March in Review

March lake levels started at 775.35 - today, 31 days later, it is 779.54, an increase of 50.54 inches - over 4 feet of water in one month.

And yes, the gates are, and have been, 100% wide open.

Flow at Indianford grew from a low of 284 cfs to a high of 6,290 cfs - that is a lot of river pull.

Water levels have been dropping about 1/2 inch each day this past week.

Summer DNR operating orders do not take effect until May 1st.

Levels Crested - For Now

Looks as though the lake levels crested on Tuesday, as the National Weather Service predicted.

Today's level is 779.61 - for 2 consecutive days the level has dropped nominally.

As long as we stay dry, the levels will continue to show daily drops.

March Water Level Graph - USGS

‘Slow, No Wake Zone' issued for Rock River

From the Beloit Daily News HERE

When Town of Fulton Supervisor Brian Christianson's phone starts ringing off the hook each spring he knows it's time to put in a request to the Rock County Sheriff's Department.

The calls, he said, are from residents along the Rock River shoreline telling him the water level is too high for boaters to create a wake.

...Besides receiving calls from residents, Christianson - who's also the chairman of the Rock-Koshkonong Lake District that owns the Indianford Dam - said a group monitors the water levels of the dam because the structure helps regulate the river's levels.

...Ordering people to limit their water recreation is important during periods of high water levels because it can cause much damage to boat lifts and piers, Christianson said.

“Every day we have sub contractors that have to clean the gates down at the Indianford Dam,” he said, explaining dislodged stumps and branches clog the area.

It's not telling how long the high water will last because recession depends on the kind of spring rains the area gets, Christianson said. As of this morning, the National Weather Service was predicting the Rock River should crest, or reach its highest level, this week, he said.

From the River North of the Lake

From the Daily Jefferson County Daily Union HERE

Meanwhile, Rock-Koshkonong Lake District Board of Commissioners member Frank Micale reported that despite rumors stating otherwise, all of the gates on the Indianford Dam are open.

“The Rock-Koshkonong Lake District now operates the Indianford Dam, and all gates are open and have been for a while,” Micale said.

He noted that rumors have been flying about stating that the gates were closed to slow flooding downstream. However, that is not true. He said that there is a lot of water flowing from the north.

“We’ve got more water coming in than going out,” Micale pointed out, asking that boaters go slow in residential areas.

“Follow the slow/no wake signs,” he said. “The walleye fishing is under way and we ask fishermen and boaters to be considerate of people on shore whose properties become damaged by waves.”

Still Not at Official Flood Stage

The National Weather Service is predicting that water levels will crest tomorrow (Wednesday). With rain also in the forecast the rest of this week, that prediction may change.

At 779.65, the lake is 41.4 inches ABOVE the DNR summer target level of 776.20

More on Fish Ladders

From the WI DNR

Progress on the fish passage front took a slight and unfortunate detour several years ago. The 1999 budget bill revised the almost century old statute by removing the DNR's authority to require fish passage. The department can now only require passage after two things occur: 1) rules are created and promulgated that clarify the fish passage prescription process (what, where, when, how, etc.), and 2) a cost-share program is implemented and money is available to dam owners for fish passage work.

Over the past several years, DNR staff has been working with the hydropower and paper industries, municipalities and other dam owners to develop these important rules. A process for proposing fish passages calls for a thorough evaluation of environmental benefits and includes a planning procedure with plenty of public input. Fish passage techniques may vary from changing a dam operation (for example, opening gates at critical periods) to a natural, sloped rock ramp, to a full-blown concrete structure. Costs, likewise may vary from several thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.

Because dams have been constructed on public waters and many for private benefit, resource managers, anglers and public interest representatives believe the responsibility of providing funding for passage rests with the dam owner. The proposed cost-share program will require the DNR and others to ensure that financial assistance is available before fish passage can be ordered at a facility. The rules also mandate that fishways be evaluated for effectiveness and to learn how subsequent structures may be improved. The Natural Resources Board will ultimately review the rule package.

