5/6/24 Outlet Vlog
Outlet & Navigation
Ordinary High Water Level Elevation - 979.9 ft.
Highest Recorded Water Level - 982.70 ft.
Lowest Recorded Water Level Elevation - 977.53 ft.
FEMA 100 Year Flood Level - 981.2 ft.
No Wake Level - 981.10
6/21/24 Outlet Update - Flowing Well
Orientation photo looking east
Weir and channel looking north
Orientation photo looking west
Culvert entrance not blocked
Culvert discharge raging.
Sarah Creek from the RR culvert across the wetland looking west.
The Outlet and Navigation Committee is tasked with monitoring Lake Sarah’s outlet and mitigating large navigation hazards (ie. Very Large Bogs). The outlet is monitored for integrity to the design intent, and for blockages. The committee takes action when water levels do not get too high so as to threaten properties on the lake. They also work with government agencies in ensuring the structure and function of the outlet. When a large bog breaks away from the shoreline, the committee works to move the hazard and anchor it back in place.
Lake Sarah’s water level is influenced by precipitation adding water to the lake, evaporation, the elevation of the lake’s outlet (often times referred to as the “weir”) into Sarah Creek, and the efficiency of the flow of that water downstream of the outlet.
The outlet consists of a concreate “mat” laid across the remains of an old railroad bed, with its lowest point being the point where water stops flowing out of the lake. It is the Water Level Committee’s responsibility to ensure water can flow over the outlet by maintaining the outlet, and keeping it clear of debris and bogs that can keep water from exiting the lake. It also involves removing bogs and vegetation that restrict flow along the channel.
Water level readings are monitored by Brad Spencer, and current conditions can be found on his website at the link below.
Outlet channel looking downstream
Outlet channel looking toward Lake Sarah
Outlet channel location (West end)
Outlet channel blocked by beaver dam 2023
Lake Sarah No-Wake Restriction and Trigger
We are asked often in years of high water levels about the No-Wake restrictions on Lake Sarah. These restrictions are triggered when the water level reaches 981.1 feet of elevation for a period of 3 consecutive days. When the lake reaches this level for 3 days, the City of Independence is notified along with the County Sheriff. The County is responsible for enforcing the no-wake restriction. LSIA posts signs at the landing, as well as on the buoys in the channel between the basins. These restrictions remain in effect until the water level recedes back to below 981.1 feet for three consecutive days.
Minnesota defines “Slow-no wake” under “86B.005 Definitions” as follows: "Subd. 16a. Slow-no wake. ‘Slow-no wake’ means operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, but in no case greater than five miles per hour.” Ref: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/86B.005 .
For the most current water levels, go to this link: http://www.lakesarah.com/waterlevels.html