r/newfoundland • u/Pale_Illustrator_375 • 12h ago

Does anyone know the actual depth of the narrow channel between North and South Okak Island, Labrador?

I’m trying to establish the actual water depth of the very narrow channel separating the northern and southern parts/islands of Okak Island in Okak Bay, Nunatsiavut, Labrador.

I’ve studied the best marine charts and hydrographic information I’ve been able to find, but I can’t find a reliable sounding for the narrowest part of the channel itself.

On satellite imagery the two land masses appear almost joined — essentially a near-isthmus — whereas nautical mapping identifies them separately. This makes me wonder whether the narrow passage is extremely shallow or perhaps partly intertidal.

What I’m specifically trying to establish is:

  1. Is the channel actually navigable by a shallow-draught vessel?

  2. What is its approximate minimum depth at low water/chart datum?

  3. Does any part dry or become almost dry at low tide?

  4. What would the approximate tidal range be there — particularly around spring tides?

Nearby tidal information suggests a range broadly around 1–2 metres, sometimes a little over 2 m, but I would particularly appreciate information specific to Okak.

If anyone has sailed, fished, surveyed or travelled in Okak Bay — or has access to detailed Canadian Hydrographic Service charts/soundings for this particular passage — I’d be very interested to hear what you know.

I’m particularly interested in first-hand/local knowledge, as the published hydrographic information I’ve found doesn’t seem to provide a sounding for the narrowest section.

Many thanks.

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u/FederalAnt 10h ago

https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/chs-shc-sdATL121-eng-202112-41046444.pdf

End of page 74, beginning of page 75, they describe the channel "Moores Island Tickle" as only passable at high water, but provide some details on mooring. If you look up Nutak, that is the community that was in the channel that was resettled. You can find some footage of the community but not sure on any value that would give you. I've been as far as Nain, and tides up there are significant.

So to answer your questions

  1. Yes, it is navigable by shallow-draught vessel

  2. Per the above sailing directions, it can be 18-40 feet, but that would be very dependent on tide

  3. The southern channel likely becomes dry or extremely shallow, but the norther channel would be open

  4. Theres a tide monitoring station just north of Okak Island that you can check on tides.gc.ca but be aware ice cover could be an issue depending on what you consider "spring"

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u/Pale_Illustrator_375 5h ago

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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u/FederalAnt 2h ago

Also, mind if I ask the reason for the interest? Can PM if you would prefer.

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u/Pale_Illustrator_375 1h ago

I’m a writer and this region has become vital for the second novel in my “Tides of Time” five book series. 🙏🏻

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u/Pale_Illustrator_375 5h ago

Thanks — this is extremely helpful. I think the 18–42 ft figures on the following page may actually refer to the anchorage NE of Nutak rather than the shallow southern approach itself. The wording about the southern approach being suitable only for small craft at high water is exactly the sort of information I was looking for.

Do you happen to know whether there is a chart or sounding giving the actual minimum depth in that shallow southern section between Woody Bay and Nutak? That’s the figure I’m still trying to establish.

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u/FederalAnt 2h ago

Yea, the mooring details weren't super clear to me and I would expect they mean in the middle of the channel. There is a nautical chart on charts.gc.ca that you can look at, and I've hopefully attached the image below which gives some depths. Looks like there are no readings for the southern channel, but the paper or full digital chart may provide more accurate readings. Otherwise, if you want any sort of specific details I would reach out to the cultural centre in Nain, or maybe someone with the coast guard who travels up there semi-regularly.

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u/LukeysBoatPainter 10h ago

Find a Facebook community group up near the area and you’ll get some good information

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u/Pale_Illustrator_375 2h ago

Your suggestion has been a massif help thank you – still no definitive answer for the depth, but we’re getting closer. 🙏🏻