water level

WinnisquamZ · 04-26-2021, 12:00 PM

It has been a windy early spring. The rocks along our shores are being pounded once again. The wind and cold is putting a damper on home and yard maintenance and recovery from the winter. We did get the dock frame in Saturday, but the boards and poles must wait. Question, anyone know of a local lumber yard that stocks red cedar docks for a dock? Looking to replace the current 30 year old PT. It has warped and gotten heavier as I have aged

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thinkxingu · 04-26-2021, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

It has been a windy early spring. The rocks along our shores are being pounded once again. The wind and cold is putting a damper on home and yard maintenance and recovery from the winter. We did get the dock frame in Saturday, but the boards and poles must wait. Question, anyone know of a local lumber yard that stocks red cedar docks for a dock? Looking to replace the current 30 year old PT. It has warped and gotten heavier as I have aged

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I got a heads-up from another member on a product called Lumberock for the two decks I'm replacing. He used it on a dock some years ago and has been very pleased with it. It may cost more than cedar, but it's really light and stiff, which may be worth spending more for given your comment about weight.

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WinnisquamZ · 04-26-2021, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I got a heads-up from another member on a product called Lumberock for the two decks I'm replacing. He used it on a dock some years ago and has been very pleased with it. It may cost more than cedar, but it's really light and stiff, which may be worth spending more for given your comment about weight.

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Lumberock. Is that a brand name or actual product? Thank you. Will research

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thinkxingu · 04-26-2021, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

Lumberock. Is that a brand name or actual product? Thank you. Will research

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Brand name. I couldn't find much about it online, but they sent me a sample, and it's pretty awesome. Because there's no local dealer, it needs to be shipped, which might negate it as an option, but I think it's worth checking out.

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MAXUM · 04-26-2021, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnisquamZ

It has been a windy early spring. The rocks along our shores are being pounded once again. The wind and cold is putting a damper on home and yard maintenance and recovery from the winter. We did get the dock frame in Saturday, but the boards and poles must wait. Question, anyone know of a local lumber yard that stocks red cedar docks for a dock? Looking to replace the current 30 year old PT. It has warped and gotten heavier as I have aged

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Lumber these days is the price of gold IF you can find what it is you're looking for in stock. My jaw dropped seeing a price of nearly $9.00 for a standard 2X4X8 stud. That's nuts!

Biggd · 04-26-2021, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Lumber these days is the price of gold IF you can find what it is you're looking for in stock. My jaw dropped seeing a price of nearly $9.00 for a standard 2X4X8 stud. That's nuts!

Not long ago you could buy them for 2 bucks!

Last fall I took down an old deck off my house and when I priced the PT lumber to rebuild it I decided to wait until prices came down. It looks like I'll be waiting a lot longer then I expected.

MAXUM · 04-26-2021, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

Not long ago you could buy them for 2 bucks!

Last fall I took down an old deck off my house and when I priced the PT lumber to rebuild it I decided to wait until prices came down. It looks like I'll be waiting a lot longer then I expected.

Yup all building materials are ridiculously expensive and supply is tight. Not a good time to be doing any kind of building project that's for sure.

Descant · 04-26-2021, 04:48 PM

So, if I owned a wood lot, this is a good time to harvest? Why aren't those owners doing that? All the steps I can think of, harvest, transport, mill, transport again to the retailer, seem to be outdoors, machine intensive work, not a Covid problem. When there's a hurricane in FL we hear news about price gouging being illegal. Is this gouging?
What's happening at the wood fired power plants that were supposed to be green renewable energy?
I guess I'm just glad we did dock rebuild last year, although there were some material delays for Trex, we stuck pretty close to budget.

AC2717 · 04-27-2021, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

Not long ago you could buy them for 2 bucks!