779.65 - Lake Level Today

Since the Rock County Sheriff's Dept posted Slow-No Wake on the Rock River in Town of Fulton this past Friday (3-26), water levels have risen 4.68 inches.

Water levels obviously have not crested yet.

And yes, the gates are and have been 100% open - despite telephone calls to the contrary.

Jefferson Dam Fish Ladder

Previous Post HERE

Fish Ladder Question

Hi Brian,
I was at Indianford dam today (Sunday) with my friend that is a fish biologist with the Illinois DNR., we watched as many fish tried to migrate unsuccessfully through the dam. He asked me if anyone has talked about installing a fish ladder at the dam. I haven't seen any discussion of this. Has the RKLD ever discussed the possibility of having a fish ladder installed at the dam for the spring spawning run ?
Thanks, Bob Hausler

DNR, at the time Sue Josheff did the dam inspection report, tried to force Rock County to install a fish ladder on the dam if repaired. The DNR, at that time, was trying to require fish ladders on all dams in need of repair.

RKLD fought that demand with the county because the only game fish species that migrate up dams is salmon, which are not a natural fish species in the Rock River.

We got our Senators and Assemblymen into the debate because no proof has ever been presented showing it increases fish species or movement of game fish. The result of the legislatures involvement brought about a change in law, which requires the DNR to fund any fish ladders.

Needless to say none has ever been mandated since.

Also, the respective DNR/Conservation Departments that funded those installations as research trials have since stopped funding them for being ineffective.

The fish people see trying to migrate up the dam are carp and we don’t need more of them.

Lake Levels Continue to Inch Up

Today's lake level is 779.41 - an increase of 1.8 inches from yesterday and an increase of 6 inches since 4 days ago, when outflow at Indianford exceeded inflow from Jefferson.

Our hydrology studies clearly indicate that lake levels are impacted by more than just Dam operations. See the Science Pages for more info.

____________________


Report Date: 3/23/07 4:40 PM CST
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Good news Bonefish. According to RKLD posting yesterday, water flow over Indianford Dam yesterday was greater than water flow over Jefferson Dam.

Report Date: 3/23/07 1:05 PM CST
USER: Bonefish [ send private message ] [ ignore user ]
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The water is still rising. I'm afraid the water level will equal the flood conditions of a couple years ago. Has anyone heard anything official

2004 - Scrapping Bottom of the Newville Bridge

2004 - Rock River Marina

Remember 2004 Flood?

Brian;
This website is a great resource for information. As a new homeowner, has the water ever reached this high? (knowing it is still rising today)
Tom

This lake level ain't nothing. In 2004, the flood crested at 11.49 (today, 9.29).

Observations From Blackhawk Island

Putting this into context - NOAA reports the stage level at 9.29 today, what that means for Blackhawk --

9.0
Water spreads into low lying areas along Lake Koshkonong

9.5
Water is into low lying areas along Lake Koshkonong

10.0 Is NOAA "Flood" stage

10.0
Water affects homes and boat docks in the Blackhawk Island area of Lake Koshkonong on the north side of the lake. Floodwaters spread over low spots in Blackhawk Lake Road in the area where the Rock River enters the lake

10.5
Water reaches Oxbow Bend Road in the area of the gage on the eastside of the lake

11.1
Widespread flooding in towns of Koshkonong and Sumner

11.3
There is knee-deep water over Blackhawk Road. Lamp Road on West side of river also becomes flooded. Lake Koshkonong merges with Mud Lake to the west of Lake Koshkonong.

Walleye Warriors

Milwaukee Journal
Posted: March 21, 2007
AREA WATERS

Walleye fishing was good on many rivers. Water temperatures were in the mid 30s. Walleyes spawn when the temperature reaches about 42 degrees. The water level on many rivers was high and the current was swift, so be sure to use heavy enough jigs or rigs. Walleyes were biting light, so use a stinger hook.

