Apr 21, 2020
What happened to Lake Michigan water levels?
Water levels continued to rise on Lake Michigan in February, and it dropped 1″ in March*.
According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit district, “February was drier across most of the Great Lakes. However, water levels remain above record highs for this time of year”. In reality, February saw another two-inch increase compared to February of 2019.
We projected a 10″ rise in water levels year to year. We missed that mark. It rose 14 inches, which represents 11 trillion gallons more water in the Lake Michigan-Huron water system since last year. Believe it or not, that included the 1″ drop in March.
Water levels usually peak in late summer or early Fall. At present, the Army Corps predicts the water level will continue to rise another 1-5″ before Fall.
With the high water levels, you should expect stronger storm action in the summer months. With this action, there will be more erosion along the exposed shorelines.
What can you do to protect your property from rising water levels?
There are TWO things you can do:
- Install rip-rap to help protect your shoreline. Residents of the Door County peninsula already trust PWS to do a professional job. Call Dave @ (920) 905-2588; and
- Look at the new 3-Season Pier. Call Jerry @ (920)-493-4404.
PWS is all about SOLUTIONS!
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this Link – and Thank you!
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions is staying “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
Is there More?
4. Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can you do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – ARE WE OPEN?
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
*Credits: MLive and Huron Daily Tribune
Apr 14, 2020
PADDLEBOARDS
Paddleboarding at sunset.
Paddleboards have become a popular sport in Door County. It’s a great stress reliever, and it helps develop upper body strength, balance, and agility. Another benefit – you can “social distance” at the same time.
It’s a complete body workout. It’s a great way to experience the peace and tranquility of the Door County Peninsula.
Imagine the beautiful sunrises and sunsets you can enjoy on Green Bay.
What Happens When You Return to your Pier?
When you return to your pier, is it cumbersome to carry your paddleboard to your house or garage each time? Don’t like taking it over the rocks on the shoreline? Don’t want to risk falling or twisting your ankle?
Do you want an easy way to store your paddleboard? Wouldn’t it be better to store it right on your pier securely?
Paddleboard Rack
Why not get a paddleboard rack from Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
This convenient rack mounts to your ShoreMaster dock or the new PWS
3-Season pier with ease. (The mountings adapt to other brands too).
It’s simple to use. Place your paddleboard in the slots, secure it and forget it.
Alternate Paddleboard Rack
The storage rack fits all solid paddleboards. It makes a convenient and attractive addition to your pier.
Do you have an inflatable paddleboard? Here’s an alternate model.
Either way, your board will be ready to go in an instant.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has a complete display for your convenience. Stop in to see it today!
Call Jerry @ 920-493-4404 for more details or to place an order. Enjoy all the activities that the Door County peninsula has to offer.
Need more information about paddleboards?
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link – and Thank you!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions is staying “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings. When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
3. Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
Is there More?
4. Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
5. Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
6. We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
7. Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
8. We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can you do to help us?
1. Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – ARE WE OPEN?
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
Mar 31, 2020
Announcing ……….
NEW – The Best 3-SEASON PIER in Door County
The 3-Season Pier was recently introduced by Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS). This pier is made to withstand the rapidly changing conditions on Green Bay.
Another pier? Why?
The “why” is simple – it’s essential to have the best possible pier with all of the changing weather conditions on both sides of the Door County peninsula. The dramatic changes in recent years have caused a lot of pier and shore damage.
PWS improved on the best features of all the brands and introduced additional features.
With this latest announcement, the 3-Season Pier is the newest innovation from
Pier & Waterfront Solutions – THE innovation leader in Door County.
WHY WAS THE 3-SEASON PIER NEEDED?
The real-life problems caused by high waters required a more durable steel pier design. A combination of record-high water depths and stronger storms wreaked havoc with the piers on Green Bay in 2019.
Something had to be done.
PWS spent two years developing this steel pier for Wisconsin. It becomes the best solution for the current and expected future conditions on the Bay.
Has the 3-Season pier been tested?
3-Season Pier
YES. To test the design, PWS placed the new piers on some of the toughest stretches of Green Bay and the shores of Lake Michigan. PWS selected sites where real stamina was required. Now, after improving the design further, the new 3-Season Pier becomes available to everyone.
Why does the 3-Season Pier look like other piers?
