The level of the lake is allowed, via NH state management of the Lakeport dam, to drift down about 1.22 foot in the fall and to rise back up to "full pool" starting around mid March. This is mostly done to manage the large spring water surge of snow melting and Spring rains causing local and downstream flooding. Instead of flooding, the lake just fills back up. As can be seen in the Bizer graphs, it's not an exact process and is dependent on the whims of nature (multiple significant rainstorms, drought) and with an eye on the downstream effects (flooding) of significant water releases from Winnipesaukee, as well as minimal requirements of the water turbine generators just downstream of the dam.
The more extreme deviations from these limits, boat launch difficulties and rock collisions in the fall and shoreline erosion in the spring, generates considerable angst and curmudgeonly grumbling on this forum.
As already noted, the current lake level is almost "exactly" where it should be for this time of year. The Lakeport dam is at a minimal 250 CFS flow, retaining the snowmelt and any rain until the lake fills up again. Once that happens, the dam will open up to dump excess water as necessary unless downstream conditions preclude it. If so, it becomes a balancing act until the excess water drains off.
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