Lake Delton empties out
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The stage area for the Water Ski shows on Lake Delton in Lake Delton, Wis., now sits on the lake bottom after flood waters breached the bank and drained the lake Monday, June 9, 2008. Heavy rains over the weekend have contributed to flooding in a number of Wisconsin areas.
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Lake Delton is seen after Wisconsin's Dell Creek Dam broke, Monday, June 9, 2008. Floodwater washed away three houses and threatened dams in Wisconsin as military crews joined desperate sandbagging operations.
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A home near the 254-acre Lake Delton in Lake Delton, Wisconsin was damaged when flood waters breached the bank and drained the lake Monday, June 9, 2008. Floodwater washed away three houses and threatened dams in Wisconsin as military crews joined desperate sandbagging operations.
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Boats docked on Lake Delton in Lake Delton, Wisconsin are now sitting on the lake bottom when flood waters breached the bank and drained the lake Monday June 9, 2008. Floodwater washed away three houses and threatened dams in Wisconsin as military crews joined desperate sandbagging operations.
LAKE DELTON — Floodwater from days of rainstorms washed out an earthen dam and sent a 245-acre lake rushing into the Wisconsin River Monday, ripping homes from the shore and sending them floating downstream.
The overflow happened as authorities ordered evacuations and sandbagging in a number of towns across the southern portion of the state.
Lake Delton, a manmade lake and popular tourist spot south of the Wisconsin Dells, overflowed and emptied out Monday afternoon. Three homes were washed away and two others were torn apart. Gov. Jim Doyle vowed the state would work to replenish the lake.
About 100 people started sandbagging at 2 a.m. Monday, but water drained into the nearby Wisconsin River after the embankment topped by a county road gave way, state and village officials said.
“It’s horrible. There’s no way we could stop it,” said Thomas Diehl, a Lake Delton village trustee. “The breach is between 300 and 400 feet wide. The volume (of water) was just so great there wasn’t anything anyone could do.”
About 20 resorts surround the lake, which was about 10 feet deep.
Bill Pettit, who has owned the Delton Oaks Resort on the lake for 12 years, said he watched the dam wash away and saw the flood water push a two-story lakefront house into the lake. It quickly dissappeared under the rushing water.
Shortly after, he saw the foundation of two other lakefront hosues wash away, leaving the houses in rubble.
As he spoke, he stood on a hill where the flood water collapsed the dam and washed away a portion of County Highway A, which went over the lake.
Pettit looked a half mile down the lake to his resort, where the lake’s water was only a trickle.
“We are out of busienss,” he said of his 30-unit resort, which has been in operation since 1948. “We sell lakefront property but there is no more lake.”
He said he was calling summer vacationers to alert them that the lake is gone and that boating and fishing won’t be possible.
The governor told reporters state workers hope to restore the water to the lake as soon as possible, describing the lake as crucial to the $1 billion annual tourism industry in Wisconsin Dells.
The Department of Natural Resources is studying how to replenish the lake and he expects a decision in the next day or so, Doyle said.
State Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, who represents part of the Wisconsin Dells, said the lake’s dissappearance would be devastating to the local economy and to tourism.
“I think it’s a catastrophe,” he said. “There’s a large amount of physical damage here and when you add that up with the economic impact it’s going to be enormous.”
Laurel Steffes, a DNR spokeswoman, said state officials worried about other dams that were overflowing or near failure.
A couple thousand people in Columbia County about 30 miles north of Madison were urged to evacuate below the Wyocena and Pardeeville dams, said Pat Beghin, a spokesman for the county’s emergency management.
The Wyocena Dam’s spillway had washed out, and workers were sandbagging to try to save it, Beghin said. The Pardeeville dam also was overflowing, he said.
The Upper Spring Dam in Palmyra was failing, state emergency management officials said. But only one house in the rural area was in danger, Palmyra town chairman Stewart Calkins said.
The DNR was checking out other dams in western Wisconsin, said Mike Goetzman, a spokesman for Wisconsin Emergency Management. The DNR was flying over dams in Vernon County and sending engineers to other counties — including Columbia, Dodge, Sauk and Jefferson — to assess dams there, Goetzman said.
Doyle had declared 30 counties in a state of emergency by noon Monday, and at least 130 inmates from the Department of Corrections were helping sandbag throughout the region.
