Impact of the waves on the shoreline – results of studies.
29 July 2023Lac Mercier is only 288 meters wide at the center of the lake. Erosion caused by the large waves is most noticeable along the shore of the narrowest part of the lake.
Impact of large waves:
Recent scientific studies have shown that artificially created large waves cause significant damage to the shoreline and natural habitats, and re-suspension of sediments.
Article: La vague qui crée des remous!
Damage is also caused to structures such as floating docks and the boats that are attached thereto, and the large waves also present risks to swimmers and to small watercraft.
Recent scientific studies have shown that artificially created large waves cause significant damage to the shoreline and natural habitats, and re-suspension of sediments.
Results of studies
Impact of the waves on the shoreline:
Every wakeboat passage produces a significant increase in the wave energy when it reaches the shore ( increased x 4).
The impact of wakeboat navigation is directly and inversely linked to the distance between the boat and the shoreline.
The significant increase in wave energy takes up to 300 m. to dissipate. The damage caused by waves from wakeboats is significantly reduced if they are generated 300 m or more from the shore.
Waves created by wakesurf activity have the greatest impact when the wave reaches the shore. (1.7 times higher than a regular boat wake.
- The impact of waves from wakeboats is greater where the shoreline is steeper rather than sloping gently.
Another impact of the waves measured in the study: Re-suspension of sediments.
Impact des vagues de wakeboats sur les rives des lacs
Impact of the waves at depth:
conclusions of studies:
Revue de littérature Ville de Shawinigan – 2019