The lake level at Portage and Base Line lakes will be raised beginning on March 29, 2024. Each winter, the lake level is lowered to reduce ice damage and erosion on the lake shore.
The lakes will reach their legally established summer level by April 8, 2024, weather conditions permitting, according to Deputy Water Resources Commissioner Scott Miller, P.E. The legally established summer lake level is 851.54 feet above sea level.
The Flook Dam, just downstream of Portage and Base Line lakes, was constructed in 1965. The dam controls the water levels of the lakes using 5 radial gates separated by concrete piers.
The Portage and Base Line Lake Level District includes lands in both Washtenaw and Livingston County. The district spans Dexter and Webster townships in Washtenaw County, and Hamburg and Putnam townships in Livingston County. For further information, contact the Water Resources Commissioner’s office at 734-222-6860.
UPDATE: >>>
With the scheduled lake level adjustment, our staff is transitioning the bays’ old, pine stop logs to the newly arrived oak boards! This process involves lowering the water pressure on the boards by opening the dam gates.
The replacement oak boards will remain in place until the new dam gates are installed later this year. You may notice some lake-level fluctuations over the next several days while this is accomplished.