Lake Flood/Debris Warning

CanisLupusArctos · 03-28-2010, 04:24 PM

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.

LIforrelaxin · 03-28-2010, 11:11 PM

CLA, Very good post you bring up valuable points.... I wonder when the MP will start patrolling the lake and have vessels ready to go....

Blue Thunder · 03-29-2010, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

CLA, Very good post you bring up valuable points.... I wonder when the MP will start patrolling the lake and have vessels ready to go....

Judging from the weekend forecast and CLA's warnings not withstanding, the MP will need to have some kind of a presence on the lake sooner than later.

BT

BroadHopper · 03-29-2010, 08:20 AM

Drove by the Glendale docks this weekend. Marine Patrol has one boat in the water. Several boats used by the islanders are in as well.

Minge Cove marina has several boats in the water. I do not see the Alton rescue boat nor the Lake Tow boat in the water.

CanisLupusArctos · 03-29-2010, 11:55 AM

Another point - it is looking more likely that some of our roads will become unstable this week. In early summerlike weather later this week, some may be tempted to tow boats over them, for launch -- not the greatest idea. They may also remember that last year's April heat was all the summer we got until August, and this may further add to an "Enjoy summer now" urgency.

Those who do tow boats over the roads while the ground is still soggy may find the right wheel of the boat trailer being a little too heavy for the rain-weakened road shoulder, and could lose the boat off the side of the road as a result.

I would guess that with so much water still around from the last few storms, and the ground already soggy, we'll probably have a few washouts around the area. Landslides are possible also, where there are steep slopes adjacent to roads.

If you do go on the water in any type of craft, wear a life jacket even if you know how to swim. The cold water will render your muscles useless very quickly. Hypothermia will quickly impair your judgment. Falling in the water right now would be very similar to falling through the ice in wintertime.

NoRegrets · 03-29-2010, 12:46 PM

Don't forget the life vests for your pets as well! One with a handle so they can be retrieved.

robmac · 03-29-2010, 01:48 PM

other than the ones for my passengers it was a great thing to get for my two for legged kids,you ever try to get a 90lb. lab out while in the broads. Yikes, the handle made it a breeze. Also remember to check fore extinguishers,I always check lights everytime before I get underway. Hope everyone has a long safe and happy boating season.

CanisLupusArctos · 03-31-2010, 10:45 AM

With the lake continuing to rise slowly, and now at 7 inches above full, any waves will pull additional debris into the lake. The lake is now 12 inches below the 1984 flood level. That means 1-foot waves, which are common in windy weather, will reach that record high water mark. As most of us know, waves do get much bigger on the lake. The stronger the wind gets, the bigger the waves get, and the more debris will enter the water.

Items that were stored on the shoreline in the late fall may become afloat or submerged if they haven't already. For anyone leaving a camp for the winter, it would have been unreasonable to expect that the lake would come up this high, this early.

onlywinni · 03-31-2010, 11:02 AM

Looks like I will put off the 2010 maiden voyage for a few weeks....

I was shooting for the last week in April, then I thought about this weekend after seeing the forecast and early ice out..Oh well guess I will finish the landscaping and painting around the house the next few weeks and let the debris and lake levels subside.

OCDACTIVE · 03-31-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlywinni

Looks like I will put off the 2010 maiden voyage for a few weeks....

I was shooting for the last week in April, then I thought about this weekend after seeing the forecast and early ice out..Oh well guess I will finish the landscaping and painting around the house the next few weeks and let the debris and lake levels subside.

Same here.. better to be safe then sorry.

Merrymeeting · 03-31-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

I was shooting for the last week in April

A friendly reminder I've mentioned in other threads. Be sure to check your insurance policy.

I was surprised to discover a few years ago that mine only covers the boat "in water" from May 1 - Oct 31.

BroadHopper · 03-31-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

A friendly reminder I'm mentioned in other threads. Be sure to check your insurance policy.

I was surprised to discover a few years ago that mine only covers the boat "in water" from May 1 - Oct 31.

