When posting Shenango Lake levels,

Chauinc and I had a conversation about if there was a limit to how much they draw off for winter. So I posted the question to them, on their Face Book page, and here is the answer.

Shenango River Lake
The normal summer pool elevation is 894.67'. We usually draw the lake down in the winter to around 884, about 10 feet below the summer pool, to collect the runoff from heavy spring rains and snowmelt. The reservoir collects runoff from a 584 square mile drainage basin. Our hydrology department calculates flows, runoff, and gate settings to regulate the pool over the winter.

That’s why Shenango is dangerous in the winter ice fishing. If you’ve fished here in mid February, you’ll notice the slope on the shorelines to get on the ice. That’s because they’re still letting out water and the ice is setting on the water as it drops lower. I’ve been on the ice at golden run when the ice shifted. Scared the bejeebers out of all fifty or so of us there. Meanwhile, if you haven’t put your boat away yet, get out there and get you some slab crappies to put in your freezer. They’re biting very good now.

Oh how wish we were allowed . Bat Flu Blues nonono