Drawdown schedule will take drought conditions into account
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES) announced yesterday that the annual fall drawdown of the lakes and ponds controlled by dams owned by NH DES will be initiated according to the schedule detailed on the NHDES website. As of now, Pawtuckaway Lake’s drawdown is scheduled tentatively for October 13, 20205.
Lake drawdowns are conducted each fall to reduce winter ice damage to shoreline properties and to reduce spring flooding. Drawdowns also give property owners an opportunity to conduct any necessary repairs to their waterfront property, provided they first secure a permit from the NHDES Wetlands Bureau at (603) 271-2147.
Due to the ongoing drought conditions across the state, the drawdown dates could be adjusted to a later date considering lake and river levels at the time of the drawdowns.
Additionally, the final depth of the drawdowns from full level could be reduced to ensure refill is reached following spring runoff.
C. Wayne Ives, P.G., Hydrogeologist and Instream Flow Specialist, NH DES, adds the following caveat:
“Because of the low starting water level of Pawtuckaway, the starting date is likely to be later than the stated October 13 date. And because of the rain last week and this weekend the date may shift further as Dam Bureau tries to follow the usual track. I estimate they may start the drawdown as late as October 21. When I learn more, I will let you know.”