Prior Lake Association

Protect Lakes when Caring for Lawns - April 17, 2010

The spring-time urge to get our yards in shape is great, but remember that how we care for our yards affects the health of our rivers, lakes and wetlands. Everyone lives in a watershed which means that rainwater running off our property into the streets and then into storm drains can carry soil, nutrients, bacteria and other harmful materials into the waters we love, and are concerned about. Grass clippings, tree seeds, and leaves are sources of phosphorus which is released into water when they decompose.

Mow your property so that the grass clippings are directed back onto the lawn and not into the street. Covering bare areas on your property with mulch and planting native or other suitable ground cover will prevent soil eroding from those areas and filling in wetlands, clogging rivers and lake bottoms. Learn more about protecting our water by visiting the "Minnesota Water – Let’s Keep it Clean" website at www.cleanwatermn.org.

Reminder - Register for the Prior Lake Association boating safety clinic being held Saturday, April 24th from 8am to 12:30 pm. Call 952-226-0008 to register for Course 2555 with Prior Lake-Savage Community Education.

In other lake news, the water clarity in upper Prior Lake as of Wednesday, April 14 was 6.5 feet. The water elevation has increased to 901.18 (actual reading.) The surface water temperature was 53 degrees. Enjoy the open water, think about safety, and be courteous so that we can all return to shore safely. See you on the lake!

Boat Safety Clinic - April 10, 2010

The Prior Lake Association will be offering a boat safety clinic on Saturday, April 24th at the lecture hall at Prior Lake High School, 7575 - 150th St., Savage. It runs from 8am until 12:30pm. There is a $5 fee and advance registration is required. Register online or call 952-226-0080 to register for Course 2555 with the Prior Lake-Savage Community Education. The instructor will discuss safe boat handling skills, new boating and watercraft ordinances, navigation procedures and aids, safe boating and watercraft techniques.

This course is required to receive the required operator permits/licenses. The students will complete a Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) workbook. This workbook will be sent to the DNR and a permit/certificate will be mailed back to each student. Each student should bring a pencil. Students will also see demonstrations of techniques and equipment used by the Scott County Sheriffs Water Patrol by Deputy Bret Krick and DNR Conversation Officer Adam Block. Lunch will be provided by Prior Lake Dominos Pizza following the clinic. This clinic is co-sponsored by the Prior Lake Association, Prior Lake-Savage Community Education, Scott County Sheriffs Dept. and the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources.

In lake news, the ice went out on upper and lower Prior Lake on Wednesday, March 31, helped by above-average temperatures and a strong south/southeast wind. The inflow stream from Spring Lake is running strong. The estimated water elevation is about 900.75. Enjoy the open water, but use your personal floatation devices (PFF), as the water is shockingly cold.

Lake Docks and Boat Lifts - April 3, 2010

As docks and boat lifts are being placed in the lake this spring, consider your neighbors' lake views and property rights before planning your lakeshore use. Don't locate or design temporary structures that cause users to encroach into any nearby dock-use area. To avoid interfering with your neighbors' property rights, position your docks so that mooring and maneuvering of watercraft can be confined within property lines as if they were extended out into the water. Some local units of government have adopted ordinances regulating docks because of lakeshore conflicts. These ordinances are based on Minnesota Statutes 103G, Public Waters Work Permit Program Rules, Chapter 6115.

The Prior Lake Association is again sponsoring its Annual Boat Safety Clinic along with Prior Lake-Savage Community Education, the Scott County Sheriff's Water Patrol, and the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources. The clinic will be held at Prior Lake High School on Saturday, April 24th from 8am to 12:30pm. There is a fee of $5 to attend and advance registration is required. Call 952-226-0080 to register for Course #2555. All students who complete and pass this course will receive a boating certificate which allows operation, with some age restrictions, of motor boats and personal watercraft. The class is required by the DNR for all 12 year-olds and up. Lunch will be provided by Prior Lake Dominos Pizza following the clinic.

The inflow stream from Spring Lake is running well into Prior Lake. Hopefully, next week we will be able to take an accurate lake elevation reading. Now with open water the elevation reading can be taken by boat. The bottom portion of the elevation gauge was broken off last summer, so the readings this spring have only been estimated. Enjoy your lake and the open water soon.

