Drawdown to Lower Village's Lake Levels

 crews will begin the annual drawdown of Woods Creek Lake and Goose Lake Friday. 

In a drawdown, the dam gates are opened, allowing water to flow out of the lake and into the creek. This lowers the lake level and allows village staff to inspect the dam.

“We will be ensuring the gates are operational, no erosion has occurred and identifying any deficiencies or anything wrong with the structure,” said Public Works Director Fred Mullard.

Lowering lake levels also gives village staff an opportunity to inspect the dam spillway, the channel where overflow water is released.

“Doing the drawdown gives us a chance to look at the spillway structure, to look at areas that are hidden to ensure no animals are burrowing in or anything that might lead to a structural problem,” said Streets Superintendent Guy Fehrman.

Mullard said one more common repair is fixing the wires on the gabion baskets, which can become damaged due to the constant flow of water. Gabion baskets are wire baskets filled with rubble that aid in soil stabilization.

The lakes will be lowered about three to four feet, starting Nov. 4 through Nov. 11. The operation is somewhat dependent on the weather. If it rains, the gates would need to be left open longer.

The dam on Lake in the Hills’ largest lake, Woods Creek Lake, was built in 1923, using mules for excavation according to the village website. Goose Lake, located to the east of Woods Creek Lake, is a smaller lake used primarily for fishing. It was dammed in the 1980s, Mullard said.

After all inspections are completed, the dam gates will be closed and the lakes will be allowed to refill slowly. That process could take just a couple of days for Goose Lake, but as much as a couple of weeks for Woods Creek Lake. 

The drawdown also allows lakefront property owners an opportunity to inspect and repair their docks. Those who are planning to install new docks or improve existing docks should call Community Development at 1-847-960-7440 prior to starting any work.