030813: Shoot! Sorry folks, I meant to "send" this yesterday. Instead I just saved it.
The names: B. Haworth, M. Way, R. Haworth, P. Kraus, B. Garland, R. Vallercamp and D. Kraus. Thank you everyone!
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Sunday, March 11, 2012
2012 Season
The Park is now open for the season - 3/7/12 to 10/5/12. Please read the right side bar for links to basic information you made need/want to know about our services. As soon as we have an idea about reservation openings, it will be posted on this page. For the fishermen who are wondering if the lake has been stocked this year.... Yes! it has! Nevada and California both stocked the lake late last year. And though fishing was a bit slow at the beginning of the year, it has been really very good this month so far.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Cell Service Update
I have just been informed by many of our current vacationers that their Verizon phones were suddenly beeping, and chirping, and chiming, and ringing. What does this mean? I'm pretty sure Verizon has finally come through and turned on service here at the lake.
Sorry, still no news on any other cell service starting up. Current cell service is limited to Sprint/Nextel, Alltel, Cellular One and now, Verizon. Welcome to the club, Verizon.
Update 3/11/12: As of right now there have not been any further changes in cell service. The above paragraph lists the current providers that we are aware of in our area.
Sorry, still no news on any other cell service starting up. Current cell service is limited to Sprint/Nextel, Alltel, Cellular One and now, Verizon. Welcome to the club, Verizon.
Update 3/11/12: As of right now there have not been any further changes in cell service. The above paragraph lists the current providers that we are aware of in our area.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Reservations Update 2011
The reservation requests have been completed through the end of July as of now and we are busy confirming August reservations right now.
Availability is as follows:
6/18 thru 6/24: Limited availability for days here and there. There are not any one week reservations available for this time period.
6/25 thru 7/1: Same as above.
7/2 thru 7/8: There are only a few sites left for the full week and the length of your RV will determine if you can fit into those sites. There are no sites available from 7/1 thru the holiday, 7/4.
7/9 thru 7/15: There are more sites available this week than any other week of July. Enough to accommodate a small group of RVs even! There is limited availability for the weekend of 7/8 to 7/10 or extended weeks from 7/6 thru 7/15.
7/16 thru 7/22: At this time, we are 100% full for all weekly requests. All requests have been accommodated to date. Any new weekly requests would be on a wait list. There are only two sites left for a partial week.
7/23 thru 7/29: There are only a few sites available for this week. There is not any sites available for the weekend of 7/22 to 7/24 or the weekend of 7/29 to 7/31.
7/30 thru 8/5 and 8/6 thru 8/12 we are awaiting confirmations, but I fully expect to have limited sites available the first week, and more the 2nd week. I am still taking requests for these weeks.
8/13 thru 8/19: There are plenty of sites available for reservations.
8/20 thru 8/27 and up to Labor Day weekend: There are plenty of sites available for reservations.
Labor Day weekend: has limited availability.
9/6 to 10/7: Still a lot of nice sites available for our last month of the season. Fishing is expected to be good this September as the lake will still be very full.
Availability is as follows:
6/18 thru 6/24: Limited availability for days here and there. There are not any one week reservations available for this time period.
6/25 thru 7/1: Same as above.
7/2 thru 7/8: There are only a few sites left for the full week and the length of your RV will determine if you can fit into those sites. There are no sites available from 7/1 thru the holiday, 7/4.
7/9 thru 7/15: There are more sites available this week than any other week of July. Enough to accommodate a small group of RVs even! There is limited availability for the weekend of 7/8 to 7/10 or extended weeks from 7/6 thru 7/15.
7/16 thru 7/22: At this time, we are 100% full for all weekly requests. All requests have been accommodated to date. Any new weekly requests would be on a wait list. There are only two sites left for a partial week.
7/23 thru 7/29: There are only a few sites available for this week. There is not any sites available for the weekend of 7/22 to 7/24 or the weekend of 7/29 to 7/31.
7/30 thru 8/5 and 8/6 thru 8/12 we are awaiting confirmations, but I fully expect to have limited sites available the first week, and more the 2nd week. I am still taking requests for these weeks.
8/13 thru 8/19: There are plenty of sites available for reservations.