Black Ice on the Lake - March 27, 2010

Prior Lake is now in the black-ice stage. That is when the lake ice thickness erodes to between 4 & 12 inches, and the ice transforms into long vertical crystals called "candles." These candles absorb light much better than solid ice, so the ice starts to look black because it is not reflecting much sunlight. Eventually wind will sweep the remaining ice from the lake. As the ice sheets are pulled and pushed ashore, the remaining ice is generally in chunks up to 7 inches thick and honeycombed-shaped. These chunks often cause damage to the shoreline and will bend and even destroy docks or lifts that were not pulled high enough above the water elevation. Sometimes the ice can make loud, long booming sounds caused by the expansion of ice during the spring warming trend. As it expands, the ice buckles, causing it to crack and scrape, which then causes booming sounds to echo around the lake.

Normal ice-out dates for Prior Lake are April 10-15, with upper Prior Lake being ice-free a few hours before lower Prior Lake. This year we should be ice-free during the first week of April.

In other lake news, the inflow stream from Spring Lake is showing some "white water" rapids. This has created several hundred feet of open water by the DeWitte area boat launch area. The lake elevation has slowly risen to 899.82. Enjoy your lake and the open water coming soon.

Ice-Out is Near - March 20, 2010

The ice-out process starts with the ice retreating from the shore, creating a belt of open water next to the shore with a water temperature of about 45 degrees; this is the current condition on Prior Lake.  The ice beyond the open water becomes gray, soft and rotten while the main ice sheet turns dark.  Eventually, above-freezing temperatures, sunshine and wind , with the help of possible rain, will sweep the remaining ice from the lake.  Ice-out is said to occur when at least 90 percent of a lake is free of ice.  Normal ice-out dates for Prior Lake are April 10-15, with upper Prior Lake being ice-free a few hours before lower Prior Lake.  Ice-out has occurred on March 27, 2006, April 6, 2007, April 21, 2008 and April 4, 2009.

The Prior Lake Association is again sponsoring its annual watercraft safety clinic at Prior Lake High School from 8:00am to 12:30pm on Saturday, April 24th.  There is a charge of $5 to attend and advance registration is required.  Call 952-226-0080 to register for Course No. 2555.  Lunch will be provided by Prior Lake Dominos Pizza following the clinic.

A nature note:  wood ducks and hooded merganser ducks are returning, and are looking for nesting sites (tree cavities and nest boxes.)  Both species are tolerant of human activity.  In other lake news, the inflow stream from Spring Lake is running well, showing some "white water" rapids.  This is creating open water where it flows into upper Prior Lake.  The lake elevation has slowly risen to 899.62.  Enjoy seeing the ice melt away, and stay safe.

 

Young Boat Operators have Restrictions - March 13, 2010

Motorboat Operator age restrictions (except personal watercraft):

• Under 12 years of age:  25 hp or less - no restrictions

• 25 hp to 75 hp - must have someone at least 21 years old on board within reach of the controls.

• Over 75 hp - cannot operate, even with an adult on board.

• For those 12 -17 years of age:  25 hp or less  - no restrictions.

• Over 25 hp - Must have either a watercraft operator's permit or someone at least 21 years old on board within reach of controls.

• Personal Watercraft Operator age restrictions, regardless of horsepower: 

• Under 13 years old - cannot operate, even with an adult on board.

• At 13 years of age must have either someone at least 21 years old on board or have a watercraft operator's permit and be in visual supervision by someone at least 21 years old.

• From 14 - 17 years old: must have either a watercraft operator's permit or someone at least 21 on board.

The Prior Lake Association is again sponsoring its annual boat safety clinic at the Prior Lake High School from 8 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, April 24th along with the Prior Lake-Savage Community Education Dept., the Scott County Sheriff's office, and the Minnesota DNR.  There is a charge of $5 to attend, and advance registration is required. Click here or call 952-226-0080 to register for Course #2555.  Lunch will be provided by Prior Lake Domino's Pizza following the clinic.

In other lake news, water is visible on top of the ice so use caution during this late ice season.  The lake elevation was 899.51 the first week of March, but it will be rising as the snow melts.  Enjoy your lake, and we'll see you young boat operators on Saturday, April 24th.

