Lake Flood/Debris Warning

[CanisLupusArctos]

The lake continues slightly above full level and is likely to rise for the foreseeable future. A flood watch is in effect for most of New England including the lakes region, through Wednesday. Heavy rain is expected. Temperatures are expected to be summerlike next weekend, and this will bring the temptation to go boating. It is not a good idea.

Wind-driven waves are already bringing debris into the water. Winds at Black Cat Island reached 39 mph from the southeast today. Waves were averaging about 1 foot with a few waves at 1.5 feet.

The normal amount of iceout debris has been compounded by flood debris this year, and flooding continues to add debris to the water. Some have observed entire sections of dock floating in the waves, and this will continue to happen.

Debris may not be easily visible. Boating at greater than headway speed is not advised until the flood situation is over. Even in calm water, a board can lie flat and its color can nearly match the color of the water, making it nearly invisible until it punctures the hull of your boat or damages your propeller.

With that said, boating on this lake will be extremely hazardous until the lake level recedes and debris has been cleaned up.

Rescue at this time of year will not be quick, because many would-be rescue boats are not yet ready for this year's unexpectedly early boating season.

Furthermore, water temperatures are very cold. Even if air temperatures reach 80 later this week, you will not last long in the 40-degree lake water if a sudden mishap puts you there.