Split Rock Dam Update

[UglyStick]

Had a chance to swing by Split Rock the other day for a little recon...

The construction on the dam appears completely finished with almost all of the equipment gone, no workers present and nothing looking unfinished. The section of Split Rock road over the dam is still closed. Most likely they are still finishing the inspections, etc. The water is still down but I was able to take several accurate measurements on the dam and water level. When the reservoir fills back up, the normal full pool water level will be the same as the old full level. Currently, the water is down just over 4 feet from normal full. In one picture you can clearly see the splliway in the center of the dam which represents where water will flow out at normal full pool. Since there is a minimum required flow that must feed the outlet stream I could not tell if they are still maintaining a lowered level or have begun to let the reservoir refill as it will take some time. There are now metered traffic lights, similar to the infamous 5 minute light, for the roadway over the dam. In the pics, you can also see the new official use only boat ramp next to the dam. I also was told by what I consider a reputable source that the state is not going forward with expanding the public access and boat launch due to finding American indian artifacts in the area. I took all photos except for the aerial pic which is from the engineers website.

[acabtp]

excellent update, thank you kindly

[AndyS]

x2, yes thanks for taking the time to take photos and keeping us updated, nice lake and area.

[jimmythegreek]

looks good, havent been thru there in ages. The possible boat ramp looks nice and setup well, if its public it will bring in tons of new visitors into that place. nice update Jim

[briansnat]

Good news about the dam. Glad the lake will be back to its old level.

I'm also glad that all of those arrowheads I sprinkled around the location of the planned boat ramp worked. Seriously, I'm very to hear glad the state is abandoning the idea of public boat ramp.

[buzzbaiter]

A single wood turtle found in the parking lot of the Land of Make Believe stopped the owner from expanding the park since its a threatened species. He actually went to court to fight it. lol. I always think about that when thinking of a way to stop something from being built. Just keep a Wood Turtle or Tiger Salamander or Pine Snake around and your all set

[UglyStick]

Here's a better pic of the "Official Use Only" launch that's chained off. According to public records, this launch was not going to be changed but when the state allegedly scrapped the public launch, the plan was updated to improve this one to what you see here. If they ever do decide to go forward with creating a public launch it won't be this one, it would be on the side further up than the current public access with a much larger parking lot.

[IMG][/IMG]

[raggs456]

Thanks for the updates!!!!! Love this place

[UglyStick]

Split Rock Road over the dam is now open. The water is still at about the same level as when I made this original post.

There was a uniformed guard / officer from some agency (I couldn't read the crest on the truck) patrolling and looking out over the water with binoculars from the dam.