On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the temporary dam in the Causeway was removed and the water in the millpond is rising again. Several volunteers from SLPOA walked the perimeter of the Mill Pond portion of the lake where Dave Krise had marked suspected leakages—mostly on the west side.
There was a lot of speculation about the situation. However, it appears that the liner is failing at the north end toward the weir. The liner has surfaced and these areas could be leakage locations. Also, there appear to be a number of leakages on the west side of the mill pond above where the liner was installed.
As the water rises again, individuals will monitor the suspected leakage areas. If it is possible to confirm a significant leak, and if weather permits, SLPOA will attempt to make repairs, with the approval of the Idaho Department of Lands.
It appears that ongoing maintenance will be required in order to manage the redevelopment of leakage in the Mill Pond going forward. A number of solutions are being investigated, some short-term and other more permanent.
The materials for the temporary dam at the Causeway were retained in case a significant leak is located as the water level rises. In that case, the temporary dam may need to be reinstalled to hold the water level in the Mill Pond and allow equipment in to accomplish repairs. Unfortunately, someone decided to put the materials back in Monday, damming the flow again and interrupted our test.
We are doing this experiment with the cooperation of the Idaho Dept of Lands, so we are asking everyone to please not interfere!