Learn Boating Rules Before Ice-Out - March 6, 2010

All boat operators have the responsibility to learn, understand and practice good boating and water safety practices.  Now, in the non-boating season, is the time to do that.  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publishes several small booklets, including the yearly "Minnesota Boating Guide," a summary of laws and rules which is free at marinas and bait stores.  Another one is "Boating and Water Safety" by Swalley and Elverum whose contents are approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.  For those boaters who desire more detailed boating knowledge there is the ultimate authority, a large book titled "Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling" by Charles F. Chapman.  The Prior Lake library has this book.

There are several organizations that conduct classes on boating, such as the U.S. Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.  The Prior Lake Association sponsors an annual spring boating clinic.  This year's clinic is Saturday, April 24 from 8 AM to 12:30 PM along with Prior Lake-Savage  Community Education Dept., the Scott County Sheriff's office and the DNR.  This year there will be a charge of $5 to attend.  This class is required by the DNR for 12 year-olds and older to get a boating certificate.  More details in coming weeks.

In other lake news, the inflow stream from Spring Lake is still flowing into upper Prior Lake, as it has been all winter long.  Enjoy your lake as the winter season comes to a close, and help keep our lake clean by picking up all trash on the lake, whether it is yours or not.

 

Plan Now for Shoreline Improvement - February 27, 2010

Ice-out is only four to six weeks away.  Now is the time to think about planting a buffer strip at the water's edge.  This will have a major impact on improving our lake's water quality.  Native plants are far superior to non-native plants because their deep roots (several feet) draw water from rain and snow deep into the soil.  This helps minimize runoff.   Runoff from properties that abut a lake, stream or wetland enters those water resources directly. 

Native plants have thrived and adapted to our area and have been growing in our area for thousands of years before this area was "settled."  They add variety and interest to a landscape with dozens of plants to choose from that are certain to flourish in a variety of soil types and light conditions.  It's easy to design a native plant buffer strip or garden that produces blooms all season long.  Once established, native plant gardens need very little weeding, watering, mulching or mowing and are virtually maintenance free.  Native plantings eliminate the need for replacement plants, annuals, fertilizer, or pesticides.  Over thousands of years the weak varieties succumbed, and only the strong have survived to our time.

Reminder -- the deadline for the Prior Lake Association's photo contest is February 28th.  Submit an 8x10 photo to the Prior Lake Association, PO Box 88, Prior Lake, MN  55372. The photos cannot be returned.

In other lake news, the inflow stream from Spring Lake is still gently flowing into upper Prior.  Enjoy these last weeks of lake ice, and please pick up all visible trash so we keep our lake clean.

 

Do Not Release Live Bait Back into the Lakes - February 20, 2010

When fishing with live bait such as minnows, do not release them into the lake, winter or summer, when you have finished fishing.  The main problem is that the live bait can have a variety of fungus, diseases and internal and external worms that can attack our native fish.  Another exotic species is the zebra mussel which can be transferred in this manner.  Even though we do have a small population of zebra mussels in Prior Lake, let's not help them expand in Prior Lake or to any other lake. 

Saturday, February 20^th, the Prior Lake Association will be judging occupied ice fishing houses from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.  No registration or entry fee, but you must be present so the judges can evaluate your structure inside & out; attempts to bribe the judges may or may not be effective.  All ice fishing houses and shelters must be off the ice in our area of the state no later than midnight Sunday, February 28^th.  After this date portable shelters may be placed on the ice and used from one hour before sunrise to midnight, but only if there is an open fishing season on the lake.

Prior Lake got some unwanted publicity recently about the trash being left on the ice this winter.  Leaving trash on the ice is a crime that carries a financial penalty.  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) patrols our waterways; they can issue citations and fines as large as $2000. Even if you don't litter, be a responsible user and steward of our lakes and waterways, and pick up all trash you come across when ice fishing or using your snowmobile.

In other lake news, the surface water temperature is 34 degrees, and the inflow stream from Spring Lake is gently flowing.  There was interesting information from last week's article by Jonathan Cohen, Prior Lake observer for the Scott County Soil & Water Conservation District.  The soil temperature just 4 inches below the ground surface is above freezing, ranging from 36 to 34 degrees from the recent reporting period.  Evidently the ground just below the surface has not frozen due to the thick snow cover. 

Enjoy your lake.  We hope to see you at your ice fishing house Saturday afternoon.

