Your water-level worries are over ...

upthesaukee · 10-23-2005, 09:39 PM

M-n-M, as I headed out to the dump, er landfill, er transfer station, I did take a look at your docks and the "sentries" were still standing tall early Sunday afternoon.

Special statement on the weather channel relating to Wilma came across the TV this afternoon : Looking at high winds and up to 2-4 inches of rain possible.

I think this link will get us to that statement.

http://www.weather.com/weather/local...from=whatwhere

And I did hear a boat night before last that sounded like it was up on plane leaving Alton bay. With all the junk out there, it would be headway speed and spotlight for me!!!!!

Rattlesnake Gal · 10-23-2005, 10:51 PM

Rattlesnake Guy and I took a field trip to a few dams today.

Lakeport

Lakeport II

Northfield/Tilton

Franklin

Live Free or Die · 10-24-2005, 12:05 AM

What a flow, I have never seen the dams running like that.....

mcdude · 10-24-2005, 06:41 AM

Hi RG:
Very nicely done mini-movies! Were those taken with your digital cam? McD

Rattlesnake Gal · 10-24-2005, 08:12 AM

I used my DiMAGE A2. (Not the video camera.) The files were much larger and better quality, but smaller files are easier for members to view.
During the commercials on Desperate Housewives, I kept running to the computer to try and upload the video to the site, without avail. At 11:00 pm R-Guy came to the rescue. The files were too large and not the right type, so he resized them. That didn't work either, so he let me upload them to his site. He is so good to me.

(Unfortunately that will expire soon.

)
Can video be uploaded on the forum?

Rattlesnake Gal · 10-24-2005, 08:31 AM

Saturday afternoon as we were heading out, we noticed many docks that have been winched up before the water level increased so dramatically. They have many posts that are in the water. Will we see more wreaked docks in the spring than usual or perhaps Wilma will make this fall debris?
Be careful everyone.

GWC... · 10-24-2005, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Can video be uploaded on the forum?

How would you classify these? Is IG able to assisst?

http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/steamboat.htm

Mee-n-Mac · 11-01-2005, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

M-n-M, as I headed out to the dump, er landfill, er transfer station, I did take a look at your docks and the "sentries" were still standing tall early Sunday afternoon. {SNIP}

Thx for the check-up ! We're back from evading Wilma down Bermuda-way and will recheck this next weekend (also time to put the Mee'n'Mac away). Some other friends closed up their place this past weekend and dropped by our place. Dock hadn't "mcduded" due to Wilma remants so we're safe (for now). Forecast is good for this week though I do wonder if they'll get the lake down before it starts freezing

Should get some interesting lake pics during the farewell cruise.

hiker47 · 11-06-2005, 10:01 PM

Has the Lake level decreased enough that docks can be raised for the winter?
My dock on Morrison Cove had about six inches of water over the deck two we and about three inches last weekend. Has the Lake level decreased four inches in the last week? Also, I'm told a Mr. Fay in is charge of regulating the Lake level. What are his qualifications? Is he a cerftified hydrologist? Is a NH State employee or does he work for the owners of the dam? There are legal questions of responsibilty for damages to property if there is any negligence on the part of the dam owners or if those making dcisions are not qualified. No one has asked these questions or answered them, to the nest of my knowledge. I would like to have these answers if anyone on line can assist.
Thanks. doc

Island Girl · 11-07-2005, 05:50 AM

Bob Fay does an outstanding job operating that dam. If you watch the water levels, weather and all that goes into filling and emptying the lake you will see that he is eminently qualified. I am amazed that the lake is as well controlled as it is given all the migigating factors. He can't control 10-12 inches of rainfall and all the runoff.

DRH · 11-07-2005, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiker47

Has the Lake level decreased enough that docks can be raised for the winter?
My dock on Morrison Cove had about six inches of water over the deck two we and about three inches last weekend. Has the Lake level decreased four inches in the last week? Also, I'm told a Mr. Fay in is charge of regulating the Lake level. What are his qualifications? Is he a cerftified hydrologist? Is a NH State employee or does he work for the owners of the dam? There are legal questions of responsibilty for damages to property if there is any negligence on the part of the dam owners or if those making dcisions are not qualified. No one has asked these questions or answered them, to the nest of my knowledge. I would like to have these answers if anyone on line can assist.
Thanks. doc

Bob Fay is a state employee with the NH Department of Environmental Services Dam Bureau.

Mee-n-Mac · 11-08-2005, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiker47

Has the Lake level decreased enough that docks can be raised for the winter?
My dock on Morrison Cove had about six inches of water over the deck two we and about three inches last weekend. Has the Lake level decreased four inches in the last week? Also, I'm told a Mr. Fay in is charge of regulating the Lake level. What are his qualifications? Is he a cerftified hydrologist? Is a NH State employee or does he work for the owners of the dam? There are legal questions of responsibilty for damages to property if there is any negligence on the part of the dam owners or if those making dcisions are not qualified. No one has asked these questions or answered them, to the nest of my knowledge. I would like to have these answers if anyone on line can assist.
Thanks. doc

Link to previous post w/dam info, lake level ...