Last fall I took down an old deck off my house and when I priced the PT lumber to rebuild it I decided to wait until prices came down. It looks like I'll be waiting a lot longer then I expected.

same, here luckily i am still in the spot of yeah it works but needs to be replaced sometime, and not in the oh crap its falling and/or failing, it needs to be replaced

Biggd · 04-27-2021, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2717

same, here luckily i am still in the spot of yeah it works but needs to be replaced sometime, and not in the oh crap its falling and/or failing, it needs to be replaced

I just did a new paver patio in the front of the house. The prices on those have gone up very little but supply is getting tough to find.
I needed 200, 16x16 pavers, which I bought from Lowes. I had to get them out of Conway because they were the only store around that had enough. I cut it close because there were about a half dozen broken ones on the bottom of the pallets. When I checked to see if I could get more they were out of stock. Thankfully I just had enough to finish.
So until lumber prices come down we will spend our time out front on the patio.

Sue Doe-Nym · 04-27-2021, 10:22 AM

Could we please get back on topic: lake levels.? Thanks

MAXUM · 04-27-2021, 11:13 AM

Judging from my dock posts over the past couple of weeks the water levels have gone up since ice out and remain (by eye) to be relatively stable at this time. Still seems a bit lower than normal for this time of year but certainly way better than it was. We've had some pretty good rain come through which certainly helped a lot.

At least the wind today has died down - it was pretty crazy yesterday. Things are looking rather nice for the remainder of the week.

jeffk · 04-28-2021, 04:56 AM

According to my 10 day forecast, we could get 3" of rain by May 7 which would drive the lake level above full pool (3" of rain yields more than 3" of lake level). It seems to me that the forecasts of late have predicted more rain than we actually end up getting but even half of what is predicted would put the lake level in very good shape for now.

Then the balancing act begins. Should the dam operators start letting a bit more water out in anticipation of more rain? One big storm could raise the lake 6" and they would have to run the dam at full output for a week (drop 1" per day) to keep it from problem levels. However, if we stay in the dryer period we had been in, we may need to keep dam output low and hoard the water.

And then, what IS the right level of water in Winnipesaukee and WHO is to decide what that is?

What is a poor dam operator to do, at the mercy of unpredictable weather and disgruntled lake folk no matter what they decide?

Merrymeeting · 04-29-2021, 09:55 AM

The levels upstream of Winni should be a concern too. As of today, Merrymeeting is at least 12", if not 18" below normal. It may even have dropped over the past week. The dam is fully closed so all the water exiting is the stuff taken by the fish hatchery, which adds nutrients before sending it on the Winnipesaukee via Alton Bay.

wobbelbill · 04-29-2021, 10:04 AM

Just got a call from State that level of Silver Lake (Tilton/Belmont) will rise 11" starting today. Got to be coming from upstream- either Winnipesaukee or Winnisquam or both.

jeffk · 04-30-2021, 09:53 AM

Bizer, as of yesterday April 29th, reports the lake at just 2.4" below Full Pool. We have had additional rain since then and will through today. Then, another inch or so is expected next week. The Lakeport dam is still at 250 CFS and I would expect by the end of next week, Winnipesaukee will be "Full", which is right on track for when it should be.

Yes, I know other lakes are down and the conditions have been dry but this has been a broad soaking rain over 3 days with more expected next Monday through Wednesday and Friday & Saturday. I expect that other conditions will be improving as well.

As to the long term? When will next year's Ice Out be?

XCR-700 · 04-30-2021, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wobbelbill

Just got a call from State that level of Silver Lake (Tilton/Belmont) will rise 11" starting today. Got to be coming from upstream- either Winnipesaukee or Winnisquam or both.

WOW, that sounds huge,,,

Will that cause you problems?

Sue Doe-Nym · 04-30-2021, 03:17 PM

According to the Bizer chart, we are precisely at last year’s level at this time.

C-Bass · 04-30-2021, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffk

According to my 10 day forecast, we could get 3" of rain by May 7 which would drive the lake level above full pool (3" of rain yields more than 3" of lake level). It seems to me that the forecasts of late have predicted more rain than we actually end up getting but even half of what is predicted would put the lake level in very good shape for now.

Then the balancing act begins. Should the dam operators start letting a bit more water out in anticipation of more rain? One big storm could raise the lake 6" and they would have to run the dam at full output for a week (drop 1" per day) to keep it from problem levels. However, if we stay in the dryer period we had been in, we may need to keep dam output low and hoard the water.