Clean  Up Prior Lake or Pay Up - February 13, 2010

Prior Lake got some unwanted publicity with an article in the Minneapolis paper this past week about the trash being left on the ice this winter.  Research indicates that trash hogs are 10% or less of the total population.  Leaving trash on the ice is a crime that carries a financial penalty.  Minnesota DNR officers do patrol our waterways, and with GPS units mark fish houses with messes around them.  They can issue citations and fines as large as $2,000.  Items such as appliances, batteries, propane tanks and tires can add as much as $200 each to the fine.  Even if you don't trash, be a responsible user of our lakes, and pick up any trash you come across.  We all thank you.

The Prior Lake Association will hold its annual Ice House Judging Contest on Saturday, February 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  Each ice house must be occupied to be judged.  No entry fee--no registration required.  An appropriate prize will be awarded in several categories, i.e. best appearance, best look, comfiest, historic, etc. 

The Prior Lake Assn Photo Contest deadline is February 28th.  The annual photo contest is open to anyone in the community.  Submit an 8x10 photo to the Prior Lake Association, P.O. 88, Prior Lake, MN 55372.  The photos cannot be returned.  Cash prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places.

In other lake news, the surface water temperature is 34 degrees.  The inflow stream from Spring Lake is still gently flowing. Be careful out on the ice, and be sure to stay on top of it. Enjoy your lake, and we'll be seeing you at your ice fishing house on Saturday, February 20th from 1:00 to 3:00PM.

Don't Release Live Bait Into the Lake - December 19, 2009

When fishing with live bait such as minnows, leeches, etc, winter or summer, do not release them into the lake when you finished fishing.

Sample nettings of Prior Lake by the DNR show there are several exotic species that now live in the lake, including goldfish.  The main problem is that the live bait can have a variety of fungi, diseases, and internal and external worms that could attack our native fish.  Legislation in 2008 prohibits the movement of fish species, especially across state lines, to safeguard Minnesota waters from a deadly fish virus (viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS.) The zebra mussel is an exotic species, which can be transferred in this manner; Lower Prior has some zebra mussels.  Female zebra mussels can produce as many as one million eggs per year, and these eggs develop into microscopic free-living larvae.  When you change the water for your live bait, these larvae are mixed into the bait bucket water.

In other lake news, Prior Lake Association members have done informal searches for zebra mussels on lifts and docks now pulled up on shore.  No zebra mussels were found on the south shore of upper Prior, or at Grainwood Cove, Windsong, The Willows, and the lifts at Wagon Bridge Marina.

Ice-over occurred on Wednesday December 9th. The water elevation remains at 899.22 as of Wednesday, December 16th. The folks at Prior Lake Bait & Tackle report a depth of six to seven inches of ice, with somewhat less thickness in the middle of main lakes.  People are walking and pulling their portable fish houses out onto the lake.  Be careful, but enjoy our new winter lake.

 

Thin Ice and Snow are Dangerous - December 12, 2009

After more than a week of below normal temperatures the snow that fell this week on newly frozen Prior Lake has created perilous conditions on the lake.  The snow came on the same day as the lakes froze over, so the ice will not freeze thickly enough to be safe for a period of time.  The snow will insulate the ice slowing ice formation.  Remember, the minimum ice thickness to support a person is four inches.  It would be a good idea to check with staff at Prior Lake Bait & Tackle on Highway 13 to get the latest report on ice thickness, and the fishing hot spots using the correct bait.

When you do go out on the ice, wear a personal flotation device and carry ice picks (homemade or purchased) on a cord around your neck.  These will help you pull yourself out of the water should you fall through the ice.  If you do fall through, try to get your upper body up onto the ice, then lie flat and roll away from the hole; continue rolling away until you reach safe ice, then crawl away.

In other lake news, the surface water temperature is 34 degrees.  The water elevation is 899.22.  The inflow stream from Spring Lake has been slowly running for a couple of weeks.  Enjoy your lake from shore for a few more days.  Be careful and stay dry.

Prior Lake Association needs new members - December 6, 2009

If you use and enjoy Prior Lake, we need you as a member of the Prior Lake Association.  The current membership is at 325.  With over 1,000 lakeshore owners and several thousand users of the lake, we do not have a representative member of people concerned about Prior Lake.  The Prior Lake Association is nonpolitical and is a certified nonprofit Section 501(c)(3) organization.  The annual dues of $30 ($20 for seniors) are very reasonable to have a voice and support for improving our lake.