The Danville River Dam in Danville overtopped on Monday, causing officials to evacuate more than 100 people from an apartment complex, condo building and several homes with airboats, mayor Nancy Osterhaus said. Officials released water from the Fall River dam to keep it from failing, but that exacerbated the flooding already going on, she said.
“They were totally cut off, there was no way to get to them,” she said. “Both ends of the street had flooded. We got everybody out of there.”
In western Wisconsin, state troopers were asked to help with evacuations in Elroy and Wonewoc, Goetzman said.
“The water is rising and it’s still a very serious situation,” he said.
Forecasters expected the rain to stop Monday and possibly return Tuesday, said Jessica Brooks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in La Crosse. Heavier storms could come Thursday, leading to even more flooding, she said.
Roads throughout the state, including at least 32 state highways, were closed Monday, Goetzman said.
A no-travel advisory was issued for Crawford, Richland and Vernon counties.
In Vernon County, the damage would likely surpass the $60 million done by floods in August, said
Linda Nederlo, the public information officer at the Vernon County Emergency Operations Center.
“This flood is much more severe, extensive than the flood in 2007,” Nederlo said. Ontario, Hillsboro, La Farge and Viola were hardest hit this time around, she said.
Associated Press Writers Todd Richmond in Ontario, Wis., and Emily Fredrix and Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee contributed to this report.
Jun 13, 2008 at 12:44 a.m.
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I hear Gov Doyle was at a golf outing with all his fat cat campaign donors during the middle of this flooding crisis. That sure is GREAT PR! Hope he shot well, while many were out there suffering from the flooding.
Jun 12, 2008 at 4:49 p.m.
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I feel very sorry for the people that lost their homes.
However, I say let Tommy Bartlett pay to put water back into his treasure chest of money. They have been using the public water for years to gain profit for themselves. They've acted like they own that section of the water. During practice & shows you can't get anywhere near that area.
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And I agree with others. Lake Delton is only a portion of Wisconsin Dells. There are still many other attrations that have nothing to do with the lake.
There still is the Wisconsin River.
Wisconsin Dells tourism will be fine.
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Good luck to all those in the flooded area's.
Jun 12, 2008 at 10:16 a.m.
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"Is it just me or do things just keep getting scarier & scarier out there. Gas prices, businesses closing, natural disasters, it seems like it just keeps going & going."
It's just you...
Jun 11, 2008 at 4:51 p.m.
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Maybe the state can get a program going to get all the laid off GM workers to help rebuild Lake Delton. That way we get the lake back and the GM workers can still have a job.
Jun 11, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.
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Speaking of poor photo captions
"Lake Delton is seen after Wisconsin's Dell Creek Dam broke"
The Dam held, the lake found a new path, A bigger one.
Jun 11, 2008 at 3:14 p.m.
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Maryland Mayor: 'Come to Ocean City' Before the Ocean Disappears
See the story at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,3655...
Im thinking thay should be carefull what they predict.
Jun 10, 2008 at 11:19 p.m.
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let's get JIM HALBAUCH and the wisconsin dolls strip club to help out He can donate money to get the lake back and keep a smile on the workers at night.HA HA.
Jun 10, 2008 at 8:55 p.m.
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The Dells are not named so because of Lake Delton! Doh! It has to do with the "Dalles" of the Wisconsin River. The man-made Lake Delton was begun in 1927, many years after the Dells became a popular tourisat destination.
Jun 10, 2008 at 8:21 p.m.
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Hey--evansvillehousewife is back!
Jun 10, 2008 at 8:20 p.m.
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jet: it is called the Wisconsins Dells fir a reason... Lake Delton. I would imagine it would cost taxpayers MORE to clean up the debris and muck and redevelop the area than it would to recreate Lake Delton.
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People complain about costs and taxes in Wisconsin now. Imagine if the multi-BILLION dollar tourism industry dropped a few hundred million for the long term instead of the short term (ie this summer's tourist season). We'd all be wishing then for what we pay now in taxes.
Jun 10, 2008 at 7:14 p.m.
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Why would any tax dollars pay to rebuild that man made lake? So joe blow that bought the half million dollar house can still have water front property? I say theres plenty of money in that town let them pass the hat around and deal with it.
Jun 10, 2008 at 7 p.m.
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crazycatlady: it's called karma. And, in the last 8 years, the U.S. has earned a lot of bad karma, I'm afraid.
Jun 10, 2008 at 4:56 p.m.
