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Location: Athens, Ohio | I just saw this on the news. Woodrum Lake, Jackson Co. West Virginia. Workers were doing 'routine' maintenance on the dam and opened the gate valve to drain the lake down a bit. Either something got stuck in the valve or something in the gate assembly broke, now water has been drining from the lake for a week and the lake is half-gone! The only boat ramp - at the headwaters - is bone dry with a trickle of water where the channel used to be, 30 feet of water remains in the main lake near the dam. The state has stocked muskie and bass. A specialized diving crew is due in by the weekend to try to effect repairs.
The announcer said that in the worst case, if crews can't fisx it now they must wait for the whole lake to de-water to make repairs. This, on top of a draught and hotter-than-normal air temps for the past 6 weeks.
I've contacted our MI chapter president about this. Wondering if anyone has had any experience with a fish rescue operation? Many of the fish may end up going out the outfall, I'd like to see MI and maybe local bass clubs get together to save the remaining population if they let all the water go. The lake won't be worth squat for fishing for several years, anyway, dying vegetation will rob dissolved oxygen once they try to fill it up again.
Mauser and I really enjoyed this lake, small enough to fish in a day and halfway between our homes. Any ideas will be apprecaited. thanks, m
links:
http://www.dnr.state.wv.us/wvfishing/impound.htm
News Release : July 29, 2005
Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 [email protected]
Contact: Bret Preston , Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 [email protected]
Woodrum Lake Water Level Dropping
Woodrum Lake in Jackson County is experiencing a drop in water level because of a problem with the water control structure at the dam, according to Bret Preston, assistant chief of the Division of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Section.
During a recent inspection of the dam, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the agency which controls the dam, was not able to close the lower dam gate. Currently, the lake is approximately two feet below normal pool elevation; however, there is concern that unless the gate is closed within the week the boat ramp may not be useable because of the low water. The NRCS is working to close the gate before boat access is affected at Woodrum Lake.
**DNR**
Edited by mikie 8/10/2005 8:58 AM
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | The DNR should have some trucks they use for stocking. These won't be the greatest for moving large fish, but they'll be better then nothing.
Talk to the DNR ASAP would be my advise so you can get a plan in action!!! | |
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Location: Washington, PA | Mikie,
I helped in the effort on one of the local lakes in my area with the same situation. The dam broke during last years flooding, they had to drain the entire lake. The DNR electro shocked the lake as much as possible, and volunteers were used to carry fish to the tanker trucks. It was pretty cool.
That being said, there were few muskies salvaged, they were thought to be washed downstream for the most part. | |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | Thanks, guys. Treats, I have a message in to DNR, waiting to hear back. Tomy! I remember you posted some photos of that salvage effort, that's what got me thinking about it. I hope they can close the gate, I'm still concerned that with the warm air and water temps we have a stressed fish situation already. I'll let you know what I find out, thanks again! m | |
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Location: Roscoe IL | Does the water wind up in a river system at all? I would think it would, and if that's the case some fish may make it hopefully? | |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | Yes, there is an outfall to a trib of the Pocatalico River, which is already a good muskie stream. Here's an update from our MI chapter president. It sounds like rescue efforts will be difficult if not impossible. The TV news today said that another eighteen inches was lost from the lake just since yesterday, and crews will start repair work Saturday morning. Thanks for all the messages and concern! m
Woodrum Lake Dam Issue
Woodrum Lake, a 240 acre impoundment located in Jackson Co. WV just off of I-77 north of Charleston has developed a problem that could become quite serious as time goes by. Woodrum, as you know, was the first impoundment in which we stocked the advanced fingerlings and has now received them for a total of four (4) years. We are just now starting to reap the benefits of this program and why this issue is so critical.
The problem and current status as I’ve been updated is as follows:
The Natural Resources Conservation Department who has responsibility for Woodrum is required to do periodic testing of the dam gates on all their impoundments. This involves slightly opening the gate then closing it to ensure proper operation. While doing routine verification of the lower gate on the Woodrum dam, the gate became stuck partially open and they were unable to completely close it. At this point, it is unclear whether the problem is mechanical or if a log or obstruction may have become lodged in the side rail of the gate. Regardless of what happened, the result is that the lake is losing water through the faulty gate at a rate that can have severe consequences.
According to what District VI Fisheries Biologist, Scott Morrison, has been told; last Thursday July 28 the water level had dropped to ~2 feet below summer pool. As of Monday, August 1st. the level had dropped to 8 feet below pool. As of this morning, Wednesday the 3rd. he was told the level was still -8 feet although he’s not sure this is accurate. At this point, the NRCD has been unable to alleviate the problem. They have dropped a camera down to the gate but water conditions are such that nothing can be determined. A specialist diver from Oklahoma has been contacted to come in and work on the problem. He is considered the best in his field for this situation. He is currently on location of another similar issue and not scheduled to arrive until probably Monday the 8th.
What are the consequences to this point?
Of course, the lake level has gone down considerably and the lake has lost a substantial volume of water. We would presume this will continue until the issue is resolved. Actually, as the pressure on the dam goes down, the flow may slow somewhat.
Due to the water level, boat access is nonexistent. The ramp is in one of the shallowest portions of the lake and is high and dry. Only a trickle is in the channel area of the ramp and even canoe access is not advised due to the mud, etc. An access lane to the dam is state controlled for maintenance purposes only and not open to the public.
Scott is currently unaware of any verified impact on the fishery at this time. As in most cases of this type, rumors are running rampant.
What may be future consequences?
Naturally, the water level will continue to fall until repairs can be made. Hopefully repairs can be made without a total draining of the lake. Normal water depth at the dam is ~ 50 feet. Scott considers that a critical depth as to the fish impact may be 20 to 30 feet. At this depth, the fish will become confined in much less volume of water and their natural tendency will be to try to move out, escaping out into the stream, etc. as they are able.
