News & Reports
Members have been reporting problems getting current data when using the link to Xcel Energy for TFF elevation and discharge. Depending on search engine and/or web browser used, results from several different dates come up. We have reported this issue to Xcel and they are working on it, unsuccessfully to date.
To get the most recent TFF elevation and discharge data, we have found these steps work best:
- Go to the “BING” search engine (not Google). – https://www.bing.com/
- In the search box type: “Xcel Energy Hydro Level”.
- The first item is a link to the Xcel page for Hydro levels, click on this item for most recent data.
Thanks to everyone for using this “round-a-bout” method for accessing current information, we will continue to work with Xcel to correct these problems.
The USGS has been studying how global warming/lake warming is affecting the relative populations of walleye and bass in Wisconsin’s lakes. You can go here to get more information on these important studies: https://owi.usgs.gov/
The top graph shows the water level of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage for the prior and current years, Maximum Drawdown and functional Utilization Level on a weekly basis. The lower graph shows the trend of the Flowage Discharge Rate in cubic feet per second for the prior and current years and the mandated minimum discharge rate. Although we were disappointed with the rapid drawdown of the Flowage in July and August, 2015, Xcel energy was in compliance with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. The current unseasonably high water level that we are experiencing is due to the above average rainfall received both at the Flowage and across the entire watershed.
TFF Water Level Graph 2016 (92kb)
WDNR fisheries biologists Lawrence Eslinger and Zach Lawson prepared a detailed report on the history of the walleye fishery in the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, and the rationale for the no-length limit on walleye in the flowage. (more…)