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Is it just me or do things just keep getting scarier & scarier out there. Gas prices, businesses closing, natural disasters, it seems like it just keeps going & going.
Jun 10, 2008 at 4:51 p.m.
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I fail to see how this tragedy has anything to do with GM. Again, Not everything is about GM
Jun 10, 2008 at 3:56 p.m.
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So what if there is State Funding for a new Lake Delton. This was a "NATURAL DISASTER"!!
Stop bringing GM into this. They are two completely different things.
Jun 10, 2008 at 3:43 p.m.
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Reality. GM options to operate at half the salary costs: Deep South. Mexico. China. Which will they choose Janesville or the options mentioned. One guess only.
The lake can go nowhere and will be rebuilt with plenty of State funding.
Jun 10, 2008 at 3:32 p.m.
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This isn't GM's doing it's the Weather why do you even post when you have nothing nice to say get a job or do something useful kleej.
Jun 10, 2008 at 3:19 p.m.
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They could hold treasure hunts on Lake Delton now. All those formerly lost watches, wallets, and jewelry are now exposed for the finding.
Jun 10, 2008 at 2:50 p.m.
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The Ducks won't be out of business. I used to work for them. They go on land AND water. This is a great opportunity for them to make money. "Come see national news on the former Lake Delton!"
Jun 10, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.
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Not to rain on anyone's panic parade here, but it was only one lake. Yes, the Tommy Bartlet show is grounded and the Duck's will have to go around. Twenty or so resorts (many of them small Mom and Pop operations) are getting cancellations, BUT THE REST OF THE DELLS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! I am sure people who are planning vacations may have to alter their plans a little bit, but I don't think that everyone that was going to vacation there is giving up. Lake Delton was a man-made lake. They have to put the cork back in the bottle, and it will fill back up good as new. As far as the tourists that come to our state and dump money into our coffers in the means of sales tax, gas tax, cig tax, and room tax, let me say "Welcome!". Imagine what our taxes would be like if we had to rely on our own residents to pick up the ENTIRE tab.
Jun 10, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.
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While some of the people of this state think its cute to call people from elsewhere names they should think about the economic impact it would have on there own life, if they were to lose some of those FIBBERS money. Whether it be from water parks, vehicles purchased that are manufactured here, or tax dollars spent on property or goods purchased by these visitors. I live in this state & would hate to lose any income brought to us by any means. We are already losing jobs to other states and I don't want to see us lose anything else. The more money we can bring here from surrounding areas the better off we all are. So keep your narrow minded opinions to yourself. Maybe instead of filling these pages with hatred & vitriole you could spend some time on learning about other people, cultures & ways of living, that are different than yours.
Jun 10, 2008 at 1:31 p.m.
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I think this is a sad situation. Wisconsin Dells relies on the lake to provide services and also brings in an incredible amount of money from outside of Wisconsin. This is such a sad situation, people's houses washed away and a tourist center for Wisconsin is affected. I'm sure many have put off vacations this year and will be spending more time at home so this situation even makes it worse because I feel Wisconsin Dells would not get the level of tourist that they usually do from gas prices and the many jobs disappearing.
I know GM is a big issue to those of us in Janesville and many do not like our Govenor, but look around and see the big picture - we have some problems if everyone doesn't do their part - will our economy rebound or crash for 10-12 years. I been to Lake Delton on numerous occasions and I can't imagine what just happened there.
Jun 10, 2008 at 12:52 p.m.
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Yes, there are many jokes that can be made, but why is it necessary? This is a sad situation from many aspects. The big picture is:
1. No matter what you think of the tourists, the loss of their spending could have a huge impact. Jobs lost, businesses lost and homes lost due to no income and lack of other jobs in that area.
2. It IS easier and cheaper to fix the Lake than it is to fix GM. We all wish it was as easy to fix GM. GM still has until 2010 to try to work things out...Lake Delton is gone NOW.
3. How about we try to get along with the tourists?? I am tired of this rivalry. I feel like I am back in Kidergarten turf wars. Yes, they speed and drive different. I have noticed Wisconsin drivers cutting people off too...and speeding! The saying goes, " People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." I have met some very nice people from IL and other states. We ALL are part of the US...which stands for...UNITED States. Lets get along! Face it, we do need their business.
I really liked the part of the article that said that inmates from the Dept. of Corrections were helping sandbag! Now there is good thinking! Don't let them have a free ride! Maybe they should work on fixing these dams...get back to hard labor!
