An Abnormal River Condition (ARC) Watch has been issued for Lake Freeman, as one of the following conditions has occurred: the previous day’s 24-hour average for flows at the Buffalo USGS gauge dropped to 410 cubic feet per second (cfs) or below; or the previous day’s 24 hour daily average for flows at the Winamac USGS gauge dropped to 300 cfs or below.
As of 6:22 am ET, on September 7, 2021, the 24-hour daily average at the Buffalo USGS gauge is 503 cfs and the 24-hour daily average at the Winamac USGS gauge is 295 cfs.
The surface elevation taken near the face of the Oakdale Hydroelectric Dam was measured at 609.9 ft. below the normal operating target of 610.35ft.
The change in surface elevation measured at the hydro does not reflect or equate to the same potential change in depth for other areas of the lake. Surface elevation is the relative measurement to sea level, local datum. A change of .01 ft in the surface elevation equates to 1/100th of a foot or .12 inches. NIPSCO does not measure average depths.
Please be mindful of your surroundings and aware of any submerged objects in or underneath the surface of the water. Due to the water levels, objects such as tree stumps, old dock pilings and such may start to show or become a hazard to boat operators, swimmers, and tubers.
Without additional rainfall, depths could continue to be reduced. Current information may be found at www.nipscohydro.com.
