Once the spring freshet and effects of any spring rains passes, the final stop log is replaced and the logs are “jacked down”. This process compresses the logs together somewhat to minimize water leakage between the logs.
During summers with normal rainfall patterns, no manipulation of stop logs is required. Often the valve is sufficient to regulate any significant rainfall events.
In addition, the following information was shared with Lynda Marsland in a conversation with Ken Molyneaux. Ken is the Dam Operator for a number of the lakes in our area. He can be reached through the MNR in Parry Sound. Maintaining appropriate water levels on Oastler Lake is one of his responsibilities. He follows the overall objectives of an Operation Plan and Level Guidelines set up for the lakes in his area. Records are maintained on an ongoing basis.
Two official gauges exist on Oastler Lake - at the operational dam ( leading into McLaren Lake and at the Provincial Park . There are no gauges on McLaren but ;beaver activity there can create water level problems on McLaren and in turn could influence how much water can go into McLaren from Oastler! Assessments are made on a 10 cm grid. Another gauge and dam exists for Otter Lake. There is a specific range determined for our lake which Ken must try to maintain. Acts of nature like drought and evaporation create challenges and ideal levels might not be possible. The summer of 2005 has been an example of that. All timbers have been in place at our dam since early July this yr.
The Oastler dam consists of 4 - 15' x 12 timbers, a culvert with a valve and a wing wall which can handle emergency overflow. The valve can be opened if gradual control desired. Winches and a cant hook are used to move the timbers out of the way when required.
Ken has to monitor the lake level frequently, especially if heavy rains occur, and also consider seasonal needs. Spring thawing demands action to prevent flooding, summer levels become the main focus to allow for preferred use for residents, and then fall levels are determined to decrease dock and shoreline damage during winter freeze and ice buildup.
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Thank you to all who participated in this past years many events- the attendees and the people who did such a great job of presentations at our Annual Meeting, the Guests and Hills for welcoming us to their homes for the coffee gatherings in June and Sept and those of you who planned and attended our August Bar B Que. None of this would have been possible without the planning by our Social Committee Lucille, Lloyd and Alicia. Our Lake maps, website and educational packages have been well received and a sincere thanks goes out to those who worked so hard on these.The positive feedback from members has been appreciated. I personally want to thank all my board members for their ongoing support and need to mention the impeccable work Elmer has done with keeping the " books" and Janet for her unending updating of our resident list. And thanks a lot to Pat Hickcox for editing this newsletter.
~ Lynda Marsland Annual Meeting 2006 Our Annual Meeting where members have the opportunity as a group to share and keep updated usually is held on the 3rd Sunday ( morning) of July. Please refer to our Web site www.oastlerlake.com at a later date as we cannot confirm a booking at the Park for 2006 until into the New Year.
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