News - Black Hoof Lake water level to drop with removal of unauthorized stop log

[Rick]

Water levels on Black Hoof Lake near Ironton are expected to drop 12-15 inches over the coming weeks once an unauthorized stop log is removed from the lake’s outflow dam, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said. Residents and recreationists using the lake should be cautious of changing ice conditions during the initial water drawdown.

Stop logs are long timber beams stacked above a dam’s sill to restrict water passage and artificially raise water levels. The current stop log height is about 24 inches higher than legally authorized and must be removed. The unauthorized stop logs have caused high water levels on the lake resulting in flooding concerns from lakehome owners.

A DNR contractor will be removing the unauthorized stop logs in two phases with one beam to be removed now, and a second beam to be removed in the spring after ice-out. Signs will be posted at the public access to alert people about changing water levels.

“The lake currently has areas of open water and thin ice, so we want to get the project done quickly before the colder temperatures arrive and thick ice forms,” said Brainerd area DNR hydrologist Heidi Lindgren. “Until the water level stabilizes and the ice has a chance to refreeze, people should be extra cautious about checking the ice thickness before traveling on the lake.”

Water levels are set after considering a broad range of impacts including watershed characteristics, historic lake levels, recreational, residential and commercial use, and the habitat needs of fish and wildlife. It is illegal for individuals to tamper with water control structures without a permit according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103G.

More information about lake outlet dams can be found on the DNR website at http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/lake_outlet_dams.pdf.

Questions about the Black Hoof Lake dam project can be referred to the Brainerd Area Ecological and Water Resources Division at 218-203-4351.

Discuss below - to view set the hook here.

[delcecchi]

I wonder who put the unauthorized stop logs there and how long ago.