8/20 thru 8/27 and up to Labor Day weekend: There are plenty of sites available for reservations.
Labor Day weekend: has limited availability.
9/6 to 10/7: Still a lot of nice sites available for our last month of the season. Fishing is expected to be good this September as the lake will still be very full.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Reservation Requests
I'm in the middle of a very big puzzle that I call "reservation requests" and am trying very hard to accommodate all requests for this summer. So far this season is shaping up to be a very busy year and I will post an update very soon as to the availability remaining once the puzzle is put together.
And, right now, if you call me anytime between 8 am and 5 pm, and you get our answering machine, there is a very good chance that I'm on the other phone line. Leave a message and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. Between the phone lines and anywhere between 25-50 emails a day, I'm trying my darnedest to keep up with it all.
And, right now, if you call me anytime between 8 am and 5 pm, and you get our answering machine, there is a very good chance that I'm on the other phone line. Leave a message and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. Between the phone lines and anywhere between 25-50 emails a day, I'm trying my darnedest to keep up with it all.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Verizon Cell Phone Service & Others!
I have just received information that Verizon Cell Phone Service & Data Service (internet) will be available at Topaz Lake sometime in the next month or so. They are now advertising to increase their customer base so I consider that credible information.
I have not received any further information, positive or negative, as to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Cricket since my last update a few posts below this one.
I will keep this blog updated if I hear more information.
I have not received any further information, positive or negative, as to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Cricket since my last update a few posts below this one.
I will keep this blog updated if I hear more information.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Email, Reservations & Confirmations
We changed our reservation confirmation system last year, or rather brought it into the 21st century.... Please note:
1) All confirmations of any reservations will be done via email when possible.
2) Beginning in the 2011 season, a confirmation reminder of your previously scheduled reservation(s) for the current season will be sent to you via email approximately two months prior to your reservations. If you don't have an email address I will either call you or send it via US mail.
3) Any questions that I may have about making a reservation, etc., will either be done on the phone or email.
4) If you are a new customer to the Park, having never had a reservation here, plan on calling me directly to discuss your request (vs. requesting a reservation via email.)
5) Whether you are previous customer, or new to us, if there is a group of people/friends requesting multiple sites for any dates, each customer will have to contact me to make a reservation. The only exception I make to this rule is if the group is an organized RV group and a trailboss/wagonmaster is requesting the reservations.
Keep an eye out on your email account.... I just might be knocking on its' door anyday now. As always, we look forward to seeing you this year!
1) All confirmations of any reservations will be done via email when possible.
2) Beginning in the 2011 season, a confirmation reminder of your previously scheduled reservation(s) for the current season will be sent to you via email approximately two months prior to your reservations. If you don't have an email address I will either call you or send it via US mail.
3) Any questions that I may have about making a reservation, etc., will either be done on the phone or email.
4) If you are a new customer to the Park, having never had a reservation here, plan on calling me directly to discuss your request (vs. requesting a reservation via email.)
5) Whether you are previous customer, or new to us, if there is a group of people/friends requesting multiple sites for any dates, each customer will have to contact me to make a reservation. The only exception I make to this rule is if the group is an organized RV group and a trailboss/wagonmaster is requesting the reservations.
Keep an eye out on your email account.... I just might be knocking on its' door anyday now. As always, we look forward to seeing you this year!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Keep Us Updated on Your Changes
I'm working on reservations for the 2011 season right now and I think it is a good time to remind all of our customers to keep us updated on vehicle changes that might affect your reservation with us. For example if you change any of the following:
1) The type of RV you have, i.e., New motorhome, trailer, 5th wheel, truck and camper.
2) The length of your RV! I've had a few customer show up for their scheduled reservation in larger/longer RV's than the previous year, but their new RV doesn't fit into their site. This is a very distressing situation we need to avoid.
3) Any new, different, additional watercraft that we are not aware of since the previous year (or at all.) Almost 75% of our customers own watercraft and we need to plan ahead 100% of the time to accommodate for needed dock space and buoys. However, even with that, our policy is "first come, first serve" if the # of scheduled arrivals of watercraft exceeds the space available. So if you don't tell us about your new watercraft(s), your request goes to the bottom of the list. (Watercraft = any type of boat or seadoo type craft.)
