25 Years with Weatherby Lake

The Weatherby Lake Improvement Company (WLIC) has been a client since the beginning. Over the course of our relationship, they’ve remained steadfast in their dedication to homeowners. Together, we’ve tackled the design of a new spillway, as well as annual dam safety inspections. In celebration of our long-term relationship, we asked Sam Briscoe, PE, Federal Services Team Lead and Jason Davis, PE, President, to share why we’ve seen success working with one another.

How did you start working with WLIC?
Jason: Our team began working with WLIC when we were still on staff at Larkin. At the time, my mentor, Dale Schmidtberger and his mentor, Don Gardner, performed the dam raise design in the early 80’s, as well as the new spillway and bridge design. When we formed Affinis, we were able to build upon that relationship, offering new services to meet WLIC’s changing needs.

How has your relationship changed over the years?
Jason: In the early days of working with WLIC at Affinis, we were primarily conducting annual dam safety inspections, which is something we still do today. Over time, our relationship evolved. We’ve conducted lake bathymetric surveys for lake siltation tracking, designed a parking lot, and managed dam grouting to reduce seepage.

Sam: One project that was a win for WLIC and homeowners was our work on the FEMA Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), which included over 200 property owners located around the perimeter of Weatherby Lake. When a new FEMA map became effective on April 2, 2015, property owners were required to pay the maximum rate for flood insurance regardless of their homes’ locations, as the new map did not establish a base flood elevation. Through our team’s hard work, the LOMA determined that all but one house was outside of the FEMA 100-year base flood, which allowed homeowners to receive flood insurance at a much lower rate.

What are you working on with WLIC currently?
Sam: Our team is working to remove sediment in the lake. A construction project upstream caused silt to build up in Weatherby Lake. It made recreational activities, like boating, difficult with docks stuck in mud.

To restore the lake, the contractor will dredge any silt along the bottom and from coves and harbors. That material will be moved to material management areas, designed by our team. One is downstream from the dam, while the other is on the northern end of the lake. As the material sits, water will settle out of it and go back into the lake on the north location. To the south, the water will go into the downstream creek.

Why do you think they’ve continued to work with Affinis?
Jason: We have worked hard to maintain the relationship with WLIC over the years. What has helped is that they know we put the integrity of the dam first. We make our design decisions and recommendations based on what is good for the dam.

How has this long-term relationship benefited WLIC?
Sam: One of the biggest benefits is our extensive knowledge of the lake’s dam. We know their system and exactly where things are. Our team can easily reference the existing surveys for design, which helps us move more quickly and efficiently on projects.

In addition to WLIC, we’ve also built a strong relationship with the property owners. They trust our team because of the results we’ve delivered over the years. This creates a comfort level and natural rapport that supports our co-workers as they’re working in the field.

What have been the keys to your success?
Jason: We listen to what WLIC needs and meet them where they are at in their process for improvements or maintenance for the dam. Our team is always willing to discuss issues and ideas and bounce ideas off one another. But, most importantly, our designs have been proven successful, which is critical to maintaining safety and protecting area homes.