Water Level

[UNKs]

Any idea when they will begin to let some water out?  Lake level is ridiculously high right now, and in my opinion very dangerous.  There will be logs and debris floating for months, posing great danger for skiers and even boats.  It is nearly in the beach bathrooms.  It is above the walkway  down to the boat slips.  What are thoughts regarding this?  

[BrickyardBrent]

I think with all the rain southern Indiana has had, whomever is in charge of releasing the water may have their hands tied at the moment. They may be waiting for river levels to drop some down south before sending any more water their way. I know the Ohio River is still extremely high. Just a guess though.

[ReasonEnough]

The lake and the dam are for flood control and yes they want to wait as long as they can before they let the water out.  Monroe is really never has logs or thing out floating because of the high water, not like the Ohio River or Lake Cumberland anyway.
So yes it is high but it or they are doing there job. It can't get much higer or it will over flow the Emergency Spil Way, as it did a few years back. It is fine, gives us something different and new to talk about! If not it is just the same ol thing. What fun would that be.

[Kevin]

Reports taken Thursday, April 3.

LAKE MONROE

Information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Lake Monroe Visitors Center. Call 837-9546 for an update.

Lake level: 554.14 feet.
Normal pool level: 538 feet.
Water temperatures: NA.

Ramps open: All closed except Paynetown, Salt Creek, the new Fairfax ramp, Moores Creek.
Fishing conditions: Fair to poor.



LAKE LEMON

Information from the Lake Lemon Conservancy District. Call 334-0233 for an update.

Lake level: 630 feet.
Normal pool level: 630 feet.
Water temperature: NA.
Ramps open: Riddle Point.
Fishing conditions: Fair.

[UNKs]

Thats what I figured, and it is understandable.  Just wonder if there is an idea of when levels will go down, and with rain expected the rest of this week, what will happen.  There may not be logs floating around like the River or Cumberland, but when you're skiing at 20-25mph, you what some would consider a stick could be extremely dangerous.  More of a problem to me at this point is that I've paid for a slip that I can't access because of the high water.  

[UNKs]

I retract all debris statements.  There were virtually no logs visibly floating south and west of Four Winds.  Just frustrating not being able to use my marina slip.

[ReasonEnough]

Anyone been to the Lake this weekend? Wondering if the is going over the spil way? It has got to be close with the rain we had.

[BrickyardBrent]

I went to the lake today. Sorry, that I didn't go to the dam, so I can't answer your question. I went to Paynetown, over the causeway, and to 4 winds. What a MESS! The water level is about 4-5ft under the bridge at the causeway. I can't see launching a boat at Paynetown(not a big boat anyway. The water is past the turn around circle there. I'm sure it could be done, but I won't attempt it. Hopefully they will be able to let some water out this week. No rain in the forcast until the end of the week.

[ReasonEnough]

The lake level is up again, now we were at 555.03 as of Sunday 4/13/08 and the lake will crest the emergency spill way when it reaches 556.0. That is 18 feet about normal pool level of 538 feet above sea level.

[Kevin]

Keep in mind the lake was designed for flood control, not boating.  So from my experience in 15+ years of boating on Monroe, get use to it.  I am guessing it will be late June before the water level is close to normal if they go like they have in years past.  And I agree it sucks, but nothing that we can do about it.

Kevin

[Bullman]

With gas prices the way they are I wonder how many boats will ease off on the skiing this year? All I know is by the time I'm ready to drink beer at the creek ....all is well !!!!

[UNKs]

Hopefully gas prices will keep the big cruisers from just carelessly driving around at full speed, and keep them in the cove to join you.

[BrickyardBrent]

If a person can afford a big cruiser.......I don't think gas prices will slow them down any! lol

[Kevin]

My wife and I were talking this past weekend about the gas prices and boating, and I told her, well this year we will know who really has the money to burn and those of us that dont.  As those people that are doing 80 mph up and down the lake to be showing off and filling the fishing boats with water as they go by are the ones that have it to burn.  I for one will be like Bullman, sitting at the creek drinking and watching all the fun.  Enjoy, hope to see everyone at the lake this year.

Kevin

[BrickyardBrent]

I hope you guys didn't get the wrong idea when I said "The guys with the big cruisers could afford the gas". I definately am not one of those guys. I'm good for a cruise in the morning and then we're off to the creek! Might take another before dusk. I'm not one of those guys!