2008-06-09 - Lake Delton empties

This 267 acre manmade lake was formed in 1927 as part of the creation of the Wisconsin Dells resort area following the Great Depression. The lake features resorts and luxury homes along it's shores. It was also home to the Tommy Bartlett's water skiing show and offered scenic boat and amphibious Duck tours.

Several days of heavy rain in 2008 led to the washing out a section of land along the northern shore, creating a new channel that caused the lake to drain into the nearby Wisconsin River. Television cameras captured dramatic scenes of homes being torn from their foundations and being carried down the river.

Plans are underway to repair the washed out shoreline with hopes that the lake will be refilled before the 2009 tourism season begins. Volunteers have taken advantage of the situation by removing trash from the lakebed.