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Summit Lake Dam Gate Valve Repair

Update: The project is near completion. Visitors will see the lake level rising slowly. As of Feb. 1, the lake is lower than normal winter pool. If rain and snow continue, normal summer pool should be reached by summer. Please continue to watch for debris and other prop-damaging situations. Thank you for your patience.

Press release: Summit Lake SP will lower lake to fix valve (10/26)

Gate Valve at Summit LakeWhat is happening?

The gate valve for the Summit Lake Dam is being repaired. We are lowering the lake by five feet at the dam structure for safety purposes. The divers and contractors require a certain depth in order to make these repairs safely.

What is a gate valve?

A gate valve serves as the control mechanism to open and close a gate that allows Summit Lake State Park to control the water level. Summit Lake Dam protects the Blue River and New Castle from flooding.

Why does the gate valve need work?

The dam structure and gate valve were built and installed in the 1970s. Over many years the gate valve, like any mechanical device, gets worn and needs repair.

Will this have any impact on the dam itself?

This will not impact the dam itself. We monitor the dam every month using piezometer readings as a lookout for leaks in the dam. The readings have shown no adverse impact.

How much will the water level be lowered?

Because we are now in winter pool status due to lack of rain and the normal fluctuation of the lake, the water level will be drawn down another 4.5 feet from the current height. From normal summer pool, the lake level will be low by seven feet. This will allow the divers to work within their safety limit.

How long with the water level remain down?

This is the big question, and we cannot say for sure. The average rainfall in New Castle during October-April is 24 inches with about the same amount of expected snowfall, which sounds promising. However, Summit Lake pulls from a very small watershed, so to set a guaranteed date for when water levels will return to normal is not possible.

What impacts will this have on fishing, boating, birding and other water-based activities?

There will be a very noticeable change in Summit Lake. Many shorelines will be visible that haven’t been for many years.

  • The North Ramp should remain open during this time, so please plan your launch accordingly. Coves will be affected greatly. Future fishing should show higher fish populations with the new vegetation growth creating feeding grounds and nesting habitats in those coves.
  • Boaters will need to be focused on safety. Deep areas will now be shallower. More stumps and debris will be prominent and could affect propellers. Kayaking and canoeing visitors will also need to be cautious.
  • Birders will get the most out of this event as we hope to see many more species of waterfowl during the migrations this winter and spring.

Will this affect the wetlands on the east side of the property?

The gate valve that holds those wetlands is currently closed, so there should be no immediate impact on the wetlands. However, if the lake is slow to return to normal levels, water from the wetlands could be used to help raise the lake level if needed. Lower water levels in the wetlands could actually benefit waterfowl and shorebirds in terms of feeding potential.

What would happen if we didn’t make the repair?

If the repair is not made, the gate valve could become inoperable meaning that if a huge rain event or other emergency were to occur we would not be able to control the amount of water in the lake. This could cause damage to the dam which could then lead to flooding areas of New Castle along the Blue River.

Will this have impact on wildlife?

This will have a positive impact on wildlife. Waterfowl will have more area for feeding and resting during their migrations. Fish populations will grow due to fewer fishermen fishing, and additional food and nesting areas will develop from the new vegetation that grows along exposed shoreline/banks.

Were any permits required for this project?

No. However, the DNR Divisions of Water, Engineering and State Parks, along with the Henry County Surveyor, and many others have been working hard during this process to ensure the best quality repair is made and that environmental and visitor impacts have been reviewed and limited as best as possible.

Who will be making the repairs?

CHM Excavating will be making the repairs.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Please contact Summit Lake State Park office for any questions at (765) 766-5873.