Dredge and Flume
Activities
About
A short trail leads to the remains of a pressure box and a Fairbanks floating dipper dredge. An interpretive panel gives a description of the dredge and pressure box. The lack of a consistent water supply hampered hydraulic mining operations in the Atlin area. In 1906 a crib dam was built across the outflow of Surprise Lake. In 1907 and 1908, a 6 foot deep diversion channel approximately 5 miles long and 26 feet wide was constructed using this one yard dipper shovel. The channel, with a capacity of 15,000 miner?s inches of water, was then put through a pressure box to supply the hydraulic operations on the creek below. This dredge was owned by the North Columbia Gold Mining Company, the diversion channel and pressure box system gave the company one of the few secure and steady supplies of water for hydraulic mining. Keep an eye out for remains of an old sluice box on the south side of the road a few hundred meters before the dredge site.
Driving Directions
Follow the Surprise Lake Road approximately 5.5 kms from east from Atlin and turn right onto the Spruce Creek Road. Follow the Spruce Creek Road for approximately 2 kms then turn left. After another km turn right and follow the old road for 2 more kms. Note: High clearance vehicle recommended.
Access
Road (4 wheel drive, 2 wheel drive, or motor home)
Location
59.5916, -133.5503