What a wonderful day, sunshiny with a few clouds, temperature’s just right, and a slight breeze. Even more, the Tippecanoe River is transporting water at a rate that NIPSCO will not be required by USFWS to lower Lake Freeman.
Why am I watching the water flow rate coming down the Tippecanoe, especially after coming out of an abnormal low flow event that required NIPSCO to lower Lake Freeman almost a foot? The answer is not that I’m a pessimist. The answer is September and October can be prone to abnormal low flow events also, maybe not as frequent as July and August. In fact, there are times during December and January when abnormal low flow events might happen.
The big danger during December and January is the water drop may not be seen if ice covers the lake. Occasionally, lake ice is strong enough to allow the water to drop, but not drop itself. This leaves a void between the water and unsupported ice above it, which could collapse under you.
A representative from USFWS has stated they are concerned about only one endangered mussel dying. To this end, they are requiring NIPSCO to manage the water flow through the lakes in a new manner which now endangers people recreating in the summer, fall, and winter.
Hopefully we will be safe in the spring if there is adequate snow melt and rains.
Joe Roach