4) Additional tow trailers such as ATV trailers. Throughout the summer, additional parking space is limited and we do plan ahead for your arrival and parking available.
5) Visitors that you have invited that are bringing their own watercraft. All visitors must check in at the office for dock space assignment. All reserved guest requests are accommodated before any visitor requests.
Time has changed what our customers can afford to bring on their vacation. However, the size of our Park has not changed. With a little pre-planning together, we can still make any changes work to the best of our ability. But that only starts when you pick up the phone and call us.
1) The type of RV you have, i.e., New motorhome, trailer, 5th wheel, truck and camper.
2) The length of your RV! I've had a few customer show up for their scheduled reservation in larger/longer RV's than the previous year, but their new RV doesn't fit into their site. This is a very distressing situation we need to avoid.
3) Any new, different, additional watercraft that we are not aware of since the previous year (or at all.) Almost 75% of our customers own watercraft and we need to plan ahead 100% of the time to accommodate for needed dock space and buoys. However, even with that, our policy is "first come, first serve" if the # of scheduled arrivals of watercraft exceeds the space available. So if you don't tell us about your new watercraft(s), your request goes to the bottom of the list. (Watercraft = any type of boat or seadoo type craft.)
4) Additional tow trailers such as ATV trailers. Throughout the summer, additional parking space is limited and we do plan ahead for your arrival and parking available.
5) Visitors that you have invited that are bringing their own watercraft. All visitors must check in at the office for dock space assignment. All reserved guest requests are accommodated before any visitor requests.
Time has changed what our customers can afford to bring on their vacation. However, the size of our Park has not changed. With a little pre-planning together, we can still make any changes work to the best of our ability. But that only starts when you pick up the phone and call us.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Cell Phone Service, Phone Booths & 911
1) A new cell phone tower has been installed on Wild Oat Mountain which is the hill that at the North end of the lake. We watched the installation this last winter and have been eagerly anticipating what company or companies are going to use it.
The word I hear on our little streets is that AT&T, Cricket, and T-Mobile will install their cell services on this tower. I can only hope that it includes the data (internet) services, too, especially for AT&T. The proposed date for installation is early spring 2011. I'm sorry to say that I have heard conflicting reports about Verizon but I will continue to keep my ear to the ground for any further information this cell tower.
In addition to this cell tower, Sprint/Nextel and Alltel have their own service/cell tower in the area.
2) We know have only one phone booth in the Park, having the second one removed this last fall. The increase in cell service and our Wifi understandably led to this decision to remove one of our "historical landmarks." Ha!
3) Did you know that even if you don't have cell service on your phone, i.e., "no service," you can reach 911 as long as there is some carrier's service available? For example: Here at the Park if you (currently) have Verizon you won't have service, but because Sprint works here you can reach 911? I have seen proof of this in for myself. Always good to know when traveling!
The word I hear on our little streets is that AT&T, Cricket, and T-Mobile will install their cell services on this tower. I can only hope that it includes the data (internet) services, too, especially for AT&T. The proposed date for installation is early spring 2011. I'm sorry to say that I have heard conflicting reports about Verizon but I will continue to keep my ear to the ground for any further information this cell tower.
In addition to this cell tower, Sprint/Nextel and Alltel have their own service/cell tower in the area.
2) We know have only one phone booth in the Park, having the second one removed this last fall. The increase in cell service and our Wifi understandably led to this decision to remove one of our "historical landmarks." Ha!
3) Did you know that even if you don't have cell service on your phone, i.e., "no service," you can reach 911 as long as there is some carrier's service available? For example: Here at the Park if you (currently) have Verizon you won't have service, but because Sprint works here you can reach 911? I have seen proof of this in for myself. Always good to know when traveling!
Friday, October 1, 2010
2010 Season Closing
The 2010 season will be closing on October 8th at noon. The lake closed for fishing already on September 30th. Our 2011 season will open next. As always, we look forward to seeing you then.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
NEWS ALERT! RE: PROPANE
Our propane company has informed us that they will no longer fill motorhomes directly from the truck dispenser. This will affect any customer who is accustomed to filling their motorhome's propane tank while staying at the Park. We suggest you pre-plan to either fill your tank at home or fill at the Lodge (go to the General Store) which shuts off at 3pm daily, or the Holbrook Junction store which shuts off at 5pm daily.
