Worries At Lake Winnepesaukee

From the Associated Press:

MEREDITH, N.H. -- Businesses and residents are concerned about the higher-than-normal water level at Lake Winnepesaukee and damage to shoreline property following last week's flooding.

The water has risen over walkways, docks and culverts.

"The lake is now in our back yard rather than having a wetland out there that was not supposed to be disturbed," said Caroline Russell of the Meredith Landing Condo Association.

State officials are trying to help by releasing more water at the Lakeport Dam in Laconia. It was held back during the flooding last week over flood concerns downstream at Silver Lake, but now about 18,000 gallons a second are being let out.

Silver Lake residents are still concerned that their property will be flooded. "With Memorial Day coming in, you've got all that boat traffic on Winnepesaukee. They all want to ride their boats. I just feel they