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TiltonBB · 08-26-2013, 06:57 AM

The Lakeport Dam typically discharges between between 250 and 1,050 cfs. That rate is the determining factor in the speed of the water flowing through the Weirs Channel.

The NHDES website mentions shoreline erosion, complaints about the levels, and the generation of power as the some of the concerns they have when deciding how to regulate the flow over the dams in Lakeport and downstream.

What is significant in it's absense is any reference to the speed of water in the Channel and how it affects navigation and boating safety. Because the tourist and recreation industry is so important to New Hampshire and the Channel is the most travelled area on New Hampshire's biggest lake it would seem important to take that into consideration.

The easy solution would seem to be to increase the flow between 10PM and 8AM and slow the flow down during the day. As it currently works (or doesn't work depending upon your perspective) the changes in flow rate are only made on the day shift and only on weekdays. In other words: What is left on Friday afternoon is what is happening on Monday Morning.

It is just my opinion but the concerns about boating safety should should overide the generation and sale of hydroelectric power.

08-26-2013, 06:57 AM	#20
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 2,897 Thanks: 644 Thanked 2,153 Times in 900 Posts	Dam discharge rate The Lakeport Dam typically discharges between between 250 and 1,050 cfs. That rate is the determining factor in the speed of the water flowing through the Weirs Channel. The NHDES website mentions shoreline erosion, complaints about the levels, and the generation of power as the some of the concerns they have when deciding how to regulate the flow over the dams in Lakeport and downstream. What is significant in it's absense is any reference to the speed of water in the Channel and how it affects navigation and boating safety. Because the tourist and recreation industry is so important to New Hampshire and the Channel is the most travelled area on New Hampshire's biggest lake it would seem important to take that into consideration. The easy solution would seem to be to increase the flow between 10PM and 8AM and slow the flow down during the day. As it currently works (or doesn't work depending upon your perspective) the changes in flow rate are only made on the day shift and only on weekdays. In other words: What is left on Friday afternoon is what is happening on Monday Morning. It is just my opinion but the concerns about boating safety should should overide the generation and sale of hydroelectric power.