Jun 10, 2008 at 12:46 p.m.
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Would you expect him to say that the state workers would help Lake Delton as soon as they finish helping GM?
I'm not anti-GM and I think their abandoning Janesville is very bad not only for GM people but for all of us. But GM employees aren't the only taxpayers and they don't deserve the state government's sole attention at the expense of the rest of Wisconsin's residents and it's just my opinion but that attitude is part of what creates the animosity towards the plant and it's employees that we see here so often. And, honestly, it reeks of whining.
Jun 10, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.
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kenbjammin: Doyle is a tourism guy not a manufacturing guy. What do you think he will do?
Jun 10, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
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wifan: I also lived and worked in the Dells and am desperately trying to reach friends that have a resort on Lake Delton. The residents and business owners in the Dells/Lake Delton are very kind and wonderful people. They're gonna bounce back from this. Ya see most of these folks don't have the negative "lay down and die" attitude that so many have here now. They understand the magnitude of what has happened and instead of blaming the government or god or whomever, they'll simply work their arses off until it's rebuilt. To those of you that find it funny to make nasty comments at a time like this , I feel sorry for your sorry lives.
Jun 10, 2008 at 8:09 a.m.
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The Ducks are going to be grounded to arent they....
The face of Wisconsin will be changed!
Jun 10, 2008 at 2:07 a.m.
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So the AP puts Indiana streams in Lake Delton and can't spell disappear. (TWICE!) Such the course of US "journalism." The heck with helping Lake Delton or GM, or flooded Vernon County: let's all pitch in and get spell check for AP (and, if we can afford it, grade school geography lessons).
Jun 10, 2008 at 12:52 a.m.
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At this point I don't think there is a fix for GM Ken. I think to physically fix a lake and refill it would be an easier task to take on.
Jun 9, 2008 at 11:57 p.m.
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Under the pictures the captions say, "...Floodwater washed away three houses and threatened dams in Wisconsin as military crews joined desperate sandbagging operations to hold back Indiana streams surging toward record levels."
Indiana? and the streams down there are doing what?
hehe
Jun 9, 2008 at 11:23 p.m.
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Lets get big tanker trucks to haul Rock River water and other rivers rising to haul water into Lake Delton. The State can pay for the fuel used just on the Gas and Cigarette taxes we have., Heck I'm sure the state has enough just from the smoke tax...... They are $11 to $18 dollars less in So. Beloit!!!!! Time for Doyle to PAY UP AND FILL UP!!! He might not be able top save Janesville and GM but he better save somebody!!!!!! AND REAL SOON!!!!!!!
Jun 9, 2008 at 10:02 p.m.
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Ummm..... I think it's GM's fault!!!! (now can we give it a rest?)
Jun 9, 2008 at 9:26 p.m.
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My in-laws left just this morning to spend a few days at a lake front resort. At check-in, they asked the clerk "Where's the lake?". She told them the water was high and covering their sandy beach when she got to work, and then it just "went away."
I am heading up there for the day on Wednesday. I plan to stop in and take a few pictures of the beach that was.
On a side note, many Dells attractions should not be effected by this. The water parks are not on the lake. Other than fishing, boating and beach front resorts, the majority of stuff there should be OK.
Jun 9, 2008 at 9:22 p.m.
Jun 9, 2008 at 9:19 p.m.
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yep the fibbers can stay home this year
Jun 9, 2008 at 9:14 p.m.
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Say what you want about the tourists from Illinois and Minnesota, but I used to work in the Dells. Their money is what put me through college. If you don't like it, don't go there. I still maintain contact with many people in this area and I'm saddened to think of what will happen to them as a result. My thoughts are with them.
Jun 9, 2008 at 9:04 p.m.
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Do you have any idea how many Illinois and Minnesota folk will NOT be entertained now because of this mishap?
INSANE!
Jun 9, 2008 at 7:44 p.m.
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a $1 billion-dollar tourism revenue vs. GM and Rock County revitalization process? You're right, it is a toss up, probably going north of Madison.
Faith in politics!!!
Jun 9, 2008 at 7:34 p.m.
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I guess I won't be going there for vacation this year.. Loved this quote "The governor told reporters state workers hope to restore the water to the lake as soon as possible, describing the lake as crucial to the $1 billion annual tourism industry in Wisconsin Dells." Will that be before or after he helps us with GM....
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