The Prior Lake Association continues to work with the Prior Lake - Spring Lake Watershed District to improve the water quality, stabilize the lake level and control shore land erosion.  We also work closely with Scott County Sheriff's Water Patrol to make Prior Lake a cleaner, safer and more enjoyable place to spend time.  The PL Association pays for all navigation buoys on the lake, including the lighted buoys in the channels.

The Prior Lake Association sponsors several events during the year.  In the spring we conduct a boat safety training class (through Community Ed.) and Dive the Lake, where divers remove debris from the lake bottom.  In the summer we have a free on-the-water ice cream event in the small bay just north of the Wagon Bridge.  Our biggest project is the Fourth of July fireworks with the monetary help of current members and great local business sponsors.  We sponsor a family fishing tournament as part of Lakefront Days with headquarters at Captain Jack's deck and docks.  In the winter we have a photo contest as well as an ice fishing house contest.

Join us at our monthly board meetings, normally on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Prior Lake VFW.  These meetings are informative and interesting.  Check this website to confirm the meeting date, as sometimes a change is made due to a date conflict with one or more of the board members.

In other lake news, the fall rains have now caused water to run in the inflow stream from Spring Lake to upper Prior Lake.  The water elevation is 899.24.  The surface water temperature is 40 degrees.  When this reaches 39 degrees, the lake is ready to freeze over.  Enjoy your lake and watch for the ice-over.

Click here to join the Prior Lake Association today!

 

Lake Freeze-Over Time - November 21, 2009

Freezing and the formation of ice cover on lakes and other waters is a process controlled by a unique characteristic of water.  Most materials, i.e. mercury in thermometers shrink as they cool.  Water also shrinks as it cools from summer temperatures to 39º.  As the cool water sinks it mixes with the rising warmer water until the whole lake becomes a uniform 39º.  However, as the water drops below 39º it begins to swell.  For this reason, water cooler than 39º is lighter than water at 39º, and therefore will float on the surface.

Ice forms at 32º, so on the first calm freezing day or night after the water reaches 39º throughout, ice cover will form.  The temperature of the water just in contact with the ice cover sheet in winter is 32º, but a few feet below the ice the temperature is 35º to 38º, and 39º on the bottom.  If water cooler than 39º continued to shrink and to become more dense and sink, ice would form from the bottom of a pond, lake or stream, rather than the top.  If that occurred, lakes and other bodies of water would have a permanent ice layer on the bottom covered by a layer of water in the summer.  Isn't it wonderful and mysterious how the laws of nature has this all figured out.

In other lake news, the elevation is about 899.26; the water clarity remains at nine feet.  The surface water temperature is 42 º.  Enjoy your lake and watch as nature puts an ice cover on our lake.

2008 Report Card on Upper Prior Lake - November 14, 2009

The upper basin of Prior Lake has a surface area of 386 acres.  The maximum and mean depths of the upper basin are 50 ft. and 10 ft., respectively.  Approximately 85 percent of the upper basin is considered littoral zone, which is 0-15 ft. depth zone of aquatic plant dominance.  The upper basin's 3,430 acre watershed translates to a watershed-to-lake ratio of 10:1.  The greater the ratio, the greater the potential stress on the lake from surface runoff.  The upper basin has two natural inlets-- inflow from Spring Lake and the inlet from Rice and Crystal lake drainage.

The upper basin received an overall lake grade of C for 2008.  The individual grades are as follows: phosphorus C; chlorophyll D, nitrogen C, secchi or clarity C.  All of this data is from the Metropolitan Council Camp program which has monitored the upper basin since 1997.

The Fisheries Section of the Minn. Dept. of Natural Resources (MDNR) has conducted a fisheries survey on the lake.  Information of the survey can be obtained through the MDNR Fisheries Section by call 651-259-5831, or by downloading the information off the Internet at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/.

Enjoy your lake during these last weeks of open water.

 

Election of Association Officers - November 7, 2009

The Prior Lake Association held its annual fall member meeting last Thursday, Oct 29th, at the Prior Lake VFW Post 6208.  Elected to office for 2010:

• president, Tom Stephenson;

• vice president, Woody Spitzmueller;

• treasurer, Donna Mankowski;

• secretary, Judy Faust

• board members at large, Troy Caron, Frank Fourre.

