Boaters use caution: Lake level low for Labor Day Weekend

While there was precipitation for 14 straight weekends before June, rainfall has been scarce this summer, which has contributed to low water levels across the state.

In Lake Winnipesaukee, the level is 0.6 feet lower than normal for this time of year, and state leaders urge boaters to be aware and use caution.

“Check water levels and maps beforehand,” Michal Sventek, Department of Safety public information officer, said. “Lakes may have exposed rocks, logs or other hazards that are normally underwater. Use up-to-date lake maps and local resources to understand current conditions.”

According to state Department of Environmental Services Water Division Assistant Director Ted Diers, the normal level of Winnipesaukee would be 504.32 feet, and currently his department’s data reads 502.95 feet.

“Normally, we are already a foot down from the full lake at this time,” Diers explained. “That is the normal course between the end of May and now. We are another half a foot below that. Precipitation is about 7 inches below normal. That’s a lot.”

Sventek, on behalf of Marine Patrol, gave several recommendations for boaters, including reducing speed and keeping a lookout. Sventek said low water level means hazards are closer to the surface and can appear suddenly.

“Slow down, especially near shorelines, and keep a sharp eye out for submerged or partially submerged obstacles.”

Another tip is to avoid restricted or shallow areas, and follow posted signs about closed or restricted zones due to low water. Sventek noted some areas may be off-limits for safety or environmental reasons.

There could also be sudden changes, as water levels tend to fluctuate rapidly depending on rainfall or water releases. Sventek recommends staying updated through local sources, like DES.

It is always important to inform someone of your plans when boating, and if possible, avoid boating alone.

“Having at least one other person can be crucial if you encounter problems,” he said.

Boaters should inspect their vessel before and after launching by checking the hull for damage. In the case of getting stuck in a shallow spot, Sventek said to avoid forcing the boat free, as it can cause damage. Instead, carefully maneuver it, or call for assistance.

Low water levels are directly related to the drought, which DES Public Information Officer Jim Martin said is “pretty bad at the moment,” and “hitting historic lows on surface waterbodies like rivers.”

“It is unprecedented in some areas,” Martin said. “It came on quickly.”

Diers explained that in the middle of June, precipitation was 3 to 4 inches above normal statewide, thanks to the more than three months of heavy precipitation. Since then the tables have turned, with most of New Hampshire being 3 to 5 inches below normal.

“That’s a huge differential between what we had in June compared to now,” Diers said. “This is a rapid onset event that dramatically changed the hydrologic conditions.”

Diers explained there have been continual high temperatures with high evaporation rates. With no significant precipitation in 60 days, the state is now experiencing a flash drought, as conditions changed so abruptly.

He added waterbodies like ponds and rivers are all extremely low, with some even dried up.

“Anything without an inlet with water coming in from the watershed is more impacted,” Diers said. “Some rivers are at historic lows for this time of year.”

As the drought continues, Diers said it is important for the public to follow any imposed restrictions, like water bans. Keeping conservation-minded is key by refraining from overwatering the yard, and he also said to be cautious, as dry conditions present a fire risk.

Lake draw downs take place across the state in the coming months, including Winnipesaukee, where the water level normally drops up to 3 feet. Diers said it will still likely be a normal draw, but it will take a shorter period.

“We’ll be circumspect about all of that, because we also don’t want problems filling lakes in the spring,” he said. “We want to make sure we have storage for winter runoff. It can be a complicated dance.”

Diers agreed with Marine Patrol recommendations, saying boaters should be on the lookout for rocks in areas they normally wouldn’t expect to see them. He has also heard reports of pontoon boats stuck in mud. This is a problem that could persist, he said.

“It is challenging, because we don’t see the lake levels coming up in the next month or so,” Diers said. “There is no precipitation in the forecast that suggests the situation reversing.”