Jun 5, 2025
If you live or work near the water, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day it’s calm and sunny, then suddenly, a storm rolls in. When that happens, your dock can take a big hit if it’s not ready. Extreme weather preparation isn’t just about playing it safe. It’s about protecting your dock, your boats, and everything else that depends on it. Whether you’re a homeowner, marina manager, or business owner, getting your dock ready ahead of time can save you stress, time, and money.
Why Extreme Weather Preparation Matters
Docks are tough, but they are still exposed to the elements. Heavy winds, rising water, and rough waves can cause serious damage, especially if your dock isn’t built to handle those conditions.
Here’s what can happen when a big storm hits a dock that isn’t prepared:
- Decking can break or come loose
- Hardware can snap
- Docks can drift or flip
- Pilings can weaken
- You could lose boats, gear, and equipment
Taking steps now can help avoid big problems later.
How to Prepare Your Dock for Bad Weather
When it comes to extreme weather, your dock should be near the top of the list of preparations. Getting ready before a storm hits can prevent costly damage. The good news is, preparing your dock doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little time and the right steps, you can help make sure your dock stays safe and secure even during the roughest conditions.
Take these steps:
- Check Everything Over
The first step is simple: give your dock a close look. Walk along the entire surface and check all the main components. Think of this as a routine check-up. Your dock needs regular inspections.
What to look for on your free-standing dock.
- Bolts and fasteners: Make sure they’re tight, not rusted, and not missing. Loose or corroded bolts can cause parts of the dock to come apart under pressure from waves or wind.
- Deck boards: Check for cracks, warping, or signs of rot. Damaged boards are more likely to break in a storm and can be a safety hazard.
- Anchoring lines or pilings: Your dock needs to stay in place, even if the water gets choppy. Make sure anchor lines are strong and not frayed. Pilings should be secure and not leaning.
- Make sure all legs are in contact with the lake bed.
- The deck Height above water is adequate for waves.
- To avoid damage to water craft, make sure the lift is fully up and not set too high.
What if you find damage?
Don’t wait. Even small problems can turn into major issues during a storm. Replace damaged parts right away. If you’re not sure how serious something is, it’s better to be cautious and talk to a professional dock builder or maintenance expert. Pier & Waterfront Solutions can help you repair or replace damaged docks.
- Clear the Area
The next step in extreme weather preparation is to remove anything that could fly away or get tossed around during high winds or heavy rain.
What should be taken off the dock?
- Chairs, benches, or tables (unless fastened to dock)
- Dock boxes or storage bins (unless fastened to dock)
- Coolers, tools, or cleaning supplies
- Fishing gear, life jackets, or water toys
Even items that seem heavy can be moved by strong winds or waves. Once something is airborne, it becomes a hazard. It could damage your dock, nearby boats, or other people’s property.
What should stay?
Only items that are securely bolted down and weather-resistant should remain. If you’re unsure, it’s better to remove it. If you have valuable items, store them inside where they’ll be safe from wind and water.
- Secure Your Floating Dock
Floating Docks offer advantage during storms. They rise and fall with changing water levels, but they still need to be secured properly to prevent drifting, flipping, or crashing into other structures.
How do you secure a floating dock before a storm?
- Floats or support systems: Check the flotation system. Look for any signs of wear or damage. If one float fails, it can throw off the balance of the entire dock.
- Check the anchors: Your dock should have a strong anchoring system, whether it’s chain, cable, or piling-based. Look for signs of wear and rust. Tighten or replace hardware as needed.
- Inspect the guide poles or slides: These help keep your dock in place while allowing it to move up and down with the water. Make sure they’re not bent or damaged.
- Allow for movement: Don’t tie your dock too tightly. If the water level rises, the dock needs space to float upward. Too much tension can snap lines or damage the dock.
- Secure attachments: If you have ramps, gangways, or other attachments, make sure they are reinforced and can flex with the dock’s movement. These connecting points are often where damage starts.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions builds standing and floating products that are built to last. All of our systems are made in the USA and designed to fit your exact needs, whether it’s for a private home, a public marina, or a government project. We believe that a dock should be more than functional. It should be safe, sturdy, and ready for anything.
Click here to explore Pier & Waterfront Solutions. We’re here to help you get your dock ready, rain or shine!
May 2, 2025
The Great Lakes are experiencing a natural, seasonal decline in water levels, with predictions showing all lakes, except Lake Erie, falling below last year’s levels through July, and this winter’s pronounced evaporation is contributing to the decline. With lower water levels there may not be enough pier to get adequate depth. Extra pier sections and extra work setting boat lifts might be required.
Cana Island Causeway 2013
Cana Island Causeway 2019
Seasonal Decline:
The Great Lakes naturally experience a seasonal decline in water levels during the winter months, a trend that begins in the fall.
Factors Contributing to Decline:
- Evaporation: This winter’s pronounced evaporation, caused by cold air moving over relatively warm water, is a key factor in the decline.
