ABOUT LONG LAKE

LONG LAKE DAM OPERATION

The Long Lake Dam is owned and operated by the Washburn County Highway Department. During the summer months the Department operator adjusts the dam gates to maintain an operating level within a range of +/- one foot of the summer operating level. Weather (rainfall or lack of it) has a great effect on lake levels. As the lake level increases due to rain, the gate is opened to allow more water to pass to return the lake to the normal operating level. In years like 2005, when rainfall is scarce, the dam must still pass a required "minimum flow" to the Brill River. Therefore, the lake water level will drop below the target summer operating level.

In the fall of the year, beginning after labor day, a lake level draw down is started. A target level at one foot below the summer operating level is the goal of the draw down. The draw down typically ends on November 1st. Any later draw down would freeze aquatic life wintering buried in the shoreline below the water level. The draw down on Long Lake has occurred since sometime in the 1960's, and quite possibly even before that time. It is an effective tool in protecting the lake habitat and shoreline.

The draw down creates storage space for spring run-off from winter thaw. Without a fall draw down, the spring lake level would raise the ice sheet well above the normal water line, allowing wind push to cause much damage to the shoreline, as well as to docks and other structures. The most compelling reason for the draw down is shoreline protection. As the spring run-off occurs, the dam cannot pass enough water to keep the level from rising. By beginning with a lower lake level, the potential damage to the shoreline zone can be limited.

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