lake level

[jeffk]

On the DES website you can adjust the plot timespan.

Since 2010, similar low points
Oct 2016 502.29
Nov 2020 502.28
Nov 2024 502.12
Oct 26 2025 502.24

The decimal values might be a few hundredths off since it's hard to place the cursor precisely in such a data filled graph but the numbers show this year's number isn't that unusual.

What is unusual is that the lake level dropped much sooner than normal because of the lack of rain, intruding into the normal boating season.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by jeffk

On the DES website you can adjust the plot timespan.

Since 2010, similar low points
Oct 2016 502.29
Nov 2020 502.28
Nov 2024 502.12
Oct 26 2025 502.24

The decimal values might be a few hundredths off since it's hard to place the cursor precisely in such a data filled graph but the numbers show this year's number isn't that unusual.

What is unusual is that the lake level dropped much sooner than normal because of the lack of rain, intruding into the normal boating season.

Its a problem. But not really a great solution.
And so many other issue for the Legislature and Departments to focus on that I think sticking to the current management plan will be what they do.

It does risk the revenue generated from Meals & Rental (Rooms & Meals), which is a decent part of the NH budget. But with the dam funding in question, along with the highway funding, and figuring out what changes have to be made on the educational funding issue now that the courts have ruled. I think they may have their plate full to go into the in depth discussions that would need to happen to make a dramatic management plan change.

[LIforrelaxin]

so this morning I went to the DES website and looked at the lake level and dam output. The Dam is running at 50 cfs, as per the NOP this time of year....The lake is at 502.24 just a couple of inches lower then the operating band. For those that continue to fuss over the lake getting low to quick, the operation band for the lake allows it to be as low as 502.32.... if you dock doesn't accommodate that then its time to either realize some seasons might be shorter then others.... or make accommodations in your dock to allow for low water.

This is one of the reasons I never would chose to have a permanent dock structure. because you are limited to 30 feet of length... Season docks get 40.... myself I always tried to keep an extra dock section on shore so I could go out to 48' if the water got really low.....Had I not moved, this year I might have actually put that additional section in, to allow me to finish out the season comfortably. That would have made it on the second time in almost 40 years I would have had that thought..... I would say to everyone that is complaining the DES isn't doing their job.... Get Real, Get Over it, and realize that there is more involved then just making sure that the level at the lake stays high enough past Labor day.....

As a note, I routinely boat into Oct. I can personally say the number of people boating in Sept. and Oct. on Winnipesaukee.... is really limited, and they must all be on this forum.....

[Biggd]

I'm a fair-weather boater, I only boat in perfect weather. This was the first time in 11 years that I had to move everyone to the back of the boat to power off the sand. Taking my boat out a month early allowed me to get a jump start on my fall/winter projects. No complaints from me.

[Garcia]

It was a great weekend to be out on the water and on the island. Yes, the water is low, but on the flip side, I saw just a couple boats and not another soul on the island. I wish I could have spent the week!