July 2016 – Lake Level Information

The information below will be updated as we receive it.

Area Photos and Lost-n-Found Photos

Update Posted July 25, 2016 11:15 am

DATE:                   7-23-16

TO:                         Minong Flowage Stakeholders

FROM:                  Dan Maxwell – MFA President

SUBJECT:            High water: Update

1. Crest measurement: OK, time to revise history. Now that I can see my “normal level”, I am revising my crest point to be 40”, not 48” and the lake is back to it’s “normal level” at my dock.
2. The Washburn County Health Department said they would not be testing the Minong Flowage due to the volume of water that travels through it.  They would have to check too many placed and it would be constantly changing.  From this statement we presume that the lake is considered to be back to normal swimming safety levels. Swimmers are advised to use their own discretion.
3. A local Twin Cities newspaper had a recent article about lake testing which some folks may find interesting. Here is a link: http://sailor.mnsun.com/2016/07/18/testing-the-waters/

Thanks to all for maintaining a calm demeanor throughout this episode.

Update Posted July 20, 2016 11:10 am

Comment from our Association President Dan Maxwell:

We have received a few email regarding lake water contamination. Today we have been asking around various government organization regarding lake water contamination. To date no government organization has announced anything regarding contamination in the area lakes. This being said anyone swimming or doing water sports on the lake should be aware of the possibility of contamination.  There could also be lost docks, pieces of dock, possible floating logs and other debris floating or submerged somewhere in the lake. 

Please use caution when you venture out!

Update Posted July 19, 2016 8:30 am

Water level at 7:00am on Tuesday, July 19 = Crest -30″

Update Posted July 18, 2016 8:00 pm

DATE: 7-18-16

TO: Minong Flowage Stakeholders

FROM: Dan Maxwell – MFA President

SUBJECT: High water: Update

1. Crest measurement: I am going to use the 4’ measurement at the dam at noon on Friday, July 15th. Since my dock is quite near the dam, it will also be my crest reference point. Judging by the visible area around my dock, 48” is pretty accurate.

2. As of 7:00am this morning (Monday), the water level has dropped 23” from Friday’s 48” crest.

3. The rumor that one or two PWC’s went over the dam is likely to be just that, a rumor. The dam operator says the only thing he saw going over the dam were dock components and tree debris.

4. The rate of flow over the dam was slowed briefly to allow debris removal from the debris screens on Sunday.

5. The rate of flow over the dam is likely to be maintained until the lake reaches it’s “near normal” water level.

6. I expect the lake-level to continue it’s rate of decline and will return to “near normal” on Wednesday or Thursday.

7. The voluntary “Emergency Slow/No Wake resolution” implemented on July 15th will expire at 6:00am Tuesday, July 19th. While some folks would like to see it held in place for another day, or two, many people want to search for property and begin repairs. Additionally, many people are unaware of the resolution and therefore it will be functionally dissolving on it’s own in the next day or two anyway.

8. In a perfect world, we would have 100% compliance to the “Emergency Resolution” and therefore minimized assorted damage. We don’t live in a perfect world, but we are thankful to the majority of folks who honored and supported the request.

9. On an individual basis, I intend to operate my boat at moderate speed throughout the coming weekend and I invite all of you to do the same. Lead by example…

Thanks to all for maintaining a calm demeanor throughout this episode.

Update Posted July 18, 2016 12:50 pm

1. The Town of Minong has asked for help in flood damage assistance for FEMA.  If you had damage, please email your fire route number with a description of the damage to  Sue or Karen at the Town Hall:

2.  There are basic clean-up kits available at Town Hall during open hours of 8:00 am- 3:00pm.

3.  The Town has posted flood damage information on its’ web site:

http://www.townofminong.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/GENERAL-NOTICES-8.pdf

http://www.townofminong.us/

4.  You may have received an email and a phone call about FEMA assistance for flood damage from Washburn County.  The hotline number set up for Washburn County is 715-468-4601.

5. The U. of Wi. Extension in Spooner has well-testing kits for $3.  It is possible well water has been contaminated and you may wish to test it.  It’s recommended to call ahead to see if they still have a supply: Washburn County Extension Office Suite 1 850 W Beaverbrook Avenue Spooner WI   54801-9801 Phone: (715) 635-4444

Update Posted July 18, 2016 8:00 am

The water level at 7:00am on Monday, July 18 = Crest -23″

The tops of most docks are above water at this time.

Update Posted July 17, 2016 9:15 am

DATE:                   7-17-16

TO:                         Minong Flowage Stakeholders

FROM:                  Dan Maxwell – MFA President

SUBJECT:            High water: Update

Crest measurement: I am going to use the 4’ measurement at the dam at noon on Friday, July 15^th. Since my dock is quite near the dam, it will also be my reference point.

1. As of 7:00am this morning (Sunday), the water level has dropped 14” from Friday’s crest.
2. I expect the lake-level to continue it’s rate of decline for the near future. However, a thunderstorm is moving through the area later this morning…
3. I had heard a report of a 10-foot crest on nearby Gilmore Lake and thought to myself, “these situations foster the wildest rumors”!       Turns out it wasn’t a rumor.       Gilmore’s outlet is a small creek that empties into the Totagatic River just upstream from the Minong Flowage. When the Totagatic River reaches a certain point, the creek flows backwards and pumps water into Gilmore. This backward effect has occurred several times in the past, but not to this level in recent memory.
4. I also heard a rumor that a couple of Personal Water Craft (PWC’s) were seen going over the dam. This highlights the issue of recovery and cleanup down river when water-flow returns to normal (who, how, when, etc.). At this point, I do not know of any plans for such activity, but I will revisit the issue next weekend.