For customers with motorhomes who require a propane fill due to an extended stay here, we can set you up with an external "Extend-a-Stay" system that allows you to use a portable tank for your motorhome. Please call me if you are interested so I can preorder the supplies.
Please note that we will continue to be able to fill portable tanks for BBQ's, trailers, 5th wheels. This new policy only affects fixed/permanent horizontal tanks in RV's. As per usual, all portable tanks must be certified, w/ OPD valve, and pre-purged in order for us to fill from our dispenser.
So sorry for any inconvenience that this change might cause our customers.
For customers with motorhomes who require a propane fill due to an extended stay here, we can set you up with an external "Extend-a-Stay" system that allows you to use a portable tank for your motorhome. Please call me if you are interested so I can preorder the supplies.
Please note that we will continue to be able to fill portable tanks for BBQ's, trailers, 5th wheels. This new policy only affects fixed/permanent horizontal tanks in RV's. As per usual, all portable tanks must be certified, w/ OPD valve, and pre-purged in order for us to fill from our dispenser.
So sorry for any inconvenience that this change might cause our customers.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
2010 Season
There is nothing but good news to report here! Our season will open officially on 3/15/10 this year. The lake was stocked with lots of fish by California and Nevada Departments of Fish & Game. The water level is starting out much higher than normal for this time of year. And lastly the weather has been really nice! Seriously, what else could you ask for?
I'm working really hard on reservations and will provide general information & updates on this blog about site availability as the season starts to take shape. As always, we look forward to seeing you this year!
I'm working really hard on reservations and will provide general information & updates on this blog about site availability as the season starts to take shape. As always, we look forward to seeing you this year!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Closed
Well, the 2009 is over and we have closed. We actually closed about 7 weeks ago (seems like yesterday) but we have been busy getting the park ready for winter coming. And the weather forecast says we will be having winterstorms soon....
The Park will open for the 2010 season on March 15th. As always, we accept reservations at any time through the year. Our phones are not closed, but we are not always in the office in the off-season so be sure to leave a message. We will call you back.
We thank our customers for a fun and memorable 2009 season. As always, you make this all worth while.
The Park will open for the 2010 season on March 15th. As always, we accept reservations at any time through the year. Our phones are not closed, but we are not always in the office in the off-season so be sure to leave a message. We will call you back.
We thank our customers for a fun and memorable 2009 season. As always, you make this all worth while.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
RV Rentals
I get questions all the time about RV Rentals, so I thought I would post some website/companies that I have found that rent motorhomes and/or trailers:
Nationwide (for pickup and drop-off):
Cruise America : cruiseamerica.com ; 800-671-8042
El Monte RV : elmonterv.com ; 888-337-2214
Road Bear RV: roadbearrv.com ; 866-491-9853
Local (from Northern Nevada & the Sierras):
Classic Adventures RV : classicadventuresrv.com ; 775-825-1200 (Reno, NV)
Sierra RV & Rental : sierrarv.com ; 800-972-8760 (Reno, NV)
Adventures in Camping : adventuresincamping.com 760-435-4890 (Mammoth Lakes, CA)
I do not have information or an opinion if one company is better than another, or even if they are still in business. I found this information on the web and listed it in alpha order for you to further research if you are interested. If you click on any one of the names I have linked it directly to the home page of the website.
Nationwide (for pickup and drop-off):
Cruise America : cruiseamerica.com ; 800-671-8042
El Monte RV : elmonterv.com ; 888-337-2214
Road Bear RV: roadbearrv.com ; 866-491-9853
Local (from Northern Nevada & the Sierras):
Classic Adventures RV : classicadventuresrv.com ; 775-825-1200 (Reno, NV)
Sierra RV & Rental : sierrarv.com ; 800-972-8760 (Reno, NV)
Adventures in Camping : adventuresincamping.com 760-435-4890 (Mammoth Lakes, CA)
I do not have information or an opinion if one company is better than another, or even if they are still in business. I found this information on the web and listed it in alpha order for you to further research if you are interested. If you click on any one of the names I have linked it directly to the home page of the website.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
There Are Two Blogs
I'm still working hard on reservations and the entire summer schedule. And in between I'm getting alot of feedback about the website, the LakeCam and the "blog." And the comment I hear the most about the "blog" is that I need to update it more. So I guess I'm at the point of a little explanation.
