Lake Level Update

Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance · 11-19-2024, 10:01 AM

Lake Winnipesaukee’s water levels are low due to the ongoing drought, currently sitting at 2.16 feet below the full level of 504.32 feet. This isn’t the first time the lake has experienced such lows—on November 23, 2016, the level was 502.15 feet, and on the same date in 2021, it measured 502.21 feet.

Drought conditions reduce rain and stream inflow, making it harder to maintain healthy levels for recreation, water quality, and wildlife. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services manages the lake’s dam to balance these needs, but prolonged drought adds challenges. Lower water levels not only expose shallow areas and restrict boating access but can also have ecological implications. Aquatic organisms like fish and invertebrates rely on consistent water depths and temperatures. As levels drop, shallow waters heat up more quickly, reducing oxygen levels and stressing these species.

Habitats like submerged vegetation can also become exposed, disrupting the ecosystems that support fish spawning and other critical life cycles. Keeping an eye on these changes helps us understand the challenges facing Lake Winnipesaukee’s delicate balance. Learn more about the lake’s water levels and impacts at winnipesaukee.org.

Descant · 11-19-2024, 11:01 AM

Around 2000, DES did a 10 year study on instream flow needs to protect habitat in streams all around the state, developing "in-stream flow rules". Winnipesaukee isn't just fore Winnipesaukee. We're protecting all the waters down stream. Same applies in other areas.

On the cynic side, what do these all have in common?
1. Weather forecasting 2. Political pollsters and 3. DES.

11-19-2024, 10:01 AM	#1
Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Gilford Posts: 112 Thanks: 25 Thanked 177 Times in 57 Posts	Lake Level Update Lake Winnipesaukee’s water levels are low due to the ongoing drought, currently sitting at 2.16 feet below the full level of 504.32 feet. This isn’t the first time the lake has experienced such lows—on November 23, 2016, the level was 502.15 feet, and on the same date in 2021, it measured 502.21 feet. Drought conditions reduce rain and stream inflow, making it harder to maintain healthy levels for recreation, water quality, and wildlife. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services manages the lake’s dam to balance these needs, but prolonged drought adds challenges. Lower water levels not only expose shallow areas and restrict boating access but can also have ecological implications. Aquatic organisms like fish and invertebrates rely on consistent water depths and temperatures. As levels drop, shallow waters heat up more quickly, reducing oxygen levels and stressing these species. Habitats like submerged vegetation can also become exposed, disrupting the ecosystems that support fish spawning and other critical life cycles. Keeping an eye on these changes helps us understand the challenges facing Lake Winnipesaukee’s delicate balance. Learn more about the lake’s water levels and impacts at winnipesaukee.org. Attached Images __________________ The Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance (LWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of Lake Winnipesaukee and its watershed. Through monitoring, education, stewardship, and science guided approaches for lake management, LWA works to ensure Winnipesaukee’s scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational potential continues to provide enjoyment long into the future. http://www.winnipesaukee.org/

11-19-2024, 11:01 AM	#2
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,245 Thanks: 1,299 Thanked 1,595 Times in 1,034 Posts	In stream flow Around 2000, DES did a 10 year study on instream flow needs to protect habitat in streams all around the state, developing "in-stream flow rules". Winnipesaukee isn't just fore Winnipesaukee. We're protecting all the waters down stream. Same applies in other areas. On the cynic side, what do these all have in common? 1. Weather forecasting 2. Political pollsters and 3. DES.

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