Manitowish Waters - 4/27/2009

Good Morning Everyone,

The calender keeps moving forward, and May is just around the corner. This has been an extremely long, 2 month, spring period in the north woods. The ice on the Manitowish Chain finally disappeared on most lakes last Thursday, although Rest Lake seemed to linger into Friday. Last Thursday's and Friday's nice temps, into the low 70's, really gave us the final push needed to see the last of winter's memory's leave the area for another season. Most of the surrounding area lakes are also ice free, Papoose lost ice on Thursday.
On the Dam front, new boards are in the dam,( see last weeks comment.) With the ice off, we are in a position, to rebuild our chains water levels. Although we did have some rains this past weekend, our on going drought conditions will continue to affect the rate of re-build this year again. Aside from the technical details, there is just not enough rain and run-off for a rapid replenishment of the chains levels in the near term. Unless we see some good rains, over the next month, we could have a slow start to another year of summer boating activities. (Keep your fingers crossed.) Also, on the dam front, I understand the DNR will be at our dam this week, for a spring decision on flows. As soon as I hear more details, I will be back with an update.
Our weather for the next week continues to be pretty mild, with forecasted temps in the 50's for highs, and mid 30's for lows. We could see some rain this Thursday into Friday.
If you like yard activities, this is a perfect time for spring clean up.
It's time to start planning for summer and the wonderful "up-north" activities, so don't delay.

Have a great day,

Rich