Water Level

jeffk · 07-20-2014, 10:21 PM

The management of the water level is more of an art than a science. The amount of water that flows into the lake depends on a lot of factors that cannot be accurately measured, only guesstimated. When there is a heavy rainfall and several inches of rain enter the lake, it can take 3 or 4, 24 hour days to drain the lake back down. If you drop the rate during the day that could now take 5 or 6 days. Suppose there is another rainstorm in that time? Now too much water is in the lake and you have to take extreme measures to get rid of it.

Further, the amount of water that can be drained is limited by downstream concerns. It's not just Winni that is being managed.

Most of the time, people want a bit less than a full lake to limit erosion and other high water damage. But not too low to cause rock clearance and shallow area problems. These concerns can be in conflict with access through some other areas because of water on the high side of normal. You are not going to make everyone happy.

I think the best you will get is that it is somewhat predictable. I think the dam operators have done a pretty good job over the last couple years keeping things within expected parameters. Except .... the last few weeks has seen the level rising and the dam NOT increasing output. That seems like a goof up.

07-20-2014, 10:21 PM	#8
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,173 Thanks: 207 Thanked 437 Times in 253 Posts	The management of the water level is more of an art than a science. The amount of water that flows into the lake depends on a lot of factors that cannot be accurately measured, only guesstimated. When there is a heavy rainfall and several inches of rain enter the lake, it can take 3 or 4, 24 hour days to drain the lake back down. If you drop the rate during the day that could now take 5 or 6 days. Suppose there is another rainstorm in that time? Now too much water is in the lake and you have to take extreme measures to get rid of it. Further, the amount of water that can be drained is limited by downstream concerns. It's not just Winni that is being managed. Most of the time, people want a bit less than a full lake to limit erosion and other high water damage. But not too low to cause rock clearance and shallow area problems. These concerns can be in conflict with access through some other areas because of water on the high side of normal. You are not going to make everyone happy. I think the best you will get is that it is somewhat predictable. I think the dam operators have done a pretty good job over the last couple years keeping things within expected parameters. Except .... the last few weeks has seen the level rising and the dam NOT increasing output. That seems like a goof up.