- Drought: Drought conditions have accelerated the water level decline at some of the lakes.
- Warmer surface water temperatures: in the Great Lakes have contributed to lower water levels by increasing rates of evaporation and causing lake ice to form later than usual.
Current Situation:
Water levels in all five Great Lakes are currently below 2023-2024 levels.
Specific Lake Predictions:
- Lake Superior, Michigan, and Huron: Expected to decrease by 6 inches.
- Lake Ontario: Expected to drop by 8 inches.
- Lake Erie: Expected to stay close to long-term averages.
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes Water Forecast
Long-Term Perspective:
While water levels are dropping, all the lakes are expected to remain well above record lows.
Winter Ice Cover:
The Great Lakes have lost an average of about 1.5 days of ice cover per year since 1995.
Winter Season Shrinking:
A study found that winters in the Great Lakes region have shrunk by two weeks since 1995.
US Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes Water Data
Stay informed about changing water levels. Pier & Waterfront Solutions will help you manage low water level challenges.
Sep 2, 2021
Thank you, Jerry.
We appreciate greatly all the efforts made by Jack, Dave and Austin on our behalf. Please share our gratitude with them and Will and Ben, as well. They did a terrific job putting everything back together and cleaning up the area 🙂
Kindly,
Peggi T
Aug 31, 2021
DOCK SWAY BRACE
Is a sway brace used on your dock? If not, does your dock sway as you walk on it? There are several reasons this can happen to any dock or pier.
There are main TWO reasons for dock movement.
You need to distinguish between the two types of movement. Is it an up and down movement, or is it a side to side movement?
First, Let’s tackle the Up and Down movement.
When installed, PWS makes sure the legs are firmly on the bottom. This typically makes the dock stable for most people.
Yet, over time, storms can wash out or move the sand or rocks under the footpads. Sand is more susceptible to this action.
It’s the same effect that erosion has on the shoreline. First, it washes away sand and small stones from under the footpad. Then, it continues to work on the remaining stones and rocks. When enough materials are removed, there is nothing left to support the leg.
At this point, you may experience the sensation of up and down movement as you walk.
How do we prevent it from happening?
There is no way to completely prevent washing out of the footpads. If we disturb the lake bottom too much, it weakens the tightly packed base. Disturbing the lake bottom makes it easier for the wave action to wash the sand away. The sand (or small stones) are loosely packed and have small openings in them.
The only “cure” is to reset the legs firmly on the bottom. We notice this frequently occurs after strong storms. The “white caps” you see are moving the water under the surface also.
The second type of movement is actual “sway.”
“Sway” is the side-to-side movement when the dock is set higher above the water.
The current water level is still above average even though it is down from 2019 and 2020. This is evidenced by the continued erosion happening up and down the shoreline.
PWS raises your dock up to protect it from high wave action during the summer. When the frames are adjusted higher, the pier becomes less stable. Walking on the dock will cause a side-to-side movement because the center of gravity is higher.
Think of a simple fishing pole. When the pole moves at the bottom, the movement is amplified at the top of the pole. The higher the frames are raised, the more side movement will occur.
See this link for more information.
There is a solution.
A sway brace on the legs reduces the sway side sway. You’ll feel more secure as you walk the length of your dock.
Sway Brace
Does every set of legs need sway braces?
No. PWS will make recommendations based on the heights and lengths of your dock or pier. Often, we add a single brace on a pair of legs. Next, we alternate the position in the opposite direction on the next set of legs.
One brace is attached near the bottom of one leg and clamped higher up on the opposite leg. This depends on the height of the legs.
It may involve a crew member having to submerge in the water to reach the bottom of the leg. In spring, that is not something anyone wants to do.
Does it matter if I have an aluminum or steel frame?
A steel frame is less likely to need braces than an aluminum frame due to its own weight. Different configurations are available for aluminum frames, but the principle is the same.
Braces are available for new installations, as shown here. There is an add-on version (independent components) for existing frames. They can be added to existing dock legs if needed. Either version will help stabilize your dock in deeper water.
Will sway braces help your dock?
Call Jerry at 920-493-4404 for more details.
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 corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.” We have implemented measures to help ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. PWS continues to work to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these preventive measures:
1. Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
2. Site visits will continue. 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.
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.” Remain at a safe distance.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
Aug 10, 2021
WHAT CAUSES SHORELINE EROSION?
Lakeshores are areas of constant dynamic energy. Powerful waves, high water, and ice move soil particles away from shorelines. In more severe cases, small pebbles and eventually rocks begin to wash out. When the water reaches far enough up the shoreline, erosion of lawns and exposing tree roots start.
We’ll try to answer some of your questions today.
What are the leading causes of shoreline erosion?
On open water like Green Bay, the three leading causes of erosions are:
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- Wave action;
- High water; and
- Ice movement.
