A major flood event occurred in 2014 leading to the highest recorded water elevation, 906 feet, on Prior Lake since the outlet system was first installed. During the 2014 flood the outlet channel functioned properly, while continuously receiving water from the elevated Prior Lake. Water rushed through the Channel at a rate and volume never experienced before. This extreme water velocity coupled with the duration of rainfall events caused significant damage throughout the Channel. Trees fell, sediment was distributed, and over 20,000 feet of bank erosion occurred.
The Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District has been working with the Federal Emergency Management Administration and received approval for federally-financed repairs. Repair projects along the outlet channel include:
- tree and woody debris removal
- streambank stabilization
- culvert replacements
- sediment removal
There are 37 property owners along the PLOC. The District is committed to keeping residents informed throughout the repair process. Landowners will receive technical information and timely updates on repair work.
Feel free to contact Diane Lynch at 952-440-0067 or dlynch@plslwd.org with any questions or concerns about current or upcoming work on the outlet channel.
Current Repairs
Bank erosion repair work has been completed along the channel and final restoration work will be complete by the end of November 2019.
Impacted landowners will be contacted individually with a more exact timeline, when this becomes available.
One of three culverts which was replaced.
Completed Repairs
Tree and woody debris removals, culvert replacements and the sediment delta removal have been completed.
Ongoing work includes bank restoration on a few segments of the outlet channel.
Damage to outlet channel before tree removals.