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232.2 feet May 23 2026 wiliams/Spingath

Lake Level Control

American Lake is 233' above sea level. This was the safe level determined by the US Army Corps of Engineers to prevent flooding of homes and docks. It is controlled by a cement drain box they constructed in the 1950's in Sequalichew Marsh at the south end of Little American Lake (see photo below). When water rises in the winter months, it flows south toward the marsh.

Drainbox in marsh behind wooden weir drains high water and keeps lake level from getting above 234' above sea level.

photos by Givin Chase

A weir built of boards was put in place by WDFW in an effort to keep fish from sliding down the drain in the marsh. The boards are set to keep the lake from going over 234' above sea level.

The May high water marks by year. The top line indicates the top of the weir. Several boards were removed by the County which led to low water from 2023 to 2025. They were restored by 2026.

The weir and drainage box work together to control the lake level. There are five boards in the wooden dam that must stay in place to keep the lake from becoming too low in the dry summer months. Likewise, boards must not be added or docks might break and homes might flood. If boards are too high, missing, or have failed, please notify the American Lake Improvement Club through the email on this website or here.

For detailed history of the weir click here