Lake Winnipesaukee Water Levels

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by Newcomers

Does anyone know if anything is being done to lower the level of the Lake?

I like the level where is at right now, its nice to step on to our dock without stepping up...the only downside is getting to our boat at Sheps, the docks are under water going out on the gas dock. Last week our dog walked right off the dock into the water.

[fatlazyless]

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.

[Resident 2B]

The Lakeport Dam is now dumping water at the rate of 1,700+ CFS. This is an increase of about 100 CFS and the increased flow occurred between 8 and 9 this morning.

R2B

[nj2nh]

After reading all the posts, I checked the Downings webcam in Alton Bay. The dock in just shy of being underwater. The last time I saw the lake this high was back in 1998, I think, when most docks were underwater including the one at the Boat Gas at the end of Alton Bay. I remember standing on the neighbors dock, which was just under the water, while my husband took a picture. It looked like I was walking on water.

Don't like the prospect of another summer of the whole lake being a no-wake zone, though.

nj2nh

[Resident 2B]

nj2nh,

It is not as bad as you are thinking, actually a foot lower than it was in 1998.

The lake level was higher than it is now in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Although we need to be concerned, I believe the lake level is high, but well under control.

R2B

[Grant]

No -- check the Bizer graph -- it's just about where it was in 2006, perhaps higher now, and definitely higher than it was at this time in all the other years listed, except for 1998 and 1984.

In late May of 1984, I watched the Lake slowly rise and eventually wash right over our dock. Eventually, it stopped a good 2 inches above dock level. We were very lucky that there were no big winds during that time. Tying the boat was a real challenge.