While it may look similar to other brands, a closer inspection shows improvements just about everywhere, including:
- A robust 11 Ga. (.120) steel frame – exceeding every removable dock;
- The heaviest, removable steel pier for Wisconsin waters – for added strength;
- For more durability, 2 ” diameter, schedule 40, steel legs – vs. the smaller 1 1/2′”diameter legs);
- Maintenance-free, open decking, securely fastened with stainless screws – no more lost decking after a storm;
- 45% open decking surface area – relieves upward pressure and reduces “lifting” of the pier during storms;
- 10″ side frames (including the ramps) vs. typical 8″ or 9″ side frames – more strength and weight;
- Enlarged side platforms – 80 sq. foot instead of the much smaller 64 sq. foot platforms – 16 sq. feet more walking area;
- Maintenance-free, 45% open decking remains cool in summer – versus planks which get hot and slippery;
- The decking is self-cleaning (no place for water to pool), less slippery and more comfortable to walk on;
- Two available decking colors – Tan & Gray;
- Bonus – Seagulls do not like open decking;
- 20-foot access ramps for gentle, natural access to the pier- no more steep climbs. Great for young and old.
- Additional leg pockets on the ramp to adjust the height and allow water & debris to pass under it;
- A complete line of accessories;
- Fully removable for Wisconsin winters.
SOME HISTORY
Everyone knows, in recent years, the water levels rose dramatically – 39″ as of this writing. Some projections predict up to 60″ by this spring. We have never seen these water levels before. The high water levels resulted in a large amount of pier and shoreline damage.
With such dramatic changes, PWS realized the pier needs of our customers had changed also.
HOW DID PWS RESPOND?
First, PWS introduced “open decking” to relieve the pressure on the pier’s surface. This type of decking results in a 45 % decrease in the upward pressure from waves. As a result, much of the water passes harmlessly through the decking.
Second, PWS responded by raising the existing piers to adjust for the storms. The goal – to get the docks to a safer height and reduce the damage from storms.
Typical Plank decking
The alternative – “planks” – have a mere 1/2″ gap, spaced every 6.” As a result, the planks and pier frames take the full, upward force of the waves.
As a side note – The 3-Season pier uses self-draining, open decking, which allows rain to wash the dirt off the surface — no need to scrub it. Plus, it’s comfortable and cool to walk or lay on! As an added benefit, seagulls, do not like the open design because it is not a solid surface and tend to stay off of it.
HAS PWS MADE OTHER CHANGES?
PWS began strengthening shorelines with rip-rap. In case you missed it, check out our posts in Sept. 2019 and a whole series starting Jan 7th.
Does rip-rap actually work?
Need convincing that rip-rap works? Follow this youtube video for the answer to that question. It is about 7 minutes long. The story really begins at 30 seconds, and by 60 seconds, you will have your answer. After viewing the video, contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or email Dave@wisconsinpws.com. He’ll answer your questions or make an appointment!
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this LINK – and Thank you!
Don’t Forget – Considering rip-rap for your shoreline? PWS is the place to contact!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look on the right side, one mile north, at the next intersection (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
ARE WE OPEN?
During this time of uncertainty, Pier & Waterfront Solutions is staying “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. At the same time, we are working to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
We are implementing these precautionary measures:
- Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
- Site visits will continue but with limited in-person meetings.
- When in-person contacts are necessary, we will follow “social distancing” guidelines.
- Our display yard is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays have a numbered, red tag on them. If you want more information or pricing, please reference that number.
Is there More?
- Some employees will be working remotely, but they are always available by phone.
- Any employee with symptoms or illness is sent home.
- We continue to provide estimates and invoices by email to make the process paperless.
- Crew starting times are being staggered to limit social interactions.
- We keep the same crews together to limit cross interactions.
With these measures, we hope everyone will stay safe, and we will be back to normal operations soon.
What can YOU do to help us?
- Please conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails. This step protects everyone involved.
- When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
So – YES – WE ARE OPEN!
Please call, message, or email us with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Contact:
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – Commercial work & new/used Sales.
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – Erosion control & shoreline work.
Keri @ (920) 493-4405 or Keri@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work
Mar 17, 2020
Wire Rope Lubricants
Wire rope lubrication is critical to extending the life of a cable (often referred to as the “lift cable”). How significant is it? Failure to complete this simple maintenance can reduce wire rope life by up to 50%.
Tell me more!
A wire rope consists of wire strands wound around a central core, then again wound around themselves to form a wire rope. The center may consist of steel or even plastics. Here are just some of the MANY different configurations for a wire rope.
Wire Rope Configurations
The use of a small strand size is better suited to bending around small sheaves (pulleys). Taken to an extreme, a wire made of one thick “strand” would not be able to go around a pulley.
Many small strands allow the wire rope to bend easily around the pulleys. In doing so, the strands “rub” against each other, causing friction. Over time, friction rubs any external coatings off the wire rope.
How are the wire rope strands protected against rust?
Uncoated wire rope strands left “uncoated” will rust from exposure to moisture in the air;
The cable strands get a coating of zinc for rust protection (called galvanizing). The steel strands travel through a hot zinc bath to coat the surface with rust protection. The “con” to galvanized cables – the surface does not regenerate when damaged.
