Needed Repairs to Avery Dam Result in Drawdown of Opechee Bay

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services announced today that due to the need for immediate gate repairs at the Avery Dam in Laconia by the hydropower operator, Avery Hydro, Opechee Bay’s water level will be dropped at a rate of about one foot per day starting Sunday, February 28. The drop in water level is expected to be temporary, probably a week or less, after which the water level will be raised back to ordinary level. The amount of reduction in the water level could be up to 3 to 5 feet during this period while active repair work will be being performed. Dropping the water level with ice on the lake and river means the ice will be potentially very unsafe, as it cracks and moves, and the public should stay off the ice at all times.

For more information, please contact Dan Mattaini, NHDES Dam Bureau at Daniel.j.mattaini@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-8867.