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.
On October 15th, in accordance with our DEC drawdown permit, we will begin to lower the lake to winter level. Winter level is approximately 52-inches lower than the average summer level and depending on weather conditions could take a few weeks to attain. Please be sure to complete any shoreline projects this fall while the lake is low, as springtime water levels are often difficult to control due to snowmelt and rain. As always, please remember not to rake leaves, twigs, and branches into the lake in the fall. If you can, please remove fallen leaves from the lake bed. Rotting leaves provide nutrients for aquatic invasive species and branches and twigs end up clogging the dam sluice gate.
We have been lucky to have some warm and sunny days this fall. Please enjoy the next week on the lake and remember to have your boats out by October 15th. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your area board member.
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