Lake Waukewan and Lake Winona Lake Level Management Opinion Survey

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES), in cooperation with Hampshire Hospitality Holdings, Inc., the owner of Lake Waukewan Dam, is studying the current lake level management protocols that affect the private and public interests, use, enjoyment and health of both Waukewan and Winona lakes. The dam directly controls the level of Lake Waukewan; and the water levels in Lake Waukewan as well as the flow characteristics of the Winona Road culvert and the Snake River wetland influence the level of Lake Winona.

DES has already held two public information meetings to accept public comments on the management of water levels at Waukewan and Winona lakes. These meetings, which occurred in Center Harbor on Monday, September 28, and in Meredith on Tuesday, September 29, provided DES and the dam owner with information and opinions on current and future water management practices. The intent of this survey is to reach a wider audience to garner additional comment from lakeshore residents, lake users or other interested parties. Ultimately, DES, after evaluating the responses, together with other information already and as yet gathered, expects to issue an interim operating plan to the dam owner that will be exercised through the 2010 recreational season. After that time, most likely by the end of August 2010, DES will again reach out to the affected population to help determine the best long-range plan for managing the impoundments controlled by the Lake Waukewan Dam.

As you will note in the survey below, elevation 540’ 0” (540 feet and 0 inches) has been set as the upper limit for any future recreational lake level for Lake Waukewan. This elevation, which is about 6 inches less than the average summer elevation maintained for the last several years, has been established to meet the current dam safety requirements. Specifically, the dam must be able to pass the runoff that results from the 100-year storm precipitation expected for the Lake Waukewan watershed. At a starting elevation of 540’ 0”, coupled with the storage provided by both Waukewan and Winona lakes and the discharge capacity of Lake Waukewan Dam, this requirement is achieved.

In the survey you are asked your opinion as to whether a constant level or one that falls over the course of the summer is best, as well as your opinion as to what those levels should be. Also, we’d like to get your thoughts on an annual lowering of the lake in the fall – a condition that could allow for, among other things, additional flood storage for spring runoff, reduced ice damage to shorelines and the ability to better maintain shorefront property and structures. Blank space is also provided for you to relay other thoughts or opinions.

Please submit the survey by December 18, 2009, so that your ideas may be included as we develop the interim operating plan for 2010.

To avoid duplicate surveys, we require basic personal information. Name:
Address (NH address if seasonal resident):
Address 2:
City/Town:
State:
ZIP/Postal Code:
Email Address:
Phone Number:

1. Lake Waukewan and Lake Winona Lake Level Management Opinion Survey

1. To avoid duplicate surveys, we require basic personal information.

2. My primary area of interest is:

3. I am a (check all that apply):

6. My preference for the Columbus Day level is:

7. Do you support an annual drawdown of the Waukewan Lake level in the fall beginning on or about Columbus Day and lasting until spring?

8. If you answered yes to the previous question, what elevation do you feel is appropriate for a drawdown?

9. Use the space below to provide additional comments on your thoughts relative to the management of water levels at Waukewan and Winona lakes.