Lake Level and Precipitation Monitoring PLSLWD staff record the water level of Spring and Prior Lake several times a week during open water. The District also established a volunteer precipitation monitoring network in 2004 and continues to operate 6 monitoring sites within the District.  This information helps the PLSLWD determine the water flow from the head waters and ultimately operate the Prior Lake Outlet more effectively.   Outlet Channel Improvement Project The Prior Lake outlet and channel were constructed in 1983 to address high lake level issues on Prior Lake, which does not have a natural outlet.  While the channel and outlet have worked well over the past 20 years, the channel in many places could be modified to operate more efficiently and enhance the environment.  Likewise the outlet box has developed some cracks, and could be modified to be more efficient.  To address these needs and plan for future development in the watershed, the PLSLWD, along with assistance from the Cities of Prior Lake and Shakopee and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, is undertaking a $3.5 million project over 5 to 7 years to enhance the outlet channel and improve the efficiency of the outlet box. The  Outlet Channel Improvement Project is based on an overall concept for restoring and improving the outlet channel that relies on a combination of “traditional” engineering techniques such as the use of rock and boulders to provide stability and resist bank sloughing, and bioengineering or “natural” vegetation techniques to provide upland soil stability.  The project will involve acquiring additional easements along the channel, designing the improvements for each specific segment, constructing the improvements as well as monitoring and maintenance.

Ph: (952) 447-4166          Fax: (952) 447-4167          Email: info@plslwd.org
15815 Franklin Trail, Suite 100          Prior Lake, MN  55372          See Map to Our Office