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...22551#poststop

GWC... · 11-08-2005, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiker47

I would like to have these answers if anyone on line can assist. Thanks. doc

Rob has been a damn operator for decades.

If you really need answers, then contact the state.

If you are afraid of personal contact, then write DES in Concord for a response.

hiker47 · 11-08-2005, 11:04 PM

DHR / GWC
Thank you for the information. I have no complaints with Mr. Fay, I just wanted to know his qualifications. As a NH State employee I am sure he is qualified as a hydrologist or supervised by one.

If anyone knows the Lake level at the present time (Is it down further from the weekend), I would appreciate that. I'd like to raise my dock before it winter freeze but I guess it would be cold this weekend either way. Thanks. doc

Mee-n-Mac · 11-09-2005, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiker47

If anyone knows the Lake level at the present time (Is it down further from the weekend), I would appreciate that.

At this moment the lake level is 504.70 feet. It seems to be down maybe 2 inches from this weekend. Exactly 1 week ago it was 505.08 ft so it's dropped 0.38 ft or ~4.5 inches since then. If you wish to see how high the lake was when you last saw it look at the table below and do your own computations ...

http://www.des.state.nh.us/rti_data/wein3_TABLE.HTML

fatlazyless · 11-09-2005, 09:01 PM

Methinks it is time to dump the water out of those trash cans and to start using them for leaf hauling. Looks like the water level is back to early June levels so it's about time to get out and go boating again. Unless, you have to rake leves or shovel slush. Driving up the hill to WV was a slippery slushy mess tonight. Methinks it's time to load the bags of sand into the back of the old pickup...even though winter is still a month or more away. Water, water & more water but never even considered getting any flood insurance. Totally not needed on the big lake. It never floods over!

ApS · 11-10-2005, 07:41 AM

I suspect a hydrologist would know that development is a significant contributor to the rapid Winnipesaukee water level increases.

For centuries, the forests have acted like a sponge to keep the velocity of rain runoff moderated. (Providing us a clean, clear, "Class A" lake. Now it's a "B" -- and there is no "Class C").

Things have changed in the last 20 years: When you build houses, garages, mini-warehouses, dry boat-storage facilities, then pave over woodlands for parking lots, ditches, new roads, culverts and driveways, the velocity of rain runoff has to increase. The rapidity-extremes and height-extremes of the lake's rise are affected, but also the quality of water feeding into it.

That is why this thread got posted (Who's in Charge?) in General Discussions.

There don't appear to be adequate state guidelines in temporarily trapping / sequestering runoff (which resulted in both of my neighbors' leachfields being washed into the lake following rainfall from the development "upstream").

Earlier this season, photos were placed here concerning backyard "roaring rapids". I wonder what's upstream from there?

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWC...

"...Rob has been a dam operator for decades..."

Would that include 1984 and 1998? (No-wake, high water)?

spotsink · 11-18-2005, 05:41 AM

Judging by the rate they have been able to draw down the lake over the last few weeks, and providing we do not have any more extreme rainfall events, it looks like it will be late December before they will have the lake down to the customary winter level. I wonder if they will be able to accomplish this before the ice sets in. And what are the effects downstream of the huge out flow at the dam for such an extended period? It will be interesting to watch over the next few weeks and months.

RumGuy · 11-18-2005, 07:14 AM

I would THINK that as long as they got the water levels down before ICE OUT, the damage would be kept minimal. They should be able to run off more water even after some ice has set in. The down side to that would be possible hollow spots in the ice, and uneven surfaces, making for dangerous snowmobiling.

upthesaukee · 11-18-2005, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

...
Earlier this season, photos were placed here concerning backyard "roaring rapids". I wonder what's upstream from there?...

That was probably my photos and comments. Upstream from my house are four houses, a fire pond with a house on its banks, a couple of homes near Alton Mt Road, then the state forest and land on the mountains behind the town of Alton.

In order for trees and grasses to absorb water, there has to be some absorbtion capability in the soil. With the volume of rain we had, twice, that capability was eliminated, and all that could happen is a run off to the lowest point in the neighborhood...which in this area happens to be Lake Winnipesaukee.

Has building increases, use of phosphates near the lake and its tributaries, and increased boat traffic contributed to the clouding of the lake. I'm sure it has. However the amount of rain we incurred in the area in a very short period of time would have overwhelmed the land regardless.

And having three years in the last 25 or so with "record" high lake heights is simply Mother Nature's way of reminding us of who's really in charge!