What about stainless steel cables?
In simplest terms, when molten high carbon steel mixes with chromium, it forms stainless steel. When in contact with air, the chrome restores the anti-rust properties. The “con” side – it gives up small amounts of strength.
What function does lubricating a wire rope perform?
Wire rope lubricants;
1. Reduce friction in the layers of the wire rope as they move over other layers. It’s true for galvanized & stainless steel cables both; and
2. Lubricants provide corrosion protection and lubrication in the core of the cable. Less rust and friction means longer life for the cables.
Are there different lubricants used?
Boat Lift Cable Lubrication
There are different types of wire rope lubricants – penetrating and coating. Solvents in penetrating oils carry a lubricant into the core of the wire rope. When the solvent evaporates, it leaves behind a lubricating film to protect the strands.
“Coating” lubricants (grease) barely penetrate a cable. The coating seals the outside of the cable from moisture and reduces wear and corrosion. But, it also seals moisture inside the cable, thus promoting the rusting process.
PWS recommends only penetrating lubricants.
Most wire ropes fail on the inside first. It is vital to ensure that the center core receives enough lubrication. Repeated applications over a day are a good idea.
It is best to apply short bursts of spray lubricant on the top cables wound around the drum. Spray across the top of the wires to get the best penetration and protection. The rope strands tend to separate slightly due to bending around the winch drum. This separation allows the lubricant better access to the core of the wire rope.
Four Rules to follow:
- Do not apply a grease lubricant on a boat lift cable;
- Never change the diameter of the lift cable;
- Never substitute a different wire construction; and
- Do not replace stainless steel cables with galvanized cables.
Experience suggests that life cycles may double with lubrication. But remember, there are other factors affecting wire rope life also.
PWS attributes the increase in the life cycle to the use of penetrating oil to displace water and decrease friction. The oil reduces the wear and corrosion occurring inside the rope. Spraying with a penetrating lubricant acts like an oil change for cars. You’d never allow your vehicle to run out of oil. Right?
The savings from lubrication versus replacing a lift cable are considerable.
What else can damage a boat lift cable?
Improper winding and shock loading with heavy loads damage the cables. These actions will speed up wear and corrosion. See this link.
WHAT ABOUT MY BOAT LIFT?
In a previous post, we explained the danger to boat lift cables if the waves hit the bottom of your boat. We also demonstrated what defective wires look.
7 x 7 cable construction
Rust on galvanized cable
Once again, here are the warning signs of defects in your cables.
Broken Strands
If your cable looks like any of these, it’s time to replace them.
Warning – It is possible to break strands inside a cable without any exterior signs of damage. This situation is especially true on stainless steel cables which do not rust. If you see “rust” on a stainless steel cable, it is from the winch drum depositing rust in the winding process.
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe would like to see this article? Email them this link – they’ll thank you!
Where is PWS?
You will find us at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57 in Door County. The address is 7325 St. Hwy 57, Sturgeon Bay. That’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile north of the intersection with Cty MM.
Our staff looks forward to serving ALL your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com – erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com – commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com – Scheduling & Service work.
Mar 16, 2020
Thanks so much for the great job you did for us this challenging summer. We appreciate all your efforts and the multiple trips required of your employees.
The new platform worked well and we were able to enjoy using it when we were at Marshall’s Point.
Jeanine J. – Door County Peninsula, WI
Mar 3, 2020
WILL RIP-RAP PROTECT MY SHORELINE?
Headline – Lake Michigan’s water level rose 2 inches in the final week of January alone. And – it’s still rising!
So what?
A 2-inch rise in water level doesn’t seem like a whole lot, But, did you know it takes 778.4 BILLION
(that’s Billion with a B) gallons of water to do that.
DID WE GET YOUR ATTENTION?
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District:
“Lake Michigan-Huron is starting well above its 2019 starting levels. The 2019 levels were already at their highest in years. (The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers treat Lake Michigan-Huron as one body of water.)”
The rise in water levels placed Lake Michigan well above where it started last year. It’s fair to say that with this start, we will likely see worsening erosion in 2020.
Here’s a quote from the Army Corps of Engineers –
“The current water level for Lake Michigan-Huron is 581.69 feet. That is 3 inches higher than one month ago, 20 inches higher than where it was just a year ago and 39 inches higher than where the lake typically is in January!”
Put in simplest terms, Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay are very high.
ARE WE AT RECORD LEVELS?
If the month ended on January 24th, the answer would be a resounding yes. The lake level is a whopping 5 inches above the record highest monthly average, observed in 1987!
The water not only filled the Great Lakes, but it also saturated wetlands and swamps in the watershed. Those areas have served as “sponges” to absorb the excess water in the past.
