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May 21, 2007
REFILL OF LAKE WHITE TO BEGIN LAST WEEK IN MAY
Return to normal summer pool depends on weather
 COLUMBUS, OH - Engineers with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) have initiated refill of 337-acre Lake White in Pike County, but caution the lake’s return to normal summer pool will depend on rainfall in coming days and weeks.
A private contractor completing the first phase of a project to renovate and upgrade the 72-year-old structure closed the lake’s drains on Friday, May 18.
“Once the lake drain closed, the time needed for the lake to return to normal summer pool will depend on rainfall in the watershed,” said Dave Mohr, chief engineer at ODNR. “We appreciate the continued patience of property owners as we work to insure the integrity of this dam.”
Last fall, the project’s contractor lowered the lake approximately 12 feet to facilitate construction and help ensure the dam’s safety during spillway renovation. Unforeseen construction difficulties and weather conditions during the winter delayed work on the spillway, forcing an extension of the original deadline to begin the refill process. While work will continue into early summer, it will no longer be necessary to maintain lower water levels in order to complete the project.
ODNR initiated the first phase of a two-phase project to renovate the 4,200-foot earthen dam about a year ago. The first phase, a $4.1 million project to remove vegetation from the downstream face, install automated spillway gates and a new siphon drain, will be completed this summer. The second phase, tentatively scheduled to start in late 2008, will reinforce the dam’s downstream face with concrete and reconstruct state Route 104, which runs across the crest of the dam.
Built in 1935, Lake White drains a watershed of more than 35 square miles. It is home to Lake White State Park, featuring a 23-site campground, swimming beach, picnic area and unlimited horsepower recreational lake.
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