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Army Corps Begins Winter Drawdown in Muskingum Watershed Lakes
Lakes to Drop 5–8 Feet Starting November 1
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin its annual winter drawdown of lakes across Ohio’s Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District starting November 1, with water levels expected to return to normal by mid-February. The effort—timed ahead of heavy snowmelt and spring rains—is part of a coordinated flood control and maintenance schedule impacting recreational access and shoreline projects.
This year’s drawdowns will affect eight major reservoirs: Atwood, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, and Tappan Lakes. Some lakes will see drops of up to 8 feet, most notably Seneca Lake, Ohio’s largest inland lake.
Why the Lakes Are Lowered Each Winter
According to the Conservancy District, the temporary drawdowns allow the Corps to store more water during potential flood events. But there’s also a long list of off-season benefits for residents, anglers, and outdoor users.
“The winter drawdown gives us valuable time to inspect and maintain infrastructure while lake levels are low,” said Dave Lautenschleger, chief of engineering at the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. “By addressing shoreline erosion and dredging in strategic locations, we’re ensuring the lakes remain safe, functional, and sustainable for years to come, while keeping communities downstream protected from potential flooding.”
Projects this winter will include shoreline stabilization, boat access improvements, and sediment removal—critical work that would be impossible during peak recreation season.
Full Drawdown Schedule by Reservoir
Here’s a breakdown of the planned water level changes:
Reservoir Drop (ft) Start Date Days Normal Level Winter Level
Atwood 8.0 Nov. 15 42 928.00 920.00
Charles Mill 5.0 Nov. 1 35 997.00 992.00
Clendening 5.0 Nov. 15 35 898.00 893.00
Leesville 5.0 Nov. 1 35 963.00 958.00
Piedmont 8.0 Nov. 1 42 913.00 905.00
Pleasant Hill 6.0 Nov. 15 42 1020.00 1014.00
Seneca 8.0 Nov. 15 42 832.20 824.20
Tappan 5.0 Nov. 15 35 899.30 894.30
Refill is scheduled to complete by March 15 for most sites, depending on weather conditions and rainfall.
What Projects Are Planned at Each Lake
Several lakes in the district will undergo infrastructure and habitat improvements during the drawdown:
More shoreline stabilization and erosion control work may be scheduled depending on lakebed access and weather windows.
Plan Ahead: Access May Be Limited
For anglers, boaters, and shoreline property owners, the drawdowns mean reduced water access and changed terrain. Docks may be unusable, and muddy or frozen shorelines can pose safety hazards. Recreational users are encouraged to plan accordingly and follow all posted access advisories.
The post Army Corps Begins Winter Drawdown in Muskingum Watershed Lakes appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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Army Corps Begins Winter Drawdown in Muskingum Watershed Lakes
Lakes to Drop 5–8 Feet Starting November 1
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin its annual winter drawdown of lakes across Ohio’s Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District starting November 1, with water levels expected to return to normal by mid-February. The effort—timed ahead of heavy snowmelt and spring rains—is part of a coordinated flood control and maintenance schedule impacting recreational access and shoreline projects.
This year’s drawdowns will affect eight major reservoirs: Atwood, Charles Mill, Clendening, Leesville, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca, and Tappan Lakes. Some lakes will see drops of up to 8 feet, most notably Seneca Lake, Ohio’s largest inland lake.
Why the Lakes Are Lowered Each Winter
According to the Conservancy District, the temporary drawdowns allow the Corps to store more water during potential flood events. But there’s also a long list of off-season benefits for residents, anglers, and outdoor users.
“The winter drawdown gives us valuable time to inspect and maintain infrastructure while lake levels are low,” said Dave Lautenschleger, chief of engineering at the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. “By addressing shoreline erosion and dredging in strategic locations, we’re ensuring the lakes remain safe, functional, and sustainable for years to come, while keeping communities downstream protected from potential flooding.”
Projects this winter will include shoreline stabilization, boat access improvements, and sediment removal—critical work that would be impossible during peak recreation season.
Full Drawdown Schedule by Reservoir
Here’s a breakdown of the planned water level changes:
Reservoir Drop (ft) Start Date Days Normal Level Winter Level
Atwood 8.0 Nov. 15 42 928.00 920.00
Charles Mill 5.0 Nov. 1 35 997.00 992.00
Clendening 5.0 Nov. 15 35 898.00 893.00
Leesville 5.0 Nov. 1 35 963.00 958.00
Piedmont 8.0 Nov. 1 42 913.00 905.00
Pleasant Hill 6.0 Nov. 15 42 1020.00 1014.00
Seneca 8.0 Nov. 15 42 832.20 824.20
Tappan 5.0 Nov. 15 35 899.30 894.30
Refill is scheduled to complete by March 15 for most sites, depending on weather conditions and rainfall.
What Projects Are Planned at Each Lake
Several lakes in the district will undergo infrastructure and habitat improvements during the drawdown:
Atwood Lake: About 975 cubic yards of sediment will be dredged from the bay at Elgin Drive in the Atwood Pines Cottage Area.
Charles Mill Lake: Crews will install rock riprap along 500 feet of roadway to stabilize shoreline near the beach access road.
Piedmont Lake: A major dredging operation will remove an estimated 12,750 cubic yards of sediment from Essex Cove and two nearby bays. This will restore water depth and improve navigation.
More shoreline stabilization and erosion control work may be scheduled depending on lakebed access and weather windows.
Plan Ahead: Access May Be Limited
For anglers, boaters, and shoreline property owners, the drawdowns mean reduced water access and changed terrain. Docks may be unusable, and muddy or frozen shorelines can pose safety hazards. Recreational users are encouraged to plan accordingly and follow all posted access advisories.
The post Army Corps Begins Winter Drawdown in Muskingum Watershed Lakes appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...