FINGER LAKES--Local sheriff’s offices have reminded the public that the numerous recent day-long rain events have pushed lake levels above target ranges and that debris in the water poses a risk to safe navigation and property.
“Boaters are cautioned to be observant of floating debris and reduce speeds,” said the Yates County Sheriff’s Office. “Water levels have risen considerably and even over docks in some areas.”
The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office posted the advisory for Seneca, Cayuta, Lamoka, and Waneta Lakes, while Yates added Keuka and Canandaigua Lakes.
“Boaters are reminded that under New York Navigation Law, vessels must operate at no more than 5 m.p.h. within 100 feet of shore, docks, and other structures,” said the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office. “Given current high water conditions, excessive wake near shore is likely to cause damage to docks, boats, and shoreline property. Due to cold water temperatures and hazardous conditions, boaters are strongly encouraged to avoid going out unless necessary. If you do choose to operate, all occupants should wear a properly fitted life jacket.”
Keuka Lake’s law is no more than 5 m.p.h. boating within 200 feet of shore.
Chair of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association’s lake level committee, Tim Johnson, said in a letter, “Seneca Lake water levels have risen noticeably following a series of rainfall events over the past two weeks across the watershed. Based on observations from gauges in Geneva and Watkins Glen, the watershed has received on the order of two to three inches of rain over the past 14 days, with approximately one and a half to two inches falling in the most recent two and a half day period. After remaining relatively steady for several days, the lake level responded with a rapid rise of about six to seven inches on March 30 and March 31, and another three to four inches from March 31 through Thursday, April 2. The lake responses to the earlier rainfall show a typical lag between rainfall and inflow to the lake, but the later impacts show the result of build-up of soil water saturation. Current regional indicators from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center show above-normal soil moisture conditions, meaning that much of the recent rainfall is now running off rather than infiltrating, increasing the sensitivity of lake level to rainfall.”
He added, “In addition to direct rainfall and runoff, lake levels are influenced by major tributary inflows and managed outflows. Although the Seneca Falls gates are releasing a relatively high amount of water (1,900 cubic feet per sec, CFPS), inlet flows from Keuka Lake (1,200 CFPS) and Catherine Creek (210 CFPS). Unknown amounts from the various creeks feeding into the lake are also high, but SLPWA field results indicate some tapering of these. At the north end, outflows through the Seneca River system near Seneca Falls are regulated and can vary depending on downstream conditions. So far there is more downstream capacity for water than we experienced last May and June, but Cayuga Lake is only a few inches away from the “Minor Damage” lake level and NOAA is warning of flooding. Moving forward from here, we’re expecting around one inch of rain spread through the next three days, with the most coming on Sunday morning, about 0.6”. This could result in up to a six inch rise in lake level. If so, this will bring “Minor Flood Damage” on the lake, similar to the highest level in recent years.”
Local marine patrols will continue to monitor the lake conditions.
“Boaters are cautioned to be observant of floating debris and reduce speeds,” said the Yates County Sheriff’s Office. “Water levels have risen considerably and even over docks in some areas.”
The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office posted the advisory for Seneca, Cayuta, Lamoka, and Waneta Lakes, while Yates added Keuka and Canandaigua Lakes.
“Boaters are reminded that under New York Navigation Law, vessels must operate at no more than 5 m.p.h. within 100 feet of shore, docks, and other structures,” said the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office. “Given current high water conditions, excessive wake near shore is likely to cause damage to docks, boats, and shoreline property. Due to cold water temperatures and hazardous conditions, boaters are strongly encouraged to avoid going out unless necessary. If you do choose to operate, all occupants should wear a properly fitted life jacket.”
Keuka Lake’s law is no more than 5 m.p.h. boating within 200 feet of shore.
Chair of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association’s lake level committee, Tim Johnson, said in a letter, “Seneca Lake water levels have risen noticeably following a series of rainfall events over the past two weeks across the watershed. Based on observations from gauges in Geneva and Watkins Glen, the watershed has received on the order of two to three inches of rain over the past 14 days, with approximately one and a half to two inches falling in the most recent two and a half day period. After remaining relatively steady for several days, the lake level responded with a rapid rise of about six to seven inches on March 30 and March 31, and another three to four inches from March 31 through Thursday, April 2. The lake responses to the earlier rainfall show a typical lag between rainfall and inflow to the lake, but the later impacts show the result of build-up of soil water saturation. Current regional indicators from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center show above-normal soil moisture conditions, meaning that much of the recent rainfall is now running off rather than infiltrating, increasing the sensitivity of lake level to rainfall.”
He added, “In addition to direct rainfall and runoff, lake levels are influenced by major tributary inflows and managed outflows. Although the Seneca Falls gates are releasing a relatively high amount of water (1,900 cubic feet per sec, CFPS), inlet flows from Keuka Lake (1,200 CFPS) and Catherine Creek (210 CFPS). Unknown amounts from the various creeks feeding into the lake are also high, but SLPWA field results indicate some tapering of these. At the north end, outflows through the Seneca River system near Seneca Falls are regulated and can vary depending on downstream conditions. So far there is more downstream capacity for water than we experienced last May and June, but Cayuga Lake is only a few inches away from the “Minor Damage” lake level and NOAA is warning of flooding. Moving forward from here, we’re expecting around one inch of rain spread through the next three days, with the most coming on Sunday morning, about 0.6”. This could result in up to a six inch rise in lake level. If so, this will bring “Minor Flood Damage” on the lake, similar to the highest level in recent years.”
Local marine patrols will continue to monitor the lake conditions.