There are two blogs! This one, "Topaz Lake RV Park," is for business notices, general info and whatnot. It is updated as needed with information that I think our customers should know. The second blog, "The Daily Topaz" is updated more often with a photo and story about life at Topaz Lake & the Park. There are links to both blogs from the Park website and you can find a link to each blog from each blog in the right hand column. ---->>>>
I hope this explanation helps.
There are two blogs! This one, "Topaz Lake RV Park," is for business notices, general info and whatnot. It is updated as needed with information that I think our customers should know. The second blog, "The Daily Topaz" is updated more often with a photo and story about life at Topaz Lake & the Park. There are links to both blogs from the Park website and you can find a link to each blog from each blog in the right hand column. ---->>>>
I hope this explanation helps.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Reservation Openings
Well, we sent out a mailer over the last week to everyone who has enjoyed our little RV Park in the last several years. It was huge! And I am exhausted! But the response to the mailer has been enjoyable and we are getting alot of calls for reservations. Don't stop calling! But this blog is about business, so time to get down to business.
All reservations that can be made at this time with the openings that we had available are done. All remaining requests continue to be on a Wait List. As openings become available, then I will continue to work from the Wait List to fill the openings. I don't not call customers to give status updates (impossible!), but if you have questions you are welcome to contact us. Otherwise if you have any questions/changes about your reservation(s) - you know what to do - contact us.
The following generally addresses the openings we have this season.
April: Openings available.... why aren't you here fishing?
May: Openings available.... Seriously, the fish are biting. Limited availability for Memorial Day Weekend.
June: Limited availability entire month, especially last two weeks, for daily reservations. Some nice sites are available, though. Wait List for monthly requests but with good possibilities. Summer season starts 6/19/09 and the lake is at it's highest point in June and the fishing is good!
July: Limited availability first week of July. Wait List for last three weeks of July for all daily and monthly requests. A very busy month - get your requests in now.
August: Wait List first two weeks of the month with availability the later part of the month before the holiday. Especially between the dates of 8/22 - 9/1.
September: Labor Day Weekend has limited availability. The summer season ends after Labor Day. Openings available after Labor Day until we close a month later in the first week of October. Perfect, perfect month for retired couples to vacation!
What are you waiting for?
UPDATE! 5/6/09: Our customers are really starting to think about their vacations and reservations. Over the last month we have alot of changes in the form of cancellations and reservations. I have worked on another round of reservation requests and the following is an update for the availability we have at this point.
May: There is still availability in this month, though weekends are getting full. Memorial Day Weekend is full with a short wait list.
June: Limited availability throughout the month for daily reservations. One site only remains for a monthly reservation.
July: Very limited availability the first week of July. There are no weekend sites available at this time for the holiday, but I am taking requests. The 2nd week of July (11th to 18th) has a few very nice sites open that are up for grabs! The 3rd week of July (18th to 25th) & 4th week of July (25th to 1st) is full with a wait list. There are no monthly sites available right now and I'm still trying to accommodate a short wait list for monthly requests.
August: The first week of August (1st to 8th) has very limited options (2?). The 2nd week (8th to 15th) has zero, "0", nothing available at this time with a healthy wait list. The 3rd week (15th to 22nd) has more possibilities. And, as before, the last week and just before Labor Day Weekend has many nice sites still available.
September: Labor Day Weekend is starting to fill up and openings remain after the holiday weekend for daily and monthly requests until we close after the first week of October.
Questions? Want a reservation? Call us and get your request in!
All reservations that can be made at this time with the openings that we had available are done. All remaining requests continue to be on a Wait List. As openings become available, then I will continue to work from the Wait List to fill the openings. I don't not call customers to give status updates (impossible!), but if you have questions you are welcome to contact us. Otherwise if you have any questions/changes about your reservation(s) - you know what to do - contact us.
The following generally addresses the openings we have this season.
April: Openings available.... why aren't you here fishing?
May: Openings available.... Seriously, the fish are biting. Limited availability for Memorial Day Weekend.
