The most recent surface water level reading was 979.33' (east bay) on September 7, 2017
This can be compared to the initial reading this season of 979.07 on 4/1/17 and the final reading last fall on December 6, 2016 of 979.65' and the Ordinary High Water Level for Sarah of 979.90'. Thank you to Cindy Keating (west bay) and Fred Lang (east bay) who continue to volunteer their time to monitor our lakes’ water levels for the MN DNR, LSIA, and our website for yet another year!
Highest Level this year 980.19' on May 26, 2017
Highest Level ever recorded 982.40' on June 28, 2002
Lowest level this year 979.01' on April 11, 2017
Lowest level ever recorded 977.78' on August 10, 2007
click here to view the FEMA Flood Insurance study November 2016 part 1 of 2, 2 of 2 in .pdf
Ordinary High Water Level for Lake Sarah (27-0191) 979.90' (revised from 979.50' as of 10/13/2003 - Minnesota DNR OHWL study in.pdf) The ordinary high water level (OHWL) is a reference point that defines the DNR's regulatory authority over development projects that are proposed to alter the course, current, or cross section of public waters and public waters wetlands. For lakes and wetlands, the OHW is the highest water level that has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence upon the landscape. The OHWL is commonly that point where the natural vegetation changes from predominately aquatic to predominantly terrestrial. For watercourses, the OHWL is the elevation of the top of the bank of the channel. For reservoirs and flowages, the OHWL is the operating elevation of the normal summer pool. The OHWL is also used by local units of government as a reference point from which to determine structure setbacks from water bodies and watercourses. See also legal definition under Hydrographics Program. For more information on determining OHWL please see "Guidelines for Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) Determinations".
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Lake Sarah Water Levels Charts
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Water Level Charts by Year
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Thanks for the charts Fred!
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A special thank you to Cindy Keating and Fred Lang for providing the water level readings for the MN DNR, the lake association, and to this website. Cindy monitors the primary gauge in the west bay, Fred monitors the backup gauge in the east bay.
Lake Level Minnesota is a program in which volunteers collect and report lake levels throughout our State.
Historic levels, maps, vegetation and fish survey information can be accessed on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website
MN DNR water elevation gauge set benchmark:Benchmark Elevation: 985.42 ft, Datum: NGVD 29 (ft), Date Set: 08/26/2004.Benchmark Location: Township: 119, Range: 24, Section: 35. Description: (Found 2011 for Gauge Run use.) 3/8" x 8" spike, 1.0' above the ground in the lakeward side of a 2.2' silver maple, approx. 100' from waters edge and 40' lakeward of SE corner of private residence, N side of Sarah Lake, at 6275 N Shore Dr, Greenfield.
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Special Buoy installed off North Shore Drive. Mike Peterson spoke with Tony Brough at Henn Cty. Environmental Services regarding the rockpile near North Shore Drive. Tony did a depth survey of the rockpile off Wise's on North Shore Drive and determined a new buoy would be appropriate. Tony has installed the new buoy lakeward of the danger area, (see the purple circle on the map). Tony will remove and reinstall the danger buoy annually. He also mapped out the existing rock pile with the 3 danger buoys already in place using GPS and map overlays to verify proper placement and update their records. His map can be viewed by clicking here (in .pdf format - Adobe acrobat reader required). He mentioned that the best way for Hennepin County to react to such hazards in the future is for people that "discover" them to report the incident to the Henn. County Sheriff Water Patrol (612)596-9880,
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