Lake Zumbro Hydro Drawdown Draws Near
The level of Lake Zumbro is scheduled to be lowered from normal summer pool (Elevation 919.7 dam datum) to the winter pool beginning on Saturday Oct. 30.
Due to flood damage to the spillway deicing system the lake will be drawndown to 916.0 for maintenance from Nov. 8 thru Nov. 12. Starting Nov. 13 the lake will be gradually raised back up to the normal winter pool range of 918.0 – 918.5, which is about 1.5 to 2 feet below the crest of the dam.
During the months of November through March, Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will attempt to maintain the lake level within the winter pool range.
Real-time lake level information, along with Lake Zumbro hydro updates are available on the RPU web site (www.rpu.org). For additional information regarding the Zumbro Hydroelectric Facility please contact Tony Benson at (507) 280-1534.
Tips for lake ice safety:
Be extremely careful during winter activities that involve Lake Zumbro such as ice fishing, snowmobiling or just walking out on the frozen lake.
Watch the weather and river flow conditions.
Ice thickness and condition can vary greatly. Be very cautious.
Look out for ice heaves and exposed logs and snags.
Be cautious in the vicinity of the dam. De-icing equipment has been installed along the upstream face of the dam resulting in open water and/or thin ice.
Do not proceed past the warning signs and buoys.
About Rochester Public Utilities
As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 47,000 customers. Water customers number more than 36,000. RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive. Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.
####