WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN
LAKE LEVEL DRAWDOWNS
Beginning the week of March 13, 2023, the Valley Branch Watershed District will lower lake water
levels along its watershed outlet system. This outlet system connects lakes in the northwest part of the
watershed district to the St. Croix River. The great amounts of snow and rain this winter have resulted in
high water content in the snowpack. The lowering of water levels will help prevent flooding during and
after the spring snowmelt.
Those who use the lakes for fishing, snowmobiling, and other activities are cautioned that lowering
the lakes could results in new open water areas, thin ice, and areas of weakened ice, especially at lake
inlets and outlets.
All of the lake drawdown activities are in accordance with permits and lake level management plans
approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The spring snowmelt will return the lakes
to their normal levels.
Water levels will be lowered at Horseshoe Lake, Lake Elmo, Lake DeMontreville, Lake Olson, Lake
Jane, Crombie Pond, Hedges Pond, Hedges Bog, and Long Lake. These lakes and ponds are located in
the West Lakeland Township, the City of Lake Elmo, the City of Pine Springs, and the City of Mahtomedi.

Please contact Josh Phillips if you have any questions.

Barr Engineering Co.
4300 MarketPointe Drive, Ste 200
Minneapolis, MN 55435
P: 952-832-2723
E: JPhillips@barr.com