White Iron Lake:
Though MN Power monitors White Iron Lake water levels, this lake is not a part of the regulatory requirements for Minnesota Power. During low flow conditions, the elevation at the hydroelectric dam, Garden, Farm, South Farm and White Iron Lakes are an essentially flat pool elevation. The narrows at White Iron Rapids are a pinch point limiting the amount of water able to pass through at any given time, thereby raising the water levels of White Iron during high flow conditions.
Consultation Requirements to Allow Deviation from Lake Level Operating Bands
In some instances, Minnesota Power may need to operate Lake Levels outside the operating band due to hydrologic conditions or planned maintenance activities. If the deviations are not an emergency, MN Power will consult with the US Forest Service and members of the Winton Collaborative Team at least 5 days prior to a change that would cause operation outside the operating band. Upon Team agreement and after advising WICOLA, MN Power may make changes. If such an operational change were to occur, MN Power will provide a report to the regulatory agencies within 10 days of the change.
Consultation between Minnesota Power and the regulatory agencies during the last several years has determined it is appropriate to allow Birch Lake Reservoir’s elevation to fall below the lower band during drought and late spring run-off periods, discharging an amount equal to inflow, to mimic a natural lake. However, in May of 2015, the drought was so intense that the regulatory agencies approved an adaptive management plan to temporarily decrease the minimum flow requirements in an attempt to balance the impacts of the drought on both the reservoir and the downstream river section. Shortly after the change, precipitation increased filling the reservoir to normal levels.
Emergency Conditions to Allow Deviation from Lake Level Operating Bands
Deviations from the lake level operating bands without any prior consultation shall be permitted only for the purposes of Urgent Dam Safety, immediate protection of human life and property, rescue activities, or Mid-Continent Area Power Pool emergencies. In these cases, MN Power will notify and provide a report as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days.