June: Limited availability entire month, especially last two weeks, for daily reservations. Some nice sites are available, though. Wait List for monthly requests but with good possibilities. Summer season starts 6/19/09 and the lake is at it's highest point in June and the fishing is good!
July: Limited availability first week of July. Wait List for last three weeks of July for all daily and monthly requests. A very busy month - get your requests in now.
August: Wait List first two weeks of the month with availability the later part of the month before the holiday. Especially between the dates of 8/22 - 9/1.
September: Labor Day Weekend has limited availability. The summer season ends after Labor Day. Openings available after Labor Day until we close a month later in the first week of October. Perfect, perfect month for retired couples to vacation!
What are you waiting for?
UPDATE! 5/6/09: Our customers are really starting to think about their vacations and reservations. Over the last month we have alot of changes in the form of cancellations and reservations. I have worked on another round of reservation requests and the following is an update for the availability we have at this point.
May: There is still availability in this month, though weekends are getting full. Memorial Day Weekend is full with a short wait list.
June: Limited availability throughout the month for daily reservations. One site only remains for a monthly reservation.
July: Very limited availability the first week of July. There are no weekend sites available at this time for the holiday, but I am taking requests. The 2nd week of July (11th to 18th) has a few very nice sites open that are up for grabs! The 3rd week of July (18th to 25th) & 4th week of July (25th to 1st) is full with a wait list. There are no monthly sites available right now and I'm still trying to accommodate a short wait list for monthly requests.
August: The first week of August (1st to 8th) has very limited options (2?). The 2nd week (8th to 15th) has zero, "0", nothing available at this time with a healthy wait list. The 3rd week (15th to 22nd) has more possibilities. And, as before, the last week and just before Labor Day Weekend has many nice sites still available.
September: Labor Day Weekend is starting to fill up and openings remain after the holiday weekend for daily and monthly requests until we close after the first week of October.
Questions? Want a reservation? Call us and get your request in!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
THE 2009 SEASON HAS ARRIVED
First order of business: Thank you all who have had so many nice things to say about the new website, LakeCam and blogs. I really appreciate it. For those of you that have had to endure through my chatty (historical!) newsletters, the new internet connections have allowed me to express my creative side now to the world at large. Hmmmm...I think I need to rethink this.... Nahhhh.
Well, we are open now for 2009 reservations. We opened to a handful of customers and right now I'm exhausted! I really need to build up my stamina! It was a fun day though - a beautifully warm day - and we had many "looky-loos" drop by to say HI and check us out. By the end of the day I knew that I was busy all day, but don't know exactly what I did all day long....
A word or two about reservations: I'm taking a different approach to reservations this year and am nearly complete with filling all the openings for summer requests. Confirmation letters are going out soon. If you have a request pending and do not receive a confirmation letter soon, you are welcome to call to get an update on your request. We welcome new requests through out the season, and there are still nice sites available in the off-season months. You'll find our contact info on our website (see the link in the right hand column----->.)
Now I'm officially exhausted. Have a great weekend everyone.
Well, we are open now for 2009 reservations. We opened to a handful of customers and right now I'm exhausted! I really need to build up my stamina! It was a fun day though - a beautifully warm day - and we had many "looky-loos" drop by to say HI and check us out. By the end of the day I knew that I was busy all day, but don't know exactly what I did all day long....
A word or two about reservations: I'm taking a different approach to reservations this year and am nearly complete with filling all the openings for summer requests. Confirmation letters are going out soon. If you have a request pending and do not receive a confirmation letter soon, you are welcome to call to get an update on your request. We welcome new requests through out the season, and there are still nice sites available in the off-season months. You'll find our contact info on our website (see the link in the right hand column----->.)
Now I'm officially exhausted. Have a great weekend everyone.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
That Groundhog Needs a Better Crystal Ball
We frequently get questions about the lake level. Understandably customers are interested in how much water is in the lake right now and maybe with that information they can approximate how much water will be in the lake later in the spring & summer. Not possible. Unless we have a winter season that is so over-the-top, it's impossible to gauge the lake level months in advance. Even if you thought you could, you would compare this winter to last winter and easily see that the snow pack is lower this year. This would lead you to conclude the lake level would be lower this year. If that were the case, how do you explain that right now the lake is 3 1/2 ft (vertical) higher than the same time last year? That's a huge difference!
