Currents in the lake?

Pineedles · 08-14-2013, 07:39 AM

I was wondering if currents exist in the lake? Aside where the damn(s) are built, but does the lake "flow" in a certain direction, where even slight movement of debris on the bottom gravitates towards a certain point?

Coolbreeze · 08-14-2013, 08:39 AM

There are currents on the lake that are caused by the movement of the lake level by the release of the dam in the spring and fall; but these currents are more pronounced in areas like the channels into the back bays. Out on the broads the currents are usually wind driven. We call them the drift factor rather than a current factor. I'm sure there are places on the lake where the water moves more than in others due to natural spring activity or river/stream influence. There are no tidal flows like the ocean nor do I know of any natural currents due to the moon, gravity etc. Hope this helps.

Coolbreeze · 08-14-2013, 08:42 AM

To add more, the wind and air does impact the lake. Debris that falls into the lake that floats will drift from the southwest down to the east eand of the lake due to air movement of the water. If it sinks, the currents from the wind general become less in deeper water, if at all.

Pineedles · 08-14-2013, 12:41 PM

Thank you Coolbreeze. The reason I asked was that another member was having difficulty with muck and rocks in their beach area. We built a stone wall, many years ago as kids, underwater running perpendicular from the shore out about 20 feet. The "wall" wasn't more than 10" - 12" high, but I believe it helped create a nice sandy area downstream of the wall. Since the water depth wasn't more than 3 or 4 feet perhaps the wind/wave action kept the area clear. Thanks again, I hadn't even thought of wind action having an effect.

Coolbreeze · 08-18-2013, 08:07 AM

Sure there are ways to manipulate the "water motion" around docks and breakwaters with the use of stones and boulders. The rocks and boulders can be carefully placed to trap sand. There is no way to explain it other than saying you just have to tinker and see what works, it's kinda fun to see from season to season.

08-14-2013, 07:39 AM	#1
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,542 Thanks: 1,071 Thanked 667 Times in 366 Posts	Currents in the lake? I was wondering if currents exist in the lake? Aside where the damn(s) are built, but does the lake "flow" in a certain direction, where even slight movement of debris on the bottom gravitates towards a certain point?

08-14-2013, 08:39 AM	#2
Coolbreeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 332 Thanks: 0 Thanked 51 Times in 26 Posts	Flow There are currents on the lake that are caused by the movement of the lake level by the release of the dam in the spring and fall; but these currents are more pronounced in areas like the channels into the back bays. Out on the broads the currents are usually wind driven. We call them the drift factor rather than a current factor. I'm sure there are places on the lake where the water moves more than in others due to natural spring activity or river/stream influence. There are no tidal flows like the ocean nor do I know of any natural currents due to the moon, gravity etc. Hope this helps.

08-14-2013, 08:42 AM	#3
Coolbreeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 332 Thanks: 0 Thanked 51 Times in 26 Posts	Wind To add more, the wind and air does impact the lake. Debris that falls into the lake that floats will drift from the southwest down to the east eand of the lake due to air movement of the water. If it sinks, the currents from the wind general become less in deeper water, if at all.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Coolbreeze For This Useful Post:
Pineedles (08-14-2013), soupyjr8 (08-14-2013)

08-14-2013, 12:41 PM	#4
Pineedles Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Moultonborough & CT Posts: 2,542 Thanks: 1,071 Thanked 667 Times in 366 Posts	Thank you Coolbreeze. The reason I asked was that another member was having difficulty with muck and rocks in their beach area. We built a stone wall, many years ago as kids, underwater running perpendicular from the shore out about 20 feet. The "wall" wasn't more than 10" - 12" high, but I believe it helped create a nice sandy area downstream of the wall. Since the water depth wasn't more than 3 or 4 feet perhaps the wind/wave action kept the area clear. Thanks again, I hadn't even thought of wind action having an effect.

08-18-2013, 08:07 AM	#5
Coolbreeze Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 332 Thanks: 0 Thanked 51 Times in 26 Posts	Sure there are ways to manipulate the "water motion" around docks and breakwaters with the use of stones and boulders. The rocks and boulders can be carefully placed to trap sand. There is no way to explain it other than saying you just have to tinker and see what works, it's kinda fun to see from season to season.