[Resident 2B]

Jeanzb1,

This is from the web site operated by the NH Dam Bureau:

This station is located just upstream of the Elm Street Bridge in Lakeport. The following
parameters are currently being measured at this station:

Lake Winnipeasukee Discharge
Precipitation
Air Temperature

Lake Winnipesaukee Operating Information

Water Level and Flow Constraints:
June 1 through Columbus Day (Summer Recreation Season)
To the extent that weather conditions allow, levels are managed between 504.32 and 502.80 to
facilitate the use of the lake for recreational enjoyment. Depending upon events and forecasts
lake levels are allowed to climb to 504.80 (about 6 inches above full) for short periods of
time to allow discharges at Lakeport to be managed to alleviate or lessen downstream
flooding/flood peaks and to avoid exceeding the capacity of downstream hydropower plants.
Currently, a considerable amount of judgment is applied when making decisions regarding flow
release during these high water periods. Since the wasting of water in excess of the
hydropower capacity at Lakeport Dam (1,050 cubic feet per second (cfs)) is of concern, the
decision to do it is based upon factors such as: rate of rise (inflow), soil moisture
condition, basin vegetation status, precipitation forecast and estimated length of time to
return levels to within the normal range. When levels reach 504.50+/-, the number of
complaints regarding shoreline structure damage or usability increases. This 71-square-mile
lake has hundreds of permanent and seasonal homes with varying degrees of shoreline development
When the level rises much above the full pond level of 504.32, impacts begin to occur. There
is at least one marina that experiences problems with bridge access (low clearance) when levels
begin to climb above full.

Issues associated with the lower end of the summer recreation range relate to hull/motor
damage to boats and, like high water, to structure usability. Many abutters are accustomed to
a certain range of water levels during the recreation season. However, when the lake is at
the lower end of the range, docks and other structures may become less accessible (ex: hull
draft is larger than depth at dock). The 250 cfs minimum outflow at Lakeport Dam can
sometimes far outpace inflow during the summer recreation season and this, combined with
normal summer evaporation, will cause the lake level to typically drop 12 to 15 inches over
the course of the summer.


As far as this summer is concerned, we are just about at the normal for this time of the year and only two inches or so below "full pool". Being that it has been so dry, that is pretty good. They have been releasing the minimum of about 256 cps for several weeks now. Their are hydro plants that need to be "turning" and the river has to have water in it, hence the minimum release standard.

I hope this helps you understand why the release is maintained. That said, I can understand your concern about lake levels and the problems low water brings to some areas of the lake.

Good luck!

R2B