• Ground Hog Day-What'sUP February 3 - 10:32 am

Today's photos come to us from Art Brabbs, who actually snapped them about two weeks ago, that's why there is so little snow showing and is a great example of the difference of what a few weeks of constant snow can do for the ground-cover here in the North Country.

Art made a visit to the Tourist Park Dam in the Marquette area, to check out the new dam there. Why a new dam, you may be asking, so here's a little background information, taken from, WRUP 98.3's webpage, back in September, 2012:

"In 2003 there was a big flood in Marquette, the Silver Lake Basin Dam broke and 9 billion gallons of water poured out. Most of the dams held downstream except for the Tourist Park Dam. It had been standing for 103 years before the flood."

"This project has resulted in enhanced recreational opportunities for the Marquette area community members and visitors alike. Habitat improvements at the site include the addition of approximately 13 acres of emergent and shrub wetlands at the west end of the basin and the creation of a six-year fisheries program which will introduce thousands of smallmouth bass, pan fish, and yellow perch into the Tourist Park Lake.
Next spring the utility will install a handicapped-accessible fishing pier off the 550 trailhead near the historic overflow dam and the City will be re-establishing the popular swimming beach at the site when lake levels have been re-established. The beach and handicapped fishing pier were destroyed in the May, 2003 flood which also washed out the right abutment of the Tourist Park Dam. The Marquette Board of Light and Power partnered with the City of Marquette to make the restoration possible which will provide enhanced fishing and boating opportunities at the site for years to come."

"Phil" did NOT see his shadow, Gormfrog.:)

Neat Dam project.

Nice pics and information.

If Phil didn't see his shadow, does that mean an early spring?

I remember the flood well as we were supposed to stay at the Tourist Park during our summer field camp for geology at MTU, but couldn't because half the campsites had washed away during the flood.

Yep, Phil, according to legend. We'll see.;)

I've always believed that if Phil saw his shadow, we would have 6 more weeks of Winter. If he didn't see his shadow we would have 42 more days of Winter. It's all in your perspective - glass half full or half empty.

Very interesting photos today. Here in the U.P. of Michigan-we have a lot of winter remaining-no matter what happens with Phil.

"Punxsutawney Phil" lives in Pennyslvania, so I guess 'he' doesn't know Michigan.

I would think that ONLY 6 more weeks of winter would
have been preferable to what's really in store for
you UP there.

Interesting pics today! Have never been to Tourist Park ... and it's so close to my favorite Presque Isle Park. Will have to check it out next time we're in the vicinity.

Happy Groundhog Day to all believers! :-)

The park and the dam are actually located on the grounds of the old Lake Superior Powder Company. Walking the area above the grounds, you can still find the circular bases of two charcoal kilns - other building foundations are across the highway, off the service road.

Very informative!! Thanks for sharing that!

Phil evidently wasn't speaking for metro Detroit,
either. We've got a blustery, flurry-filled day
here. Nothing like what I see in the photos this
week, though!