Glad you mentioned that. My policy says nothing about 'in water' coverage. Just a policy effective date and expiration date. Called the insurance company just in case and they confirmed the boat is covered 24/365. Whether in or out of water. I have boat trailer coverage. I have tow coverage, On and off the water. What I didn't know until now that if I should have motor failure, they will repair or replace the motor! I consider my policy a bargain!

NoRegrets · 03-31-2010, 03:25 PM

We have extended the boating season every year when appropriate into November or December by calling the insurance agent and for no fee they faxed a policy rider extending the date.

onlywinni · 03-31-2010, 04:55 PM

I never heard that before about in water dates..learn something new everyday.

My policy has dates for the policy period and nothing else I see.

Slickcraft · 03-31-2010, 05:07 PM

The insurance on my wife's fairly new Whaler is an add-on to our home insurance policy and is good year round.

For the 1976 Slickcraft SS235 we had to get a separate boat policy due to the age of the boat. There is a mandatory lay-up period of Nov 1 through April 1 during which it is supposed to be out of the water. It is still covered for fire/theft during the lay-up.

On another subject, has a no wake rule been called for Winni due to high water??

Lakegeezer · 04-01-2010, 06:04 AM

The lake is at 504.98 this morning and the dam has been cranked up another notch to 1916 CFS. Who makes the call for a no-wake rule until the water goes back down? There should be few boats this weekend and mostly in fishing boats but why allow the extra erosion? Does DES have the authority to prevent the additional environmental impact?

Dave R · 04-01-2010, 01:54 PM

For those that have docks that are made of wood, do the Mee-n-Mac (I think that's where credit is due) trick and put a couple of trash cans full of water on them so they don't break free and flaot away. I love that idea.

codeman671 · 03-31-2010, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Minge Cove marina has several boats in the water. I do not see the Alton rescue boat nor the Lake Tow boat in the water.

The Alton rescue boat is at the Eastern plant in Milton for some rework.

ApS · 03-29-2010, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanisLupusArctos

"...Debris may not be easily visible..."

...Ummmm...Ummmm...

03-28-2010, 04:24 PM	#1
CanisLupusArctos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 15 Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts	Lake Flood/Debris Warning 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.

03-28-2010, 11:11 PM	#2
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,970 Thanks: 1,064 Thanked 912 Times in 539 Posts	CLA, Very good post you bring up valuable points.... I wonder when the MP will start patrolling the lake and have vessels ready to go.... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

03-29-2010, 08:20 AM	#4
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,667 Thanks: 3,282 Thanked 1,132 Times in 814 Posts	Glendale Drove by the Glendale docks this weekend. Marine Patrol has one boat in the water. Several boats used by the islanders are in as well. Minge Cove marina has several boats in the water. I do not see the Alton rescue boat nor the Lake Tow boat in the water. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

03-31-2010, 11:02 AM	#9
onlywinni Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Laconia Posts: 108 Thanks: 6 Thanked 39 Times in 16 Posts	Looks like I will put off the 2010 maiden voyage for a few weeks.... I was shooting for the last week in April, then I thought about this weekend after seeing the forecast and early ice out..Oh well guess I will finish the landscaping and painting around the house the next few weeks and let the debris and lake levels subside. __________________ *Special Thanks to the Marine Patrol for keeping us all safe on Winni*

03-31-2010, 04:55 PM	#14
onlywinni Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Laconia Posts: 108 Thanks: 6 Thanked 39 Times in 16 Posts	I never heard that before about in water dates..learn something new everyday. My policy has dates for the policy period and nothing else I see. __________________ *Special Thanks to the Marine Patrol for keeping us all safe on Winni*

The Following 9 Users Say Thank You to CanisLupusArctos For This Useful Post:
Blue Thunder (03-28-2010), BroadHopper (03-29-2010), hancoveguy (03-29-2010), Just Sold (03-29-2010), LIforrelaxin (03-28-2010), OCDACTIVE (03-29-2010), Resident 2B (03-28-2010), robmac (03-29-2010), Ropetow (03-29-2010)