The ice on frozen lakes or the Bay can expand towards the shore with a force of many tons per square foot. The ice will destroy most obstacles in its path. Masses of ice put in motion by winds can push trees or buildings over, as exhibited here.
Ice vs deck erosion
Shoreline tree roots exposed
Ice also pushes embankments, uprooting trees and lawns on small inland lakes. No matter how massive a tree is, the ice won’t slow down for it.
Ice Shove uprooting trees
In relatively small inland lakes, breaking waves can erode lawns away.
Headlands (points) usually have relatively high erosion rates. The waves, currents, and the ice will attack from all three sides. These attacks eventually transport the sediments to a new location where they settle in calmer weather.
Erosion is a normal process of nature.
Erosion and the redistribution of sediments is a natural process along shorelines. Typically, natural erosion proceeds very slowly. The plants and animals that live along the shore can adjust to these slow changes. They maintain a stable, healthy, productive ecosystem.
Accelerated erosion results when natural or human disturbances cause this equilibrium to be upset. Examples of this are higher than normal water levels and intense storms.
Human disturbances include vegetation removal, dredging, filling, or construction near the shoreline.
Another example of natural disturbances is large trees uprooted by a windstorm or a flood. When the soil becomes saturated with water, it weakens the soil around tree roots. The winds may uproot that tree.
IDENTIFY SERIOUS EROSION PROBLEMS
These are several signs of severe erosion problems. (Number one and three are significant)
- A large area of bare soil on a steep, high shoreline bank;
- A measurable change of the shoreline over time;
- Leaning or downed trees with exposed roots; and
- Large patches of muddy water near a lakeshore during periods of high water or following a rainstorm.
3 TYPES OF REACTIVE EROSION CONTROL METHODS:
Vegetative/No Mow: This method involves encouraging or planting trees or woody shrubs for the soil binding properties of their root systems. Grass and other plants will protect against raindrop impact and scouring from surface runoff.
Structural: This includes protective structures. The placement of rock of various sizes (rip-rap) has traditionally been the most effective and least expensive method.
Other structural methods include bulkheads, gabions (rock-filled baskets), and railroad ties. However, these methods are visually unappealing. They require more heavy equipment and technical expertise. These systems are more prone to failure than simple rip-rap. In addition, the DNR has disapproved of these methods in the past.
Manipulative: Mostly used on streams, this includes:
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- Removing streamflow obstructions;
- Grading shoreline banks, or, in exceptional circumstances;
- Rerouting a stream channel.
Are there new techniques developed to prevent erosion?
A new soil preservation method called bioengineering has been proven successful.
Soil bioengineering combines mechanical, biological, and ecological concepts. These methods arrest and prevent shoreline erosion. An example is planting willows interspersed with rip-rap, where the rock provides immediate resistance to decay.
As the willows become established, roots invade and permeate the rock and underlying soil. They bind them together into an erosion-resistant mass. The willows also impart a more “natural” look to the shoreline.
Water levels are down; I don’t have to worry – Right??
This year, people do see water levels about 18-24″ less than in 2020. High water levels are the most significant contributing factor to shoreline erosion.
Will it stay down next year or in the years after? No one knows. In Las Vegas, that’s called a crapshoot.
What other factors affect my shoreline?
The next factor is the intensity of the storms. The Door County Peninsula had numerous high wind storms this year with up to 70 MPH winds.
A popular Marina in Sturgeon Bay: Skipper Bud’s Harbor Marina, located at the foot of the Michigan St. bridge, was a victim of a recent storm.
The marina had two of its five floating docks torn loose during a strong storm. Two tub boats quickly moved in place to prevent them from swinging into the bridge.
Are there other contributing factors to shoreline erosion?
You can expect water levels to rise rapidly when winds blow from the NW – NE direction for prolonged periods. This is despite the lower water levels this year. The stronger the winds, the higher the water will go. Waters south of Sturgeon Bay are particularly affected by these winds. In those areas, there are no other large outlets for the water to escape.
DO YOU NEED AN ESTIMATE FOR RIP-RAP?
Contact Dave@ 920-493-4406 or email at Dave@wisconsinpws.com.
What comes next?
Next week (on Aug 10, 2021), we will cover:
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- Planning an erosion control project;
- Does erosion hurt my property values?
- What to expect for the cost of rip-rap.
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 corner (Idlewild Road and Hwy 57).
Is PWS OPEN?
The “Delta” variant is currently surging across the country.
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open.” We have implemented measures to help protect the safety of our employees and visitors. PWS continues to work to maintain the trusted service that you have come to expect.
PWS implemented these preventive measures:
- Conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
- Site visits will continue.
- When in-person contacts are necessary, we 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. For more information, please reference that number.
What can YOU do to help us?
1. Conduct as much business as possible via emails, messaging, and emails.
2. When you see our crews installing equipment, please practice “social distancing.”
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
YES – PWS is OPEN and waiting for you!
Please call, message, or email PWS with any questions.
Let’s all stay safe!