The snow pack itself is not the only factor that affects the lake level. After last winter's storms, we hoped for more water in the lake in 2008. However, a warm spring came early and because Topaz Lake is used for irrigation water, the farmers & ranchers started "calling" for water earlier than normal. The runoff to the lake was excellent last spring, but it was literally like "in one river, out the other" and the lake reach just over half full statistically.
So far, this winter has proved to be rather weak, but weather in this month is helping tremendously. I hear through the grapevine (usually better than weathermen) that March maybe a good month, too. It's all good though, because no matter how much water we have in the lake there is plenty for boating, etc. I have noticed though that lake level does affect how most summer vacationers spend their day: If it's high, with little beach area, they spend more time coming and going to their campsites. If it's low, with a lot of beach area, you can bet there is a lot of packing up in the morning and spending the day on the beach.
What is our ideal lake level? I personally like to see the lake fill up every year with a decent runoff from the previous winter's snow pack. Usually late June is when the lake reaches it's highest point and then the water level gradually goes down through the summer. Unfortunately due to too many factors, we don't always get our ideal wish every year.
The snow pack itself is not the only factor that affects the lake level. After last winter's storms, we hoped for more water in the lake in 2008. However, a warm spring came early and because Topaz Lake is used for irrigation water, the farmers & ranchers started "calling" for water earlier than normal. The runoff to the lake was excellent last spring, but it was literally like "in one river, out the other" and the lake reach just over half full statistically.
So far, this winter has proved to be rather weak, but weather in this month is helping tremendously. I hear through the grapevine (usually better than weathermen) that March maybe a good month, too. It's all good though, because no matter how much water we have in the lake there is plenty for boating, etc. I have noticed though that lake level does affect how most summer vacationers spend their day: If it's high, with little beach area, they spend more time coming and going to their campsites. If it's low, with a lot of beach area, you can bet there is a lot of packing up in the morning and spending the day on the beach.
What is our ideal lake level? I personally like to see the lake fill up every year with a decent runoff from the previous winter's snow pack. Usually late June is when the lake reaches it's highest point and then the water level gradually goes down through the summer. Unfortunately due to too many factors, we don't always get our ideal wish every year.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Father Knows Best
Over the next 5 weeks we will be spending significant time outdoors cleaning up the park for customers to arrive. This is no small feat I might add, however cleaning up the Park brings about a great sense of pride towards our little lakeside paradise. We drag out every imaginable piece of equipment to clean all the nooks and crannies, too. Though the dumptruck, tractors, power blowers and rakes are by far the most used in our annual after-winter cleanup.
Years ago, my father literally taught us how to rake in the Park more efficiently. I think there was some serious eye rolling on our parts as we thought, "Seriously? We have to be taught how to rake?" But I can say without hestitation after all these years: He was right. There is a method to the madness of how to use all equipment to clean more efficiently. I personally enjoy the power backpack blower and relish the damage I can do to a wall of leaves in a few hours. And Dave & I have perfected a method - something we like to think we developed - called Power Raking. You'll just have to use your imaginations.
We have had friends help us occassionally over the years to help with this big clean. Both Dave & I have had to kindly educate them on the art of using a rake or blower more efficiently. We get a small chuckle when they get this look on their face that says, "Seriously? I have to be taught how to rake?" Believe it or not, yes you do. Right, Dad?
Years ago, my father literally taught us how to rake in the Park more efficiently. I think there was some serious eye rolling on our parts as we thought, "Seriously? We have to be taught how to rake?" But I can say without hestitation after all these years: He was right. There is a method to the madness of how to use all equipment to clean more efficiently. I personally enjoy the power backpack blower and relish the damage I can do to a wall of leaves in a few hours. And Dave & I have perfected a method - something we like to think we developed - called Power Raking. You'll just have to use your imaginations.
We have had friends help us occassionally over the years to help with this big clean. Both Dave & I have had to kindly educate them on the art of using a rake or blower more efficiently. We get a small chuckle when they get this look on their face that says, "Seriously? I have to be taught how to rake?" Believe it or not, yes you do. Right, Dad?
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