Lake Champlain hits lowest level in 30 years Drought conditions make spring flooding less likely

BURLINGTON, Vt. – The ongoing drought is dropping the level of Lake Champlain.

It remained at its lowest level in 30 years early Monday, at 93.74 feet above sea level. That’s well below the average January lake level of 96.23 feet above sea level.

The low lake level has left beaches looking like wind-swept deserts littered with driftwood and an occasional tire, milk crate or other bits of junk.

There’s less likelihood that there will be spring flooding this year, said Greg Hanson, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service.

Still, the low water levels have created a number of problems along Lake Champlain.

Boaters who need more than two feet of water to float their vessels, for example, can’t get into the mouth of the Winooski River, said David Bourbeau of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Stranded driftwood and debris will challenge parks and recreation departments around the lake this spring as workers tidy beaches in preparation for the summer season.

Low water will test the ability of certain lakeside structures, such as the Burlington Community Boathouse, to survive the extremes.

Ben Pacy, superintendent of park operations for Burlington’s Parks and Recreation Department, said the boathouse was susceptible to tipping as the water level drops to its minimum tolerance.

The boathouse is moored with ropes that pull one way and pilings that pull another way, Pacy said.

“In the worst-case scenario, we’ll cut the pilings,” Pacy said. “But we’re confident the lake level will start going up soon.”

Scientists say the lower level of the lake does not appear to be hurting too many fish and wildlife that live in and around the lake. The drought is a natural cycle and various species adapt to it.

Mike Winslow, staff scientist for the Lake Champlain Committee, said naturally fluctuating lake levels may purge or flush wetlands along the fringe of the lake and play a role in controlling fish, insect and plant populations.

“This is just the way the lake regulates itself,” Winslow said.