Thanks to all for maintaining a calm demeanor throughout this episode.

Update Posted July 16, 2016 12:00 pm

We now have a Lost & Found gallery in the Area photos section (below).  Should you find items floating around on the flowage first tie them up if possible and secondly send a photo with a description and location of the item to .  The photos and description you provide with be posted in the Lost & Found gallery.  Thanks!

Update Posted July 16, 2016 9:00 am

DATE:                   7-16-16

TO:                         Minong Flowage Stakeholders

FROM:                  Dan Maxwell – MFA President

SUBJECT:            High water: Update

I think the actual crest measurement varies at various points around the lake. I am going to use the 4’ measurement at the dam at noon on Friday, July 15^th. Since my dock is quite near the dam, it will also be my reference point.

1. As of 7:00am this morning (Saturday), the water level has dropped 4” from yesterday’s crest. It dropped roughly .2” per hour last night.
2. The Minong Flowage Assoc. is unable to get an “Lake-wide Emergency Slow/No Wake” ordinance approved or enforced in a timely manner.       Thus, the issue falls to sporadically advising folks as situations arise.
3. The only functional option I see in support of item #3 is for volunteers to post themselves at the boat landing and advise folks in the same manner as the “Clean Boats/Clean Waters” program. Especially today and tomorrow which will entail a great deal of weekend visitors. If a volunteer steps forward to coordinate such an effort, the MFA will assist in making a plea for site volunteers.
4. A Hayward radio station was noted as saying that swimming in the floodwaters of various NW Wisc. lakes and rivers is discouraged do to concerns about bacterial contamination from assorted sewer systems.       It mentioned the need for testing each water body. If you must get in the water, it would be best to keep your eyes, ears & mouth dry.
5. Two pontoon boats, (1 full-sized and 1 mini) were being held by the dam’s barrier cable Friday morning. The Minong Fire Dept. pulled them off the cable and secured them to the shoreline near the dam. The full-sized (“Avalon” with a 75hp Honda motor) pontoon has been claimed.       The mini “Weeres” pontoon (orange color) doesn’t appear to have a registration number. A photo will be posted on the MFA’s website.
6. Lost-n-found: If you supply a photo of an item you have recovered, we will post it to the website in an effort to assist in getting it returned to it’s rightful owner.

Thanks to all for maintaining a calm demeanor throughout this episode.

Update Posted July 15, 2016

Time is short due to all of the issues brought on by the high water, but we know that everyone has many questions.  I’ll try to address them as follows:

1. As of 8:00am this morning (Friday), the water level at the dam was 4’ above it’s normal target level.
2. At my dock in the lower basin (just before the last turn to the dam), water was rising at about 1 inch per hour yesterday afternoon, but it only added 3” last night. The general consensus that I’ve heard is that it is either at, or near, crest-stage and should begin to recede later today.
3. BOAT TRAFFIC ON THE LAKE, EVEN AT NO-WAKE SPEEDS, IS CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO DOCKS, BOATS, BOAT-CANOPYS AND SHORELINES. THE MINONG FLOWAGE ASSOCIATION IS ASKING THAT ALL BOAT TRAFFIC BE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.       THIS REQUEST WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AT LEAST UNTIL THE WATER LEVEL DROPS BELOW THE LEVEL OF MOST DOCKS.       THIS SAME “BOATING-BAN” HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY MANY REGIONAL LAKES.
4. The Lake Nelson dam, which is up-river from the Minong Flowage, has remained in tact and their water level is receding. Therefore, risk of it breeching is presumed to be minimal at this time.
5. The Colton dam, which is on the Totagatic River between Nelson Lake and the Minong Flowage, did breech and it emptied the Colton Flowage.
6. The Colton dam breach had a major impact the on amount of water we received, but it is not the only reason. The Totagatic River is part of the watershed north and east of us and it is sending that water through the Minong Flowage on it’s way to the St. Croix River.
7. Two pontoon boats, (1 full-sized and 1 mini) were being held by the dam’s barrier cable this morning. The DNR and Minong Fire Dept. pulled them off the cable this morning. We think we know whom the full-sized (“Avalon” with a 75hp Honda motor) pontoon belongs to. The mini “Weeres” pontoon (orange color) doesn’t appear to have a registration number. They are tied to the shore near the barrier cable. A photo will be posted on the MFA’s website.
8. Properties on the Totagatic River below the dam are struggling against the floodwaters. They asked that the dam close some of it’s gates to slow down the rising water.       Their request was denied…
9. Many gravel roads have a great deal of erosion issues, but most are passible. Drive on them with caution.
10. The current dam can pass roughly 20% (my guess, judging from it’s increased width) more water than the old dam. The dam operator is quite certain that the old dam would not have survived this flood…

Additional information can be found at the following websites:

Nelson Lake Landing Facebook

Colton Flowage News