Fish migration of this type usually occurs in two stages, one initial small surge followed by a much larger surge at some point. Scott says these are not predictable and can occur at any time. Of course, it is possible that some movement may be occurring through the gate into the stream by a few fish at any time. Because of this unpredictability, it’s almost impossible to coordinate recovery of fish at some point below the dam.
Another ugly picture can develop if the water falls below critical level. Fish may become isolated in pockets of water and left stranded as the water recedes. Oxygen levels can become critical, especially at this time of year. Overcrowding as the level falls becomes a problem.
If the gate issue cannot be solved with water in the lake, total draining may be necessary to make repairs. This would only be done as a last resort.
Fish rescue efforts? This of course will be an option if it gets to that point. This will be extremely difficult due to the access issues. If the water level gets down to that point, access from the ramp area will be almost impossible because it is at the farthest point away from the dam and would be almost impossible to navigate due to the mud flats and standing timber. If the water is down 20 to 30 feet, water access from the dam will be extremely difficult also. It’s also complicated due to the limited road access, generally used only by tractors once a year to mow the dam. Such an effort would be very manpower intensive and require lots of help.
I have asked Scott to keep us updated and volunteered the Chapter to help in whatever means we can. We may need to rally together if a rescue effort is required. Without question, manpower will be of utmost importance.
Let’s hope that these last scenarios don’t come into play and that repairs can be made quickly. Even so, at this time of the year, rainfall is low and considerable time may be required to bring the lake back up to desired levels. I’ll try to keep you informed as I become aware of updates.
Jim Moore, President
West Virginia Chapter 09 Muskies, Inc.
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Location: Washington, PA | Someone told me that there were problems at Salt Fork too? Know anything about that Mikie? | |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | Woodrum Lake Dam Issue, Update August 9, 2005
As I reported earlier, Woodrum Lake in Jackson County was in the midst of a severe issue concerning the lower gate on the dam. During routine inspection by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a problem developed and the gate could not be closed. The result was a steady water loss and lowering pool levels. It was hoped that it was merely an obstruction lodged in the gate mechanism which could be quickly removed and the gate put back in operation.
On Friday the 5th, the special diver arrived from Oklahoma and made an inspection dive. Again on Saturday he viewed the situation and confirmed what we all dreaded. The problem was not an obstruction but a mechanical problem with the gate. As a result, the gate cannot be repaired before essentially all the water escapes the lake, in effect draining the basin.
What happens now?
Basically the DNR will attempt to rescue the fish that will invariably be swept through the dam. As I mentioned in the earlier note, this will not be an easy task. With the quickly lowering water levels, the DNR has deemed it impractical if not impossible to attempt a rescue within the lake basin. The recovery attempt will be made in a spillway area immediately below the dam. A small pool is present and it is hoped that fish can be recovered there. Access to this area is severely limited and it will be difficult to get stocking trucks to the site. In addition, it is a considerable climb from the recovery site to where the trucks can be stationed.
Bass and muskies will be the primary targets for the recovery effort. Naturally, we are hoping that a large percentage of the advanced fingerlings we have stocked in the lake over the last four years can be recovered as well as any adult fish that may populate the lake. The same can be said for the bass population within the lake. Every effort will be taken to do so but success is not insured. We have little experience on the condition of the fish as they exit the dam. Experts tell us that a large vortex may form since the outflow can’t be controlled. Water current may be excessive and hinder recovery. Water temps, oxygen content, etc. may be critical at this point also. Previous DNR experience draining lakes has been under more controlled conditions. Transporting recovered fish has inherent issues and Scott Morrison, District VI Biologist, is developing a plan for relocation. Safety and health of the recovered fish will be a priority. As with any endeavor of this type, hard decisions will have to be made at the time as the situation dictates.
What can we do?
Scott has indicated that he will contact us if manpower is required. He anticipates that about five (5) Chapter 09 members may be needed. Please realize that if we are called upon, this will not be an easy task. No. 1, the situation is dire and we will have to deal with this in a positive manner. To be honest, the fishery as we know it is at risk, and we have to realize that every attempt will be made to ease a desperate situation. No. 2, the work will be difficult. If you feel you are physically up to the task, let us know. It may involve manually carrying fish up over a steep embankment to get them to the tank trucks. No. 3, the timing cannot be pinpointed. It is anticipated that the recovery attempt may happen anywhere from Friday the 12th. upto Monday the 15th. Short notice may be given if and when the call comes.
Due to my daughters wedding this weekend, I may not be available for this unpleasant task. VP Larry Robinson has volunteered to be the point man for any Chapter 09 involvement in the project if we are contacted.
Here’s what we need. If you feel you can definitely be available and able to help, please contact Larry as soon as possible. Be specific when you would be available, preferably in 12 hour blocks, ie. Friday morning, Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, etc. Figure on this happening up through Monday if you are available.
Remember, this probably will not be a 1 or 2 hour activity. Considerable time may be required once the process begins. I would plan on bringing some sandwiches, plenty of drinks and clothing to suit the conditions. Boots may be required. Don’t figure on being able to drive to the location, due to limited access our group would probably meet with Scott somewhere off a main road and be escorted into the site by DNR vehicle.
Larry can be contacted via phone at 740-423-8146 or e-mail at: [email protected]
Get in contact with him ASAP so a plan can be put together. Make sure he has your phone no. so he can call you if we are contacted to help in the recovery.
Thanks,
Jim Moore, President
WV Chapter 09 MI
Oh, boy, doesn't this sound fun? Anyone interested in helping out on short notice please send me a PM or e-mail and I'll pass it along to Mr. Robinson. thanks! m | |
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Killing a muskie lake - 8/10 update (not good)