.: Watchic Lake Dam continued To maintain the summer level, the dam must be opened and closed manually with every heavy rainfall. The dam tender tries to control the level of the lake to the top of the gate during the summer. This allows some spillage through the notches in the gate to provide a continuous run off from the surface. The dam is opened from the bottom rather than a spill-over type and we must open it until we reach the normal level and then we close it to hold the water level. Downpours fill the lake quickly and then we must dump water again to maintain the normal level. Many docks have been wet because or heavy rains and the high water table. Watchic Lake is primarily a spring fed pond. We think that maintaining the level to full pond improves the water quality. When we place our docks and boats we must remember that the lake level will fluctuate with rain, spring feed, and evaporation. The Dam Committee will be researching the possibility of lowering the dam spillway. This would ensure that the water levels would not fluctuate as much during the summer. It would also allow the levels to be controlled without opening and closing the dam as often. The dam will be opened October 15. 2009, to lower the water level for the winter. This helps to prevent ice damage and erosion. The Watchic Lake Association welcomes everyone’s help and input. We are also looking for volunteers to serve on the Dam Committee. David Bradbury, Dam Committee Chair .: top of page! Web site contents © Copyright Watchic Lake Association 2006, All rights reserved.