There was discussion on many lake topics, and a few specimens of individual zebra mussels were displayed.  The only area of Prior Lake that zebra mussels have been seen by two DNR surveys and PLA members have been at the for north end of the lake, noticeably by Sand Point Beach.

Thanks were given to all members and local businesses for the contributions for the Fourth of July fireworks.  Special thanks and framed certificates were given to the three Platinum contributors: Integra Telecom, City of Prior Lake and Village Market & their customers.

Prior Lake Boat & Tackle and Captain Jacks were also given framed certificates for their generous support all year long.  All other contributors are listed  in the PLA fall newsletter and on our website.

In other lake news the water elevation remains at about 899.00.  Water clarity increased to 9 feet.  The surface water temperature is 42 degrees.  Enjoy your lake.  Watch the waterfowl gathering in groups preparing to migrate. 

 

Don't Fertilize Lake This Fall - September 12, 2009

In 1993, the Metropolitan Council initiated the "Citizens-Assisted Monitoring Program" (CAMP) to help provide a more complete picture of the water quality of the region's lakes and to provide information to support local water management efforts such as our Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District.

Most of this data collection effort focuses on assessment of lake eutrophication.  This is the process of accelerated plant growth, particularly algae, fueled by nutrient enrichment, i.e. phosphorous and nitrogen.  Nutrients in lakes increase above natural levels as a result of human activities in the watershed of lakes.  Algae growth then increases and water clarity decreases.  Major contributors to this problem are those landowners who persist in mowing and fertilizing right to the water's edge, so the excessive nutrients flow directly into the water.  Another factor is that the phosphorous that has settled to the bottom of the lake is stirred up to re-enter the water column by the large carp population that root the bottom looking for  food; also the increasing popular water boarding and the extreme wakes caused by the tow boats.  Research has found that boat wakes do go down to the bottom and stir it up with considerable force. 

When fertilizing the lawn this fall be sure to comply with the law and use phosphorous-free fertilizer.  Keep fertilizer, grass clippings and leaves off the streets and driveways.  This keeps them out of the storm drain openings which run into our lakes and streams throughout the watershed area.  The best thing is to leave at least a 15-foot unfertilized and unmowed buffer zone along the edge of all waters. 

In other lake news the water clarity in upper Prior Lake as of September 9th has decreased to a 2.5 feet due to the noticeable increase in the green algae.  The water elevation was 899.24.

The water surface temperature was 75 degrees.   Enjoy your lake and keep a litter bag in you boat to collect trash so it doesn't end up in lake.

Buoys, Rocks and Lake Level - August 8, 2009

The Prior Lake Association has been getting requests to place new "Danger" navigation buoys on underwater obstructions, i.e. rocks and sand bars that are now closer to the surface as the lake level declines.  This cannot be done.  No body of water has all the rocks and obstructions marked.  On rivers the navigation system, marked by "line of sight" markers placed on shore, keeps all boats in the main channel.  The majority of lakes in Minnesota do not have any navigation buoys, but many years ago the Prior Lake Association made it a core mission to improve safety on Prior Lake and began to purchase navigation buoys.  The Scott County Sheriff's Water Patrol installs them in the spring and removes them in the fall.  They have total jurisdiction over all waters, including the navigation buoys.

All boaters must realize that any body of water has underwater obstructions, and as the lake levels decline, some hazards become an issue, or go away as the water level increases.  It is the  boaters responsibility to understand and learn where the hazards are located.  Learn to read the lake; if rocks are visible in the water and they extend out into the lake, there is a good chance that the same pattern keeps extending out further in the lake, so beware.   We already have a large number of navigation buoys on Prior Lake.  The costs keep increasing due to vandalism damage, repairs and replacement.

The current lake level was last reached in 1988, 1989 and in 1990 when the lake level bottomed out at 895.5 or more than three and one-half feet (3 1/2 ft.) lower than today's level.

As of Wednesday, August 5, the lake elevation was 899.06.  Water clarity decreased to 5 feet with noticeable green algae.  The surface water temperature was 75 degrees.  Enjoy your lake.