10-23-2005, 09:39 PM	#1
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,599 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,458 Thanked 1,981 Times in 1,082 Posts	M-n-M, as I headed out to the dump, er landfill, er transfer station, I did take a look at your docks and the "sentries" were still standing tall early Sunday afternoon. Special statement on the weather channel relating to Wilma came across the TV this afternoon : Looking at high winds and up to 2-4 inches of rain possible. I think this link will get us to that statement. http://www.weather.com/weather/local...from=whatwhere And I did hear a boat night before last that sounded like it was up on plane leaving Alton bay. With all the junk out there, it would be headway speed and spotlight for me!!!!! __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

10-23-2005, 10:51 PM	#2
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Dam Video Rattlesnake Guy and I took a field trip to a few dams today. Lakeport Lakeport II Northfield/Tilton Franklin

10-24-2005, 12:05 AM	#3
Live Free or Die Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Somewhere south of the White Mtns. Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Wow!!!! What a flow, I have never seen the dams running like that..... __________________ FREEDOM OF SPEACH IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVLEDGE.....

10-24-2005, 06:41 AM	#4
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	Excellent Videos Hi RG: Very nicely done mini-movies! Were those taken with your digital cam? McD

10-24-2005, 08:12 AM	#5
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Dam Video I used my DiMAGE A2. (Not the video camera.) The files were much larger and better quality, but smaller files are easier for members to view. During the commercials on Desperate Housewives, I kept running to the computer to try and upload the video to the site, without avail. At 11:00 pm R-Guy came to the rescue. The files were too large and not the right type, so he resized them. That didn't work either, so he let me upload them to his site. He is so good to me. (Unfortunately that will expire soon. ) Can video be uploaded on the forum?

10-24-2005, 08:31 AM	#6
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Debris Saturday afternoon as we were heading out, we noticed many docks that have been winched up before the water level increased so dramatically. They have many posts that are in the water. Will we see more wreaked docks in the spring than usual or perhaps Wilma will make this fall debris? Be careful everyone.

11-06-2005, 10:01 PM	#9
hiker47 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lake Water Level Has the Lake level decreased enough that docks can be raised for the winter? My dock on Morrison Cove had about six inches of water over the deck two we and about three inches last weekend. Has the Lake level decreased four inches in the last week? Also, I'm told a Mr. Fay in is charge of regulating the Lake level. What are his qualifications? Is he a cerftified hydrologist? Is a NH State employee or does he work for the owners of the dam? There are legal questions of responsibilty for damages to property if there is any negligence on the part of the dam owners or if those making dcisions are not qualified. No one has asked these questions or answered them, to the nest of my knowledge. I would like to have these answers if anyone on line can assist. Thanks. doc

11-07-2005, 05:50 AM	#10
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	Bob Fay Bob Fay does an outstanding job operating that dam. If you watch the water levels, weather and all that goes into filling and emptying the lake you will see that he is eminently qualified. I am amazed that the lake is as well controlled as it is given all the migigating factors. He can't control 10-12 inches of rainfall and all the runoff. __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

11-08-2005, 11:04 PM	#14
hiker47 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	DHR / GWC Thank you for the information. I have no complaints with Mr. Fay, I just wanted to know his qualifications. As a NH State employee I am sure he is qualified as a hydrologist or supervised by one. If anyone knows the Lake level at the present time (Is it down further from the weekend), I would appreciate that. I'd like to raise my dock before it winter freeze but I guess it would be cold this weekend either way. Thanks. doc

11-09-2005, 09:01 PM	#16
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,753 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts	Methinks it is time to dump the water out of those trash cans and to start using them for leaf hauling. Looks like the water level is back to early June levels so it's about time to get out and go boating again. Unless, you have to rake leves or shovel slush. Driving up the hill to WV was a slippery slushy mess tonight. Methinks it's time to load the bags of sand into the back of the old pickup...even though winter is still a month or more away. Water, water & more water but never even considered getting any flood insurance. Totally not needed on the big lake. It never floods over!

11-18-2005, 05:41 AM	#18
spotsink Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 76 Thanks: 7 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Will they make it? Judging by the rate they have been able to draw down the lake over the last few weeks, and providing we do not have any more extreme rainfall events, it looks like it will be late December before they will have the lake down to the customary winter level. I wonder if they will be able to accomplish this before the ice sets in. And what are the effects downstream of the huge out flow at the dam for such an extended period? It will be interesting to watch over the next few weeks and months.

11-18-2005, 07:14 AM	#19
RumGuy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cape Cod / W.Alton Posts: 76 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	ice I would THINK that as long as they got the water levels down before ICE OUT, the damage would be kept minimal. They should be able to run off more water even after some ice has set in. The down side to that would be possible hollow spots in the ice, and uneven surfaces, making for dangerous snowmobiling.