The Rock River provided anglers with walleye action. High water on the river should make for a great spawning run.

Most anglers were targeting the stretch between the dam in Jefferson and Lake Koshkonong. Look for walleyes holding in deep holes.

Anglers had success fishing below the dam at Jefferson at night. Jigs, three way rigs, or Lindy-style rigs baited with a jumbo fathead, large rosy red, or lake shiner worked best. Jig-and-twister combos also produced. Pink and white or chartreuse and orange were good combinations. Catfish and sheepshead were also being caught.

It Ain't a Flood - Yet

Brian -
Just curious, is this high water considered a "flood."
Gary

Technically, no. Here's a great resource on that;

National Weather Service Flood Prediction HERE for Lake Koshkonong.

My math says we have roughly 8-10 inches to rise before we are at official "flood stage."

It is interesting to see that the NOAA is saying the probability is high that lake levels will decrease during the next week.

Rock County Corp Counsel Accomplishments

From the Janesville Gazette

...In his (Tom Schroeder) speech to the county board, Schroeder recalled the county's accomplishments during the 24 years he worked for it, including finding a developer for the Glen Erin Golf Club at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport and passing control of the Indianford Dam to the Rock Koshkonong Lake District.

"Although it took over 20 years, we were able to build a golf course and get rid of a dam," he said. "I leave it to my successor to handle the next chapter in the 7-year-old casino saga."
___________________________

"get rid of a dam...."

And, I might add, $50,000 a year for 10 years from Rock County alone.

Thank You Corp. Counsel Tom Schroeder, and good luck with future endeavors. Hope to see you on beautiful Lake Koshkonong, enjoying your retirement!

Water Level Today - 779.09

I live on Blackhawk Island . At what level are we in danger of flooding?

780.0 - We are 10.9 inches below that mark today.

Most springtime levels can reach roughly 778.12, which is about 22 ½ inches below flooding in low areas such as Blackhawk

And at 778.12, we are also about 23 inches above the DNR summer target water level.

New Commissioner

The Rock-Koshkonong Lake District is happy to welcome Ed Sandner as the newest member of the Board of Commissioners.

Ed's appointment was approved unanimously by the Board during last week's meeting. We are also pleased that Ed agreed to serve as the new secretary as well.

He has been very engaged in RKLD board meetings and is a conscientious student of the science that supports our request for a nominal adjustment to the DNR water level orders.

The Commissioner page on the website will be updated shortly. Ed's term will come for election by the electors at the annual meeting this summer.

Ed Sandner – Secretary
W8541 White Crow Road
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920) 563-5304

Inflow vs. Outflow

This AM is the first time in several days that the outflow at the Indianford Dam (5140 cfs) has exceeded the measured inflow through the Jefferson Dam at the telemetry station at Fort Atkinson (4830 cfs).

Lake Levels increased another 1.44 inches overnight however. And the forecasted rain is here.

Congrats to those of you with floating piers.

And yes, all gates are 100% wide open.

Batton Down Your Piers

Another 2 inch rise in lake levels since yesterday, with rain forecasted through the weekend.

Our Dam operators are reporting several pier sections are been getting lodged in the slide gates and pinned against the trash racks at the wicket gates.

This time of year, they earn their keep maintaining gate operations.

Yes, gates are 100% wide open.

Rapidly Rising Water Levels Continue

Lake Level at 778.63 -- another 2.4 inches added since yesterday, Sunday.

And gates remain 100% wide open.

Rapidly Rising Water Levels

Today's lake level is 778.43 - an increase of 30.4 inches since last Sunday, March 11.

I removed my top planks last night, and this morning my pier frame is floating, and it is not a "floater."

Needless to say, all gates are, and have been, 100% wide open.

In-flow measured at the telemetry station at Fort Atkinson remains very high, so expect water levels to rise throughout the week.