 

Anchoring Your Boat - July 18, 2009

Anchoring is both an art that all boaters should learn and an art of seamanship.  In order to have the anchor hold your boat in the desired location it is necessary to understand that an anchor is designed to pull horizontally across the lake bottom, not vertically directly up to your boat.  The secret to stable anchoring is to have a ratio (scope) of 4 to 1.  Therefore, if the depth of water is 10 feet, there should be 40 feet of anchor line in use.  This is called the rode.  Obviously, in protected lake areas and calm, conditions the rode can be shortened; conversely in heavy wave action the rode must be increased.

To increase the holding power of your anchor a few feet of medium to heavy chain should be installed between the anchor and anchor rope.  It will pay you to find out the correct way to fasten the chain/rope to your anchor.  A recommended knot is called the "anchor bend."  The divers at the annual Prior Lake Association "Dive the Lake" day have found dozens of lost anchors on the bottom of the lake.  Remember, when anchored at night, the white stern or top light must be on. 

The DNR uses two reference points in measuring lake levels.  On Prior Lake the ordinary high water measurement is 903.90, commonly referred to as 904.00.  This measurement is used to indicate when the lake basin is full.  It does not mean that this is the normal lake level.  The ordinary low water measurement is 896.00.  Therefore, the ordinary Prior Lake level ranges from 896.00 to 904.00, an 8-foot varying range.  The median is 899.95.  Last week in this article the average water level since 1940 was incorrectly stated.  The correct average water level since 1940 is 901.98.

In other lake news, the lake level elevation was 899.62 as of Wednesday, July 15.  The water clarity decreased to 6 1/2 feet with a slight green algae tint.  The surface water temperature was 78 degrees.   Enjoy your lake and remember there are rocks under the water.

 

Keep Flotation Devices Handy - July 4, 2009

In the last two weeks there has been six drownings in Minnesota.  None of these people were wearing a PFD or personal Flotation Device.  They used to be called "life vests" which is a more accurate description of this vest and the cheapest life insurance item.

Minnesota boating laws require readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved personal devices (PFD) on all boats for each person on board.  Readily accessible means that the devices are easy to reach in an emergency.  Personal flotation devices in plastic bags stowed under the decks, in lockers or under anchors and lines are not considered accessible.

The U.S. Coast Guard approved label must be printed on or attached to the device.  If the label cannot be read, the PFD is not an approved device.  All boats 16 feet or longer also must have at least one throwable device on board, i.e. a buoyant cushion, a ring cushion, etc.  Check out the new slim style PFDs now available.  They are not just the old bulky ones that used to be the only style available.  There are even very slim models that automatically inflate when they come in contact with water.

In other lake news, as of Tuesday, June 30th, the lake elevation was 899.88.  Water clarity was seven feet with a slight green algae tint.  The surface water temperature was 75 degrees.   Enjoy your lake, but be aware that this is the Fourth of July weekend is the busiest of the boating season.  When on the lake, relax, be courteous, reduce your speed and think boat safety in all actions.  Enjoy the big Fourth of July fireworks show out over the lake from Watzel's Beach at Lakefront Park.  This event is sponsored annually by the Prior Lake Association, our members and great local firms who generously contribute so that we all can enjoy this great show.

 

Fourth of July Fireworks - June 27, 2009

The cost of fireworks has increased by two percent this year, but with the generous and increased donations from the Prior Lake Association members and local firms, we will be able to increase this year's show by 5 percent.  Thanks to all the donors who will make the 2009 Fourth of July fireworks the biggest & best yet in the 50 years my family has been enjoying this event.  Last year the PLA used more than 50 percent of its operating cash to make sure we had a great fireworks display.  We couldn't do that this year as we had to spend several thousand dollars replacing old and vandalized navigation buoys.

Vandal Alert:  On Monday June 15th about 3:30 PM a not-so-new purple ski boat with 4 girls and a boy in their late teens hit a solar lighted channel buoy  (by the point with the Quonset hut) so hard they probably marked their boat.  They did several hundred dollars damage to the navigation buoy, the solar light and the vandalism guard over the solar light.  This type of action is unlawful and punishable by 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine and a $130 ticket.  This boat sped off when a PLA member tried to confront them.  This has been reported to the Scott County Sheriff's Water Patrol.

In other lake news, as of Wednesday June 24th the lake elevation was 899.96.  Water clarity has increased by a foot to ten feet, but with a slight green algae tint.  The surface water temperature increased to 78 degrees.  Enjoy your lake; remember where the rocks are located and mind the navigation buoys for you and your boat's well-being.

A Refresher Course on Lake Navigation Buoys - May 9, 2009

Channel marker buoys: All green and all red buoys indicate that the boating channel is between them. In flowing water the red buoy is on he right side of the channel when facing upstream. Upper Prior is upstream from lower Prior, i.e.; the inflow stream from Spring Lake flows into Upper Prior. The Prior Lake Association has purchased solar-powered lights that have been installed on top of some of the channel marker buoys in the heavy traffic areas.

Controlled areas: A white buoy with orange stripes and orange diamond and cross means boats must keep out of the area. A white buoy with orange stripes and orange circle or square indicates controlled or restricted area. The most common restriction is slow, no-wake speed.

Danger area: A black and white striped buoy indicates danger; do not pass between the shore and buoy. There is a permanent no-wake area around the entire shore of Prior Lake. This area extends 150 feet from shore, and is marked by a 14-inch diameter, orange circular float buoy, which some property owners have installed. It is the responsibility of the property owner to get a permit from the Scott County Sheriff before installing this orange buoy.

In other lake news the water clarity on Wednesday, May 6, remains at 16 feet. The water elevation remains steady at 900.44. The surface water temperature has increased by 11 degrees since last week to 58 degrees. Enjoy your lake, keep it clean and enjoy this high-clarity period.

Place Temporary Structures Within Property Lines - May 2, 2009

As docks and boat lifts are placed into the lake, consider your neighbors' lake view and property rights before planning lakeshore use. Do not locate or design temporary structures that cause users to encroach into nearby dock-use area. Position your docks, etc. so that mooring and maneuvering of watercraft can be confined within property lines as they are extended into the water to avoid interfering with your neighbor's property rights. It is unlawful to restrict anyone's right to the water by preventing that right by placement of any object in the water. Some local units of government have adopted ordinances regulating dock placement because of landowners' conflicts. They are based on Minn. Statues 103G, Public Waters Work Permit Program Rules, Chapter 6115.
The Scott County Sheriffs Water Patrol has begun enforcing permit laws for items on the lake that aren't attached to the shore. Permits are required for the orange 150-foot no-wake buoys, loading docks, wakeboard rails, swimming floats or platforms and other items not attached/connected to the shore. Permits are free and can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's office 952-496-8322.
In other lake news the water elevation as of Wednesday, April 29th was 900.44. The inflow stream into upper Prior Lake was at a moderate flow. The water clarity was 16 feet.
The surface water temperature was 47º. The ducks and geese are now incubating their eggs. Enjoy the open water, but use your PFD as the water is still cold.

Zebra Mussels - April 25 2009

Zebra mussels are small fingernail-sized mussels native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia. They were discovered in Lake St. Clair (part of the Great Lakes) near Detroit in 1988. They are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, and have now spread to all parts of the Great Lakes, Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, Mille Lacs and other inland lakes. Prior Lake is now the ninth Minnesota inland lake to be infected.
Female zebra mussels can produce as many as 1 million eggs per year. These develop into microscopic, free-living larvae that begin to form shells. At about 3 weeks, the sand grain-sized larvae start to settle and attach in colonies to any firm surface using "byssal threads." They will cover rock, metal, rubber, wood, docks, boat hulls, native mussels and even aquatic plants. An adult zebra mussel ranges in size from 1/4 to 1 inch.
Zebra mussels filter plankton from surrounding water, and each mussel can filter about one quart of lake water per day. Diving ducks, the freshwater drum and other fish do eat zebra mussels, but will not significantly control them. The DNR has said it has ways to screen the zebra mussels out, but it just delays the end result. The likely means of spreading this species is the microscopic larvae may be carried in live wells or bilge water. Adults can attach to boats or boating equipment that sit in water, such as boat trailers.
This information is published in a small booklet by the DNR entitled "A Field Guide to Aquatic Exotic Plants and Animals." It includes a good checklist on preventing the spread of exotic plants and animals.
In other lake news, the inflow stream from Spring Lake is flowing moderately into upper Prior. The water elevation continues to decline and is now at 900.36 ft. Enjoy your lake in a safe and courteous manner.

Lake Smarts articles are written by the Prior Lake Association and printed weekly in the Prior Lake American newspaper.