The Following User Says Thank You to BroadHopper For This Useful Post:
LIforrelaxin (03-29-2010)

03-29-2010, 11:55 AM	#5
CanisLupusArctos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 15 Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts	Another point - it is looking more likely that some of our roads will become unstable this week. In early summerlike weather later this week, some may be tempted to tow boats over them, for launch -- not the greatest idea. They may also remember that last year's April heat was all the summer we got until August, and this may further add to an "Enjoy summer now" urgency. Those who do tow boats over the roads while the ground is still soggy may find the right wheel of the boat trailer being a little too heavy for the rain-weakened road shoulder, and could lose the boat off the side of the road as a result. I would guess that with so much water still around from the last few storms, and the ground already soggy, we'll probably have a few washouts around the area. Landslides are possible also, where there are steep slopes adjacent to roads. If you do go on the water in any type of craft, wear a life jacket even if you know how to swim. The cold water will render your muscles useless very quickly. Hypothermia will quickly impair your judgment. Falling in the water right now would be very similar to falling through the ice in wintertime.

The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to CanisLupusArctos For This Useful Post:
Newbiesaukee (03-29-2010), NoRegrets (03-29-2010), Pineedles (03-29-2010), Ropetow (03-29-2010), SLI (03-29-2010), trfour (03-29-2010)

03-29-2010, 12:46 PM	#6
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	Don't forget the life vests for your pets as well! One with a handle so they can be retrieved.

The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to NoRegrets For This Useful Post:
Newbiesaukee (03-29-2010), Pineedles (03-29-2010), robmac (03-29-2010), Ropetow (03-29-2010), trfour (03-29-2010), wifi (03-29-2010)

03-29-2010, 01:48 PM	#7
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 950 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	other than the ones for my passengers it was a great thing to get for my two for legged kids,you ever try to get a 90lb. lab out while in the broads. Yikes, the handle made it a breeze. Also remember to check fore extinguishers,I always check lights everytime before I get underway. Hope everyone has a long safe and happy boating season.

03-31-2010, 10:45 AM	#8
CanisLupusArctos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 15 Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts	With the lake continuing to rise slowly, and now at 7 inches above full, any waves will pull additional debris into the lake. The lake is now 12 inches below the 1984 flood level. That means 1-foot waves, which are common in windy weather, will reach that record high water mark. As most of us know, waves do get much bigger on the lake. The stronger the wind gets, the bigger the waves get, and the more debris will enter the water. Items that were stored on the shoreline in the late fall may become afloat or submerged if they haven't already. For anyone leaving a camp for the winter, it would have been unreasonable to expect that the lake would come up this high, this early.

03-31-2010, 03:25 PM	#13
NoRegrets Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hudson - NH Posts: 408 Thanks: 233 Thanked 212 Times in 88 Posts	We have extended the boating season every year when appropriate into November or December by calling the insurance agent and for no fee they faxed a policy rider extending the date.

03-31-2010, 05:07 PM	#15
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,386 Thanks: 1,260 Thanked 2,148 Times in 983 Posts	The insurance on my wife's fairly new Whaler is an add-on to our home insurance policy and is good year round. For the 1976 Slickcraft SS235 we had to get a separate boat policy due to the age of the boat. There is a mandatory lay-up period of Nov 1 through April 1 during which it is supposed to be out of the water. It is still covered for fire/theft during the lay-up. On another subject, has a no wake rule been called for Winni due to high water??

04-01-2010, 06:04 AM	#16
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,692 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 356 Thanked 646 Times in 294 Posts	A call for no-wake The lake is at 504.98 this morning and the dam has been cranked up another notch to 1916 CFS. Who makes the call for a no-wake rule until the water goes back down? There should be few boats this weekend and mostly in fishing boats but why allow the extra erosion? Does DES have the authority to prevent the additional environmental impact? __________________ -lg

04-01-2010, 01:54 PM	#17
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	For those that have docks that are made of wood, do the Mee-n-Mac (I think that's where credit is due) trick and put a couple of trash cans full of water on them so they don't break free and flaot away. I love that idea.

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