I cannot speak to RDOS matters as the alternate anymore.
I know that Terry at his position as Director and I both as a resident and private citizen strongly disagree with this procedure at Prather Lake (St. Andrews golf course) . (Ed comment – emptying the golf course lake into Kearns Creek system)
I do know that Terry is pushing the bypass to White lake as a plan with or without the pumping as it would take a great deal of pressure off of Kearns creek. The White Lake Bowl is absolutely enormous and could possibly take all the rest of the spring runoff. If not there is no danger of a breach. Keep in mind that without artificially draining this during the dry season this would likely be at best a two-year solution but one year should be more than enough time to reestablish proper creek bed flows and culvert size should the political and bureaucratic will exist.
I feel I must respond to the notion that I’ve been asked by the RDOS to dump my Alternate Rick Knodel. No.
And that would be egregious and certainly not my style. I’ve counted on Rick on so many occasions, not only as my liaison to Parks and Rec, but for his opinion on issues. He and I have openly talked about both running this fall and I welcome that.
In regards to the notion of using White Lake as a depository of excess headwater that option came from the dam owner Mr. Rasmussen and even he noted the improbability of it being a quick fix. Nonetheless I have asked staff to look into the logistics of such a remedy.
I have to admit I’m grasping at straws at this point as we need either a good suggestion that’s workable soon or for Mother Nature to give us some slack.
With the extra release of water from Pringle dam (or Kearns Creek dam) – flowing a little more freely through Willowbrook, that water is actively flooding Sportsmans Bowl Rd.
Adding to that is Victoria Creek’s flow, exacerbating the pressure through the 2-36″ culverts on Seacrest Rd., further threatening those living in Sportsmans Bowl.
I fear that when the freshet is in full swing next month we may see situations that sandbags aren’t going to be able to help. I certainly hope I’m wrong.
edited for clarity
Kevin tomlin says
Very well written by both Rick and Terry good luck to both of you on issues coming in the next few weeks
Graham kearnon says
White lake basin is already under some pressure. Old dry creeks have exploded this spring. White lake ranch has been digging new route for one creek for two to three weeks. I would suggest the rdos alternate should concentrate on demanding proper sized culverts rather then adding more problems at white lake.
rick knodel says
I agree, sir, the second paragraph last sentence of my statement.
This area has been asking for proper culvert sizes for a year now and has been repeatedly told that was not necessary. These property owners are now in crisis mode and temporary solutions will have to be radical.
Please define the problems at White Lake I would like to be made aware.
Terry Schafer says
I feel I must respond to the notion that I’ve been asked by the RDOS to dump my alternate Rick. No.
And that would be egregious and certainly not my style.
I’ve counted on Rick on so many occasions, not only as my liaison to Parks and Rec, but for his opinion on issues.
He and I have openly talked about both running this fall and I welcome that.
In regards to the notion of using White Lake as a depository of excess headwater that option came from the dam owner Mr Rasmussen and even he noted the improbability of it being a quick fix. Nonetheless I have asked staff to look into the logistics of such a remedy.
I have to admit I’m grasping at straws at this point as we need either a good suggestion that’s workable soon or for Mother Nature to give us some slack.
With the extra release of water from Pringle dam (or Kearns Creek dam) flowing a little more freely through Willowbrook, that’s actively flooding Sportsmans Bowl road. Adding to that is Victoria Creek’s flow, exasorbating the pressure through the 2 36″ culverts on Seacrest road, further threatening Sportsmans Bowl.
I fear that when the freshet is in full swing next month we may see situations that sandbags aren’t going to be able to help.
I certainly hope I’m wrong.
Terry