Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

fatlazyless · 06-23-2009, 08:34 AM

To see the fast running river up close, take a visit to the new Laconia City Hall kayak launch ramp, located on the Winnipesaukee River just 50 yards below the Avery Dam. Was there last evening and guaging the water speed is difficult....maybe a runoff speed of 12-mph. At the kayak launch the Winnipesaukee River is aprox 75 feet wide, and between two and eight feet deep (guess estimate) which seems small for huge Lake Winnipesaukee.

Ordinarily, a water speed of 12-mph would create white water rapids, but probably all rock obstructions have been removed from the river bed so's to create a smooth outflow. A natural river would have an uneven bottom with large rocks that create white water rapids with a 12-mph current, but the Winnipesaukee River has been scraped and sanded by local industrial use since the first dam was built in 1822. Both embankments are built up with large, old granite blocks.

For a good fast 600(?) yard ride down the Winnipesaukee River, and into Lake Winnisquam, go hit the new Laconia City Hall kayak launch. It is all of 30 feet from a Laconia parking space, and there's no parking meters.

Here's a plan....spot one car down stream at the Lake Winnisquam (on the Winnipesaukee River) state motorboat launch ramp facility, behind Bolia Gourell Lumber, and run the river the 600 or so yards from the city hall kayak launch to the no-charge, state boat launch dock and parking facility. Walking the distance is about 15 minutes, and it goes right past the new Laconia police station.

With this fast and smooth water, it could be worth the drive to KAYAK LACONIA

!

KAYAK LACONIA
......
Warning - personal water safety issues should be considered because it is now a fast moving and cold, 66 degree river that passes under about five different, low bridges.

The kayak launch ramp includes a sturdy, high, lockable gate, which when locked, would pretty effectively close the launch ramp.

06-23-2009, 08:34 AM	#2
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 9,169 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 310 Thanked 1,103 Times in 812 Posts	To see the fast running river up close, take a visit to the new Laconia City Hall kayak launch ramp, located on the Winnipesaukee River just 50 yards below the Avery Dam. Was there last evening and guaging the water speed is difficult....maybe a runoff speed of 12-mph. At the kayak launch the Winnipesaukee River is aprox 75 feet wide, and between two and eight feet deep (guess estimate) which seems small for huge Lake Winnipesaukee. Ordinarily, a water speed of 12-mph would create white water rapids, but probably all rock obstructions have been removed from the river bed so's to create a smooth outflow. A natural river would have an uneven bottom with large rocks that create white water rapids with a 12-mph current, but the Winnipesaukee River has been scraped and sanded by local industrial use since the first dam was built in 1822. Both embankments are built up with large, old granite blocks. For a good fast 600(?) yard ride down the Winnipesaukee River, and into Lake Winnisquam, go hit the new Laconia City Hall kayak launch. It is all of 30 feet from a Laconia parking space, and there's no parking meters. Here's a plan....spot one car down stream at the Lake Winnisquam (on the Winnipesaukee River) state motorboat launch ramp facility, behind Bolia Gourell Lumber, and run the river the 600 or so yards from the city hall kayak launch to the no-charge, state boat launch dock and parking facility. Walking the distance is about 15 minutes, and it goes right past the new Laconia police station. With this fast and smooth water, it could be worth the drive to KAYAK LACONIA! KAYAK LACONIA ...... Warning - personal water safety issues should be considered because it is now a fast moving and cold, 66 degree river that passes under about five different, low bridges. The kayak launch ramp includes a sturdy, high, lockable gate, which when locked, would pretty effectively close the launch ramp. __________________ .... Banned for life from local thrift store! Last edited by fatlazyless; 06-23-2009 at 03:27 PM.