With the precipitation that we have received the last few days, the waters of the lake are finally kissing the outermost posts of our pier.
Only 3 feet to go! But I would say that a reasonably full reservoir by Memorial Day is highly unlikely.
The problem, of course, is the continuation of the drought that has afflicted northern Wisconsin for the last 7 years or so (maybe longer.) Time and again the rains tend to fall in central Wisconsin and to the south while we have a shower or nothing at all. In addition, we had a dry fall and I assume that our spring snow melt soaked right into ground rather than running off into the reservoir tributaries.
The effect of the drought on the various lakes and chains in the area varies. For instance, the Turtle Chain (South Turtle, North Turtle, & Rock Lakes) in Winchester has somehow been able to maintain its water level year in and year out. The Manitowish chain is more precipitation-dependent -- the water level is drawn down in the fall 42 inches, and if we don't get the winter snowfalls and spring rains, the fill comes very slowly, if at all. The positive point of view is that we are only a few good rains from filling the chain, and they could come anytime.
The lakes that are really suffering are the seepage lakes -- many of these are waaay down. Case in point is Sparkling Lake along Hwy 51 near County N. Note how people are parking their autos and boat trailers on a beach that a few years ago was under water.