5349-R2_ML&P_LSLA_2016_Web_WinterNewsletter_Web

Hopkins Dam Report Bruce Micucci

As I write this we are just about 3 weeks ahead of the October 15th dam opening to begin the lowering of the lake to winter level. Hurricane Marie is now making a turn to the east and out to the open Atlantic - thank you Marie for skipping Maine. After three major hurricanes devastated so many homes and lives, I feel very fortunate to be spared. Thank you dam crew member Justine Beaudoin for your consistently accurate weather forecasts. We were able to plan for the full potential of June’s heavy rain and damaging winds as well as prepare for the potential deluge of water from the major hurricanes in the weather days ahead. Thanks to crew members Rod Bernier and Dave Vance as well as Collins Pond Dam Keeper Roger Patterson for being at the ready throughout the summer and during this very active hurricane season. The Hopkins Dam received a bit of a grooming this summer. We contracted with Brewer Tree Service to remove eleven trees that the state dam inspector requested be removed. The trees were removed to prevent the roots from damaging the pointing between the blocks and to keep water from following the roots and weakening the earthen structure.

The dam is in good condition. We have completed all maintenance requests from the state dam inspector. Our Emergency Action Plan has been brought into compliance with the new software at the State Dam Safety Office. Water level has remained within +/-2 inches of summer high for the entire summer season. The late summer has been very dry. Once the dam is opened in October we will hold the flow until we get to -15 inches, usually about Thanksgiving. We do not let the water level get below -20 inches because of the many shallow wells still being used. Ideally we like to be about -15 to -18 inches below summer level as the lake starts to freeze in mid-December. These water levels give us the best protection against ice movement which is responsible for damaging many beaches and rip rap retaining walls. Most importantly it gives us the capacity to methodically deal with the winter snow melt and the always dangerous spring rains. I would much prefer to error on the side of low water than high. I’ve experienced the lake at 22 inches above summer high back in the early 90’s. Holding back that much water is asking a lot of a 127 year old dam. Thanks to Pam and the LSLA Board of Directors for their always present confidence and support.

Want to Work Down Under? Milfoil committee is looking for an experience, certified diver to milfoil removal next summer. Will need to be State certified and willing to take the course next June. We also have a diver who is willing to mentor. The program runs the first of July to the end of September. Work is dependent upon weather with normally six hour days. FMI contact: pwilkinson@littlesebagolake.com

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