After a few wet seasons, those areas can’t hold any more water. Any rain or snow that falls now ends up pushing lake levels even higher.
When lake levels rise, the rivers and tributaries feeding the bay begin to swell with the excess water. The extra water means flooding in any low-lying areas. Remember -Those areas are also saturated.
The reality of the situation is that lakes Michigan and Huron are full. The lakes are beyond full. Don’t forget – Lake Superior is also at an all-time high.
The excess water means land that has been dry for decades is now wet. Soils that haven’t seen lake levels this high since 1986 are suddenly saturated.
THE SECOND FACTOR – WIND
The wind is the second-factor driving erosion of your shoreline.
If you have a 30 mile per hour wind (especially from the NW, in our case), on top of the high water, you get a three or 4-foot wave. The water begins to slam into the shorelines at a higher level, not seen since ’86. To make matters even worse, NE winds cause a surge in water depth.
In the past, the upper levels of your shoreline only saw waves during a few storms each year. Today, the waves are pounding the shores at much higher levels on a daily basis.
Wind-driven waves batter the shoreline – one wave after another, around the clock, day in and day out. There’s nothing unusual about continuous waves. Except, now they are battering much higher on the shoreline.
The record levels of water and strong gusty winds create a lot of energy in the form of wave action.
Rip-rap helps reduce the effects of the waves.
The waves scrub the shoreline and batter the substrate. Waves loosen the once stable and dry shore over time. Now, throw in the occasional storm, and the impact intensifies even more.
SAND BEACHES
If you have sand as your predominate substrate, the waves loosen it. Eventually, the substrate breaks down and moves with the waves. The water takes away a lot of the base that’s on your shore.
Someone once said, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Well, here’s the picture – link. This is in Lower Michigan but the same thing is happening to the Door County peninsula shorelines. Note the protection from the rip-rap areas.
HIGH EMBANKMENTS
Shoreline Erosion without rip-rap
If you have a high embankment, the situation is similar to a sand beach. With higher water and saturated ground, the waves pound against the raised embankment. Only roots, weeds, and small rocks hold the soil in place.
Now wash away the soil from the embankment, and the roots can no longer hold the ground in place. The rocks become dislodged and wash away.
BEDROCK?
With high water levels, many people have no shoreline left. The waves continuously batter the bedrock walls. Every small piece dislodged from the bedrock exposes a new surface for the waves to attack.
Moisture gets into the small fissures, and the freeze-thaw cycle begins. The freeze-thaw cycle is widespread in early spring and late fall. Once the rock loosens, the waves can remove the pieces. It’s a natural cycle. Remember, the freeze-thaw period happens to roads every winter – they are called “potholes”.
WHEN WILL THIS STOP?
It will need a drop in lake levels before you don’t have to worry about losing your shoreline.
WHAT ABOUT THE WAVES?
Waves are the result of the friction between the water and winds. Mankind has no control over wind-driven waves. There is no way to control it.
Since we haven’t mastered the art of controlling rainfall or winds, there are limited things we can do to save our shorelines.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Since we can’t control the rain or the waves, experts say the best solution is either a seawall or rip-rap.
Seawalls are the more expensive option.
Rip-Rap is the alternative to a seawall. Rip-rap will reduce or eliminate the damage caused by high water and waves.
HOW DOES RIP-RAP WORK?
As waves move towards your shore, they absorb energy. When the waves get closer to shallow water, that energy causes the waves to rise and “curl”. This action generates turbulence at the leading edge.
Rip-rap breaks the energy of the waves by absorbing and deflecting the power across the pile. We add a permeable barrier under the rip-rap to prevent the soil from washing out under it.
WILL RIP-RAP WASH AWAY?
A “toe stone” at the bottom of the rip-rap solves this problem. The “toe stone” consists of partially buried two-ton, up to 8 1/2 ton, boulder at the leading edge of the rip-rap. They help hold the rip-rap in place during wave action.
WHO DOES RIP-RAP IN DOOR COUNTY?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) has installed many rip-rap installations to save properties like yours. Shouldn’t they be doing yours?
IS IT COST-EFFECTIVE?
Yes, Remember, your property values decrease if people see the shorelines washed out or if your lawn was carried away by the waves. First impressions are crucial to any sale.
WANT THE WORK DONE RIGHT?
PWS has dedicated teams who do nothing but rip-rap. Contact Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for your erosion control and shoreline work.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this link and – Thank you!
Don’t Forget
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in:
- ShoreMaster docks, lifts, and jet ski lifts;
- Lift Boss boat lift motors;
- Accessories for docks and lifts;
- Marina construction and repairs; Plus
NEW!! Shoreline erosion control and waterfront work
Visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
PWS is located at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57. It’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493- 4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