And then, what IS the right level of water in Winnipesaukee and WHO is to decide what that is?

What is a poor dam operator to do, at the mercy of unpredictable weather and disgruntled lake folk no matter what they decide?

They are probably Dam'd if they do and Dam'd if they don't...

swnoel · 04-30-2021, 04:12 PM

Well at least everyone isn't freaked out about the China Virus anymore... water levels 2" below normal certainly is more a crisis...

camp guy · 04-30-2021, 04:21 PM

On the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services site there is a rather complete description of how the Lake level is managed. From reading it over, it is clearly a complex matrix involving season of year, weather patterns, surface conditions, and many more. As has been said before, the "operator is dammed one way or another". Some of us grew up thinking "only the Shadow knows", but the real answer to the dam question is, "It is not nice to fool with Mother Nature".

jeffk · 05-01-2021, 04:58 AM

According to the Weirs gauge (link) at midnight last night, the Lake is at 504.26, .72 inch from full. With the runoff from the last few days of rain, it might top off this weekend.

Going forward, should we start a new "Full Pool" contest like we have for Ice Out? When you think about it, Ice Out is the event that marks the beginning of readiness for the summer season on the lake and Full Pool is its completion. Winnipesaukee is Full and ready for all summer activities.

Cobalt · 05-04-2021, 05:55 AM

Hope we all enjoyed full lake since the outflow was increased to 600 cfs from 250 cfs on May 3rd.

jeffk · 05-04-2021, 06:05 AM

At 600 cfs, it will take over 3 days to lower the lake level 1 inch. It's not like the lake level is going to plummet. More rain is in the forecast. The dam operators are doing their job to maintain the water level around Full Pool while providing any excess to downstream needs.

CowTimes · 05-04-2021, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffk

At 600 cfs, it will take over 3 days to lower the lake level 1 inch. It's not like the lake level is going to plummet. More rain is in the forecast. The dam operators are doing their job to maintain the water level around Full Pool while providing any excess to downstream needs.

Agreed. If outflow is not increased, the lake would continue to rise above full lake, and that creates its own set of problems. Let’s have some faith in the dam operators! They can always slow it down.

04-26-2021, 04:48 PM	#8
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,479 Thanks: 1,390 Thanked 1,667 Times in 1,086 Posts	price of wood So, if I owned a wood lot, this is a good time to harvest? Why aren't those owners doing that? All the steps I can think of, harvest, transport, mill, transport again to the retailer, seem to be outdoors, machine intensive work, not a Covid problem. When there's a hurricane in FL we hear news about price gouging being illegal. Is this gouging? What's happening at the wood fired power plants that were supposed to be green renewable energy? I guess I'm just glad we did dock rebuild last year, although there were some material delays for Trex, we stuck pretty close to budget.

04-29-2021, 10:04 AM	#15
wobbelbill Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 36 Thanks: 87 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Water level downstream Just got a call from State that level of Silver Lake (Tilton/Belmont) will rise 11" starting today. Got to be coming from upstream- either Winnipesaukee or Winnisquam or both.

04-30-2021, 03:17 PM	#18
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,458 Thanks: 762 Thanked 796 Times in 419 Posts	Winni lake level According to the Bizer chart, we are precisely at last year’s level at this time.

04-30-2021, 04:21 PM	#21
camp guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: formerly Winter Harbor, still Wolfeboro Posts: 1,205 Thanks: 309 Thanked 535 Times in 299 Posts	Water level On the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services site there is a rather complete description of how the Lake level is managed. From reading it over, it is clearly a complex matrix involving season of year, weather patterns, surface conditions, and many more. As has been said before, the "operator is dammed one way or another". Some of us grew up thinking "only the Shadow knows", but the real answer to the dam question is, "It is not nice to fool with Mother Nature".

05-04-2021, 05:55 AM	#23
Cobalt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 130 Thanks: 70 Thanked 33 Times in 25 Posts	Full Pool Hope we all enjoyed full lake since the outflow was increased to 600 cfs from 250 cfs on May 3rd.

