Full lake 2017

[Lakegeezer]

This morning, the lake is at 504.40, almost an inch over a full lake level of 504.32. There is no statute mandating a lake wide no-wake zone, but in my opinion, it should be set to 505.00, a seven inch flood. That would honor the recreation and economic needs, yet put a cap on damage to lake health. I don't think anything lower would win approval. According to Bizer's lake level charts, the level has only gone above 505 feet three (almost four) times since 2000.

It has been years since the area flooded and Winnipesaukee water quality measures better than five years ago. Clarity is better and phosphorus (plant food) level is lower. I hope we don't get an opportunity to measure its decline. We are a unusually heavy rain and a sunny warm weekend away from that happening.

If you are interested in water quality, the best organizations to get involved with are Lake Winnipesaukee Association (local management) and NH Lakes Association (state wide legislation).