Hope you have been enjoying the wonderful fall weather we’ve been having lately.
This is just a reminder that on Tuesday, October 15th, the KLC will begin the annual drawdown. The purpose of the drawdown is to protect shoreline areas and docks from winter ice damage. In addition, the drawdown permits time for shore-line maintenance projects and, with enough cold weather, inhibits shore-line weed growth. Please plan accordingly.
Please be advised that we will begin to refill Kinderhook Lake on Monday, April 1, 2024, in accordance with our DEC Drawdown Permit. Changes in the water level during the refill are weather dependent: more rain & snow melt = quicker refill; less rain and snowmelt = slower refill.
This is an early reminder that on October 15 we will begin to lower the lake to winter level. The water will be lowered to approximately 52″ below the average summer level in accordance with our DEC permit. The purpose of the drawdown is to protect shoreline areas and docks from damage during ice and snow thaw. The lower lake level has the added benefit of allowing time for shoreline and dock maintenance projects, although we suggest you complete any such projects in the fall as it is often difficult to control the rising water level in the spring due to rain and snowmelt. The speed of the drawdown depends on the weather – a lot of rain will slow the drawdown, while little rain will hasten the speed. We reverse the process and return the lake to summer water level following ice-out in the spring.
We will begin lowering the lake to winter level on October 15th. Winter water level is approximately 52-inches below the average summer water level. Depending on rainfall, winter water level is usually attained by early- to mid-November. The drawdown occurs annually in accordance with our DEC permit in an attempt to protect shorelines and docks from ice damage during the winter. This also allows riparian owners time to repair and/or improve their shorelines and docks. Shoreline projects are best completed in the fall, as rising water levels in the spring can be unpredictable due to snowmelt and rain events.
Spring has arrived!! This time of year is always exciting as we anticipate warmer weather and, as always, the rise of the lake back to summer level. Contingent on full ice melt, this rise will likely begin sometime in early April. Riparian property owners are reminded to clean their lakebed of any debris (leaves, twigs, branches, etc.) and if you have any unfinished shoreline projects, please make sure they are completed quickly.
The lake is finally approaching its winter drawdown level. As an annual reminder to shoreline property owners, please do not rake leaves into the lakebed as they provide nutrients to feed invasive weed growth and algae. If possible, rake and remove any leaves that have blown into the lakebed. Branches and twigs should be removed as they tend to end up clogging the sluice gate at the dam and provide a danger to boaters and swimmers. Also, remember that the water level can rise quickly in the spring depending on rainfall and snowmelt, so please try to complete any shoreline projects this fall. 
This is an early reminder that on October 15 we will begin to lower the lake to winter level. How fast the water level drops depends on the weather. We suggest you plan to complete any shoreline projects this fall as it is often difficult to control the rising water level in the spring due to rain and snowmelt. For newbies around the lake, the winter water level is approximately 52″ lower than the average summer level and we usually begin to bring the water back up to summer level shortly after ice-out in the spring.
Every spring, shortly after the ice is off the lake, we crank down the sluice gate, add the flashboards back on top of the dam, and begin to raise the lake to summer level in accordance with our DEC permit. This year, that activity will start on April 3rd. Depending on the weather and water flow through the Valatiekill from our 41 square mile watershed, raising the lake fully will take anywhere from a week to over a month.
If you are a shoreline owner, please take some time before April 3rd to rake and clean out the lake bed in front of your property. Rotting leaves provide nutrients that spur the growth of aquatic invasive species and twigs and branches can float down to the dam and clog the outlet as well as create a hazard for boaters.
Follow Us on Facebook!