Water Levels and Winter Prep
Hello Megunticook Watershed Association Members and Supporters,
I have a few things for your consideration:
Water Levels
Boats clog the East Dam trash rack during the April 30/May 1 flood, raising water levels.
I recently learned that the Town of Camden has scheduled required inspections for the East and West
Dams on September 11. To accomplish the inspection, I understand the Town will be gradually lowering the water level of Megunticook Lake and Norton Pond to approximately 24 inches below the spillway. Based on records of water levels for early September, that appears to be a fairly typical water level for that time of year and is also consistent with the Town's current operational guidelines. After the inspection, the Town said they will attempt to operate the dam to raise the water level back to 20 inches or so below the spillway to help with dock and float removal, before lowering to the winter level per the guidelines. Keep in mind that minimum flow requirements for the river must be met and there must be enough precipitation to raise water levels (which seems likely this year!) but there is no guarantee. Please plan accordingly!
Please also remember that MWA does not operate the dam or control water levels, but we do our best to keep our membership informed. If you would like to review the operational guidelines they are linked on our website here, and log books with historic records of lake levels are linked on the Town of Camden's website here.
Winter Prep
Speaking of water levels, it was just about 4 months ago that we experienced the torrential rains and associated flooding from the April 30/May 1 storm. We know that some canoes and kayaks got loose and clogged the trash rack which raised water levels by a foot or more during the flood, and we spent a few weeks tracking down docks, floats, and other debris. It also seems that more frequent and intense rain storms are becoming the norm, so we should unfortunately prepare for more high water events.
When preparing your property for the winter, please consider the following steps - Pull, Secure, Label:
Pull - pull anything that could float or blow away well up on the shore. I recommend you pull it up as high on shore as you think you need to, then pull it up a few more feet!
Secure - after pulling items up on shore, make sure to tie down anything that could blow or float away, including canoes and kayaks, chairs, dock boxes, etc.
Label - label your items with a name and contact information. Even though I'm sure everyone will properly secure their waterfronts, JUST IN CASE we find your float or kayak out in the middle of the lake, we can get it returned ASAP :)
Thank you!
Regards,
Tim Trumbauer
Executive Director and Watershed Patrol
