Lake Level and Precipitation Monitoring
PLSLWD staff record the water level of Prior Lake several times a week during open water. The District also established a volunteer precipitation monitoring network in 2004. This information helps the PLSLWD operate the Prior Lake Outlet.
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 in ways that take care of problems 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, 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, and constructing the improvements.
