Keuka Lake drawdown is underway

KEUKA LAKE--The annual drawdown of Keuka Lake began earlier in November, marking the second year in a row the summer water level was extended by one month. As of Monday, Nov. 16, the lake level was at 713.49 feet and steadily declining. The lake lowering should be complete by the start of December, and the minimum desired level will not rise again until March of next year. During its lowered state, the minimum desired level will be 711.95 feet, while the maximum desired level will be 712.55 feet.
The summer desirable range for Keuka Lake is between 714.25 feet above sea level and 713.72 feet. This level was maintained until Oct. 1 prior to last year. At that time, levels would decrease to winter levels between 712.50 feet and 711.95 feet over a period of about a month. The annual drawdown -- or manual lake lowering by manipulating the water gates in Penn Yan -- was delayed until Nov. 1 for the first time last year according to the Keuka Lake Association (KLA).
The Keuka Lake Outlet Compact (KLOC) made the decision for the 30 day delay last fall in order to allow for an extended boating season following a survey conducted two summers ago, where more than two-thirds of the responses indicated support of an extended season. While last year, the water level was slightly below the minimum desired level in the weeks leading up to the drawdown, this year's October and November levels have been between the recommended marks. The lake has only dipped below the minimum this year from a period in late August to late September before rising back to normal toward the beginning of October.