Dam Logs
Below are graphs showing lake levels and water flows from January 1, 2023, onward. These are made possible by volunteers using the Dam Cam and remote monitoring.
Starting January 2024 we changed the logging format. For simplicity we show the graphs separately by year, with 2025 updating automatically.
Pond Elevation is the lake level relative to the top of the dam. Flow (before changes) is the flow over the dam prior to any changes that may be made that day to the stop logs. Stop log changes are shown as dots on the graph.
Dashed and dotted lines are used to show the desired flows and pond elevations. We try to stay within these ranges, but mother nature often has other ideas.
As a reminder, we don't truly control pond elevation, all we can do is influence it based on the amount of water we release. Generally we must release at least the Aquatic Base Flow of 1.2 cubic feet/second at all times unless permission is granted from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to release less, typically due to low pond levels and dry weather conditions.
Dam Logs Graph
These graphs show the results of reading of the two rulers now being used to monitor the level of the lake and water flow over the dam. For days where no reading was obtained, there is a gap. During periods of rapid lake level change there may be multiple observations in a single day.
The top line shows the water flow over the dam in inches.
The bottom portion of the graphs show the lake level as a negative number representing inches below the top of the dam. This is referred to as the Pond Elevation.
Each ruler has 1" gradations.
Dam Cam Placement
Initially, in January 2023, we cable-tied the camera and solar panel to the Dam fence for an initial test, about 5' high.
On February 16, 2023, we installed a mounting bracket created by the Dam Keeper and relocated the camera to about 6' 6" above the Dam.. Due to the camera's greater height and sharper angle, we found reading the rulers more difficult.
On April 18, 2023, we relocated the camera to its current position below the boards that provide access across the opening of the Dam. This location, shown above, is close to the water level and provides a very clear ability to read the rulers. On June 26th we made a minor tweak to the camera mounting bracket.