The Ossipee River dam was almost completely closed down at 10 a.m. Monday morning. As for the reported lake level, it is 406.07 as of 4 p.m. yesterday and is increasing at a rate of 0.08’ per day. If nothing changes, the level will be up to about 406.6’ by this time next week. The “Operating Rule” for Ossipee Lake issued in the spring of 2005 calls for 406’ by May 1st and 407.25’ (summer level) by June 1st. So far, so good. [Click “Lake Water Level” on this page for real-time data].
Smart Report
The Smart Report: We Got Here Yesterday
When you hear it at the transfer station, it must be true: the ice is out on Ossipee Lake.
The Smart Report: Almost There
I was at the dam around noon Thursday. Snowplow piles restricted a close up view, but I did confirm that all five south side gates are open. Looking to the west there is open water and no ice blockage. Water flow is steady and the level appears to be the same on both sides of the south dam. This is normal when the lake elevation is below 405′. The south side dam drains the water from the bottom of the lake so water flow resembles a river at today’s activity level.