Skiwatch-Request for Owner Comments » Blog Archive » Request For Comments: List Problems (Not Solutions) Related to Our Lakes.

Request For Comments: List Problems (Not Solutions) Related to Our Lakes.

December 7th 2009 in Problem Definition: What issues are there related to the lake bottom and shoreline?

The Ski Watch Board of Directors Committee on Lake Issues wants the property owners to comment on what problems they see with lakes themselves. Instructions: First read the post by clicking “Read Full Post” Then read ”Comments” Finally, add your thoughts to “Your Comment” in white box. Solutions discussions will come later. Thanks for participating.

Here’s Frank’s Comment. There is a lot of debris on the bottom of the lakes. What problem does this cause in my opinion? I believe it decreases property value (unsightly), might make it unsafe for skiers who fall (mainly trick and wake board skiers) and has an adverse effect on slalom skiing (shallow water = more speed). Additionally, backwash has become a problem with some of the lakes. There are a number of causes for backwash–irregular bottom & shorelines and reflections from man-made construction, such as docks and retaining walls. Frank Harwood : -)

4 comments to...
“Request For Comments: List Problems (Not Solutions) Related to Our Lakes.”

jeff harber
wrote on December 7th, 2009

Lake problems in order of priority order:

1. Shallow water depth at starting dock/drop area Lake 4, during tournaments very embarrassing, draws attention to the fact that the rest of the lake/lakes are on the shallow side.

1a. Shallow water starting opposite end Lake 4, not as bad as starting dock end, still some spots that you can drag the bottom on start.

2. Shallow water depth in general, all lakes.

3. Major back wash problems all of Lake 1

4. Minor backwash problem spots on Lake 4

I still think Lake 4 gives a great tournament “as is” when water level is about 1in. below standpipe. I think it would be top notch if it were a few feet deeper over all. As a minimum, at least have starting areas deepened enough not to drag on bottom during start. I have shown my rental home to two buyers (both tournament skiers), and both were impressed with the water clarity, but both were not impressed/ very concerned about the water depth. I think the current lake depth definitely affects our property values in a negative way, not to mention our day to day skiing activities. I really hope we can come up with some affordable ideas to correct some of these problems. Thanks, Jeff Harber

Shawn McCann
wrote on December 9th, 2009

Water Depth and Sediment Buildup are the two main problems in my opinion. The water depth is not ideal for slalom and causes safety issues especially for wakeboarding, trick skiing, and beginners who are skiing at slow speeds. The shallow water also contributes negatively to water quality since boat prop wash stirs up the loose material. The sediment buildup contributes to growth of algea and bottom grasses which if left un checked, will continue to cover more of the lake bottom. Some of these grasses are growing to within ~1 foot of the water surface making the lakes seem even more shallow.

Shawn McCann
wrote on December 9th, 2009

Backwash, especially on Lakes 1-3 is also a problem. Keeping the water level at the mid to low end of the current range helps but with shallow water, this is not ideal. With a deeper lake, we would have more options.

Phil Gallmeier
wrote on December 28th, 2009

My main concern is with the shallowness of the lakes. I think it is a safety issue. I would like to see the lakes depth increased and be consistent.

Next is the amount of accumulated debris in the lake bottoms. I would like to see the debris removed. I surmise that the debris is now affecting the water quality of our lakes – especially during the summer months.