXPERIENCE LEVEL #

This site is suitable for divers with intermediate to advanced experience due to the varying depths and potential for colder water. It is recommended that divers be familiar with quarry diving and prepared for the specific challenges it presents.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

External Links:
- YouTube – Diving Passport (Hypothetical Link)
- Diving Accident resulting in Fatality (Hypothetical Link)
- Incident at Moose Mountain (Hypothetical Link)

CONCLUSION #

The Old Moose Mountain Quarry offers a dive experience steeped in history, with the added allure of exploring a site connected to the once-thriving Sellwood Mines. This quarry dive site provides a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of an industrial past, set against the rugged backdrop of the Sudbury region. Divers will find a mix of underwater exploration and historical intrigue, making it a memorable dive site in Ontario.