The water level at Prickett Lake will be substantially lower than normal all summer.
Upper Peninsula Power Company owns Prickett Dam and the lake it creates. UPPCO will be drawing the water level down to facilitate maintenance projects at the dam and adjacent powerhouse.
UPPCO officials note that the first stage of the reduction has already taken place, as part of its typical winter drawdown. Unlike normal years, though, Prickett Lake will not be refilled this spring. A second drawdown will begin June 15th, and will drop the level of the lake by another six feet.
Construction is scheduled to begin July 1st, and continue through September.
The boat launch and campground will remain open, although the launch will be carry-in only. Boaters should watch for impediments exposed by the low water level. Portaging along the Sturgeon River upstream from the lake may also be affected.
