The dam functioned flawlessly over the past winter. This year the dam was closed March 27, 2021 shortly after ice out on March 27 (which is one of the earlier ice-out dates we have seen). There has been little rain recently, and little is forecast for the middle of April, so the raising the lake to the summer full pond level may take two to four weeks, depending on the weather.

As a reminder, to address seasonal changes the dam gate is opened to lower the water level on about November 1st, and is closed again to raise the water level shortly after ice-out (between late March and late April). This helps avoid shore damage from winter ice and protect loon nests in the spring. The water level will generally decrease/increase by about 18 inches over a two week period following the opening/closing of the dam gate. The dam is operated and maintained by the Watchic Lake Association dam committee. Click/touch here to read more about the Watchic Lake dam.