04-26-2021, 12:00 PM	#1
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2,120 Thanks: 215 Thanked 678 Times in 451 Posts	It has been a windy early spring. The rocks along our shores are being pounded once again. The wind and cold is putting a damper on home and yard maintenance and recovery from the winter. We did get the dock frame in Saturday, but the boards and poles must wait. Question, anyone know of a local lumber yard that stocks red cedar docks for a dock? Looking to replace the current 30 year old PT. It has warped and gotten heavier as I have aged Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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DotRat (04-26-2021)

04-27-2021, 10:22 AM	#11
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,458 Thanks: 762 Thanked 796 Times in 419 Posts	Could we please get back on topic: lake levels.? Thanks

04-27-2021, 11:13 AM	#12
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	Judging from my dock posts over the past couple of weeks the water levels have gone up since ice out and remain (by eye) to be relatively stable at this time. Still seems a bit lower than normal for this time of year but certainly way better than it was. We've had some pretty good rain come through which certainly helped a lot. At least the wind today has died down - it was pretty crazy yesterday. Things are looking rather nice for the remainder of the week.

04-28-2021, 04:56 AM	#13
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,191 Thanks: 211 Thanked 460 Times in 263 Posts	According to my 10 day forecast, we could get 3" of rain by May 7 which would drive the lake level above full pool (3" of rain yields more than 3" of lake level). It seems to me that the forecasts of late have predicted more rain than we actually end up getting but even half of what is predicted would put the lake level in very good shape for now. Then the balancing act begins. Should the dam operators start letting a bit more water out in anticipation of more rain? One big storm could raise the lake 6" and they would have to run the dam at full output for a week (drop 1" per day) to keep it from problem levels. However, if we stay in the dryer period we had been in, we may need to keep dam output low and hoard the water. And then, what IS the right level of water in Winnipesaukee and WHO is to decide what that is? What is a poor dam operator to do, at the mercy of unpredictable weather and disgruntled lake folk no matter what they decide?

04-29-2021, 09:55 AM	#14
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,228 Thanks: 305 Thanked 802 Times in 369 Posts	The levels upstream of Winni should be a concern too. As of today, Merrymeeting is at least 12", if not 18" below normal. It may even have dropped over the past week. The dam is fully closed so all the water exiting is the stuff taken by the fish hatchery, which adds nutrients before sending it on the Winnipesaukee via Alton Bay.

04-30-2021, 09:53 AM	#16
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,191 Thanks: 211 Thanked 460 Times in 263 Posts	Bizer, as of yesterday April 29th, reports the lake at just 2.4" below Full Pool. We have had additional rain since then and will through today. Then, another inch or so is expected next week. The Lakeport dam is still at 250 CFS and I would expect by the end of next week, Winnipesaukee will be "Full", which is right on track for when it should be. Yes, I know other lakes are down and the conditions have been dry but this has been a broad soaking rain over 3 days with more expected next Monday through Wednesday and Friday & Saturday. I expect that other conditions will be improving as well. As to the long term? When will next year's Ice Out be?

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FlyingScot (04-30-2021)

04-30-2021, 04:12 PM	#20
swnoel Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 529 Thanks: 83 Thanked 194 Times in 118 Posts	Well at least everyone isn't freaked out about the China Virus anymore... water levels 2" below normal certainly is more a crisis...

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05-01-2021, 04:58 AM	#22
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,191 Thanks: 211 Thanked 460 Times in 263 Posts	According to the Weirs gauge (link) at midnight last night, the Lake is at 504.26, .72 inch from full. With the runoff from the last few days of rain, it might top off this weekend. Going forward, should we start a new "Full Pool" contest like we have for Ice Out? When you think about it, Ice Out is the event that marks the beginning of readiness for the summer season on the lake and Full Pool is its completion. Winnipesaukee is Full and ready for all summer activities.

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05-04-2021, 06:05 AM	#24
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,191 Thanks: 211 Thanked 460 Times in 263 Posts	At 600 cfs, it will take over 3 days to lower the lake level 1 inch. It's not like the lake level is going to plummet. More rain is in the forecast. The dam operators are doing their job to maintain the water level around Full Pool while providing any excess to downstream needs.