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Merrymeeting · 08-20-2010, 08:18 AM

As many have noted, this summer has been the most fantastic for lake enjoyment in a long, long, time, and I wouldn't want to give any of it back.

But increasingly, or decreasingly as the case may be, the weather is certainly affecting the water level on Merrymeeting Lake. We are at the lowest level seen at this time of year by a long shot, and we seem to be dropping at a rate of 1-2" each day now.

We are 2.5-3' below normal high water. In many cases, people are starting to abandon use of their docks as either the water is too shallow or too far below the dock structures to be useful.

Merrymeeting is fed by several large streams and many springs. All of them are barely a trickle at this point.

There has been no overflow from the dam since early July. But we cannot stop the regular flow from the lake as the deepwater pipes that feed the fish hatchery still require a full flow.

This is good news for those of you on Winipesaukee as it means the flow into the Merrymeeting River, and therefore into Alton Bay remains somewhat normal.

Much as I've loved this weather, we could use a long rainstorm.

08-20-2010, 08:18 AM	#9
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,217 Thanks: 299 Thanked 795 Times in 365 Posts	As many have noted, this summer has been the most fantastic for lake enjoyment in a long, long, time, and I wouldn't want to give any of it back. But increasingly, or decreasingly as the case may be, the weather is certainly affecting the water level on Merrymeeting Lake. We are at the lowest level seen at this time of year by a long shot, and we seem to be dropping at a rate of 1-2" each day now. We are 2.5-3' below normal high water. In many cases, people are starting to abandon use of their docks as either the water is too shallow or too far below the dock structures to be useful. Merrymeeting is fed by several large streams and many springs. All of them are barely a trickle at this point. There has been no overflow from the dam since early July. But we cannot stop the regular flow from the lake as the deepwater pipes that feed the fish hatchery still require a full flow. This is good news for those of you on Winipesaukee as it means the flow into the Merrymeeting River, and therefore into Alton Bay remains somewhat normal. Much as I've loved this weather, we could use a long rainstorm.