Forest Service to lower lake levels for flood control

The Forest Service plans to begin lowering water levels the first week of December on Indian, Tipsaw and Saddle Lakes on the Hoosier National Forest.  These lakes were constructed primarily for flood control and lowering the water levels by five to ten feet in early winter will allow the lakes to have more water storage capacity, thus reducing the chance of flooding, when there is an increase in precipitation in late winter and spring. 

As a result of the drawdowns, boat launches will likely be inaccessible until spring rains refill the lakes.  The lower water levels over the winter also increase the likelihood that freezing temperatures will reduce non-native vegetation in the lakes such as Eurasian water milfoil.  This will improve the health of the lake and visitors’ recreational experience.

For updates on the status of the lakes visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/hoosier/recreation