Lake levels and flooding are important to stay ahead of. All lakes, rivers, and creeks have watersheds and the Yahara watershed is 281 square miles of wetlands, urban development, and farmland. Rain falling into those 281-square miles flows downstream and eventually ends up in the Yahara lakes.

There was an interesting article published by the University of Wisconsin Madison Center for Limnology, titled How a 30-Year Rain Event Became a 100-Year Flood.

“People like living on lakes. And, once they’re there, they also like having access to the lakes, which means a pier and a boat and maybe a little beach or swimming area and, most important, consistent water levels. 

But consistently high water levels in Lake Mendota come with a cost. When we get a big rain, the lake doesn’t have the capacity to take that extra load in. It’s already so high that the only thing city officials can do is open the lock and dam and let the excess run downstream.”

For up-to-date lake level information, visit the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department website.