Summertime Lake Michigan level expected to drop further

From the Milw Journal-Sentinel

...The low water is causing consternation from shoreline property owners and boaters who can't reach their docks to freighter operators who say they can't deliver maximum payloads of iron ore to the region's steel mills.

... Muter said the solution now likely would be to fill in the channels the river has carved on its own since the dredging, and somehow armor the river bottom so it doesn't happen again.

...Schornack said any such decision would have to be weighed against its costs to construct and the potential damage to shorefront property owners worried about erosion.

"That would be a very controversial recommendation," he said, "but it's possible."
The situation is already controversial.

2007 Annual Meeting Date

Saturday, AM
July 28th
Fort Atkinson High School
near STH 12 & STH 26

RRKA Bounty Hunt April 28

From the Edgerton Reporter 3/14/06 --

Several raffles will be held (at Norm's Hideaway). Minnow races are also planned to entertain those in attendance.

"If you have not seen minnow races, you just haven't lived," (Frank) Micale said. "They are a blast."

________________________

But are they more exciting than Fort Wayne's Hermit Crab races?!

Snow Melt

The lake level is up 10 inches since March 1, due largely by snow melt.

All gates have been wide open for the past week, after we received clarification from the DNR that their amended orders from last year are in effect.

The amended orders, that were challenged in the Contested Case Hearing, did not change the summer water level orders, but raised the winter drawdown levels nominally.

This is an issue that will be raised in Rock County Circuit Court proceedings.

Ice Damage to Concrete Dam

Brian,
By the look of the dam pictures with all the collected ice from the low water, and reports of nearby pier damage from the stacked ice back-up on the river the old designers and builders had a better idea.

In 1917 the Railroad Commission had a requirement for continuous water coverage of 1'' over the top of the dam at all times. Two purposes were served. 1. The freeze / thaw damage to the concrete structure would be reduced due to continued wetting. 2. The more obvious stacking of ice floes is the result of this years un-seasonal weather, the damage would much less of a factor with a higher level.

The top of the dam level is 775.28 above msl 1" of water would put it at the old orders 775.4 an inch above the top of the dam. The lowest it was this winter by weekly reading by me is 774.47. That puts the water at 9.72 " below the top of the dam.

When there is nothing coming in it is real difficult to protect the structure alone, much less private property. I believe holding to the bottom of the summer (775.73)order would be acceptable as a level for winter.

With very little ice build-up on the lake this winter and the mild weather heading our way, I expect an early break-up and with that the chances are good for further damage to private property.

Is it possible to request the change for next year? This year is already suffered damage, next year should be corrected.

Jerry Richardson

Winter Ice at the Dam 3

Winter Ice at the Dam 2

Winter Ice at the Dam 1

OPEN MEETINGS COMPLIANCE

FROM: Brian Christianson, Chairman

DATE: 3.5.07

RE: OPEN MEETINGS COMPLIANCE

On Wednesday, March 7th, 2007, the Lake Koshkonong Recreation Association (LKRA) is hosting their 13th Annual Conservation Dinner.

It is anticipated that a quorum of the Rock-Koshkonong Lake District Board of Commissioners (RKLD) will be present.

The annual fundraiser will be at:

Jansen’s Banquet and Catering
1245 Whitewater Avenue
Fort Atkinson, WI
Doors Open 5:00pm

Items before the RKLD Board of Commissioners may be discussed; however, no action will be taken on such matters.

LOCATIONS OF PUBLIC NOTICE:
Fulton Town Hall, Rock County
Milton Town Hall, Rock County
Sumner Town Hall, Jefferson County
CKSD Admin Building, Ellendale Road, Edgerton

How to Really Fight Phosphorous Entering Our Lakes

From Sunday Janesville Gazette
3.4.07
PAGE 1

Phospherous (page 2)

Lake Lorraine Restoration and Protection Association.

From the Janesville Gazette HERE