Draw Down for Silver Lake Planned for Dam Maintenance
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) has announced plans to draw down Silver Lake starting Dec. 9.
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RPU Communications Coordinator Tony Benson says the drawdown is to allow crews to replace a hydraulic cylinder on the Silver Lake Dam. RPU is working on the replacement project with the Minnesota DNR and Rochester Parks and Recreation Department.
RPU has released a preliminary timeline for the project that’s subject to change based on weather conditions:
- Friday, December 9th start the drawdown.
- Monday, December 12th lake level will be held five feet below summer pool levels
- Saturday, December 17th start to refill the lake level until it reaches normal elevation of 974.0 MSL.
Officials are warning the public to use caution if they venture out onto the lake bed or ice. They say there could be unforeseen dangers with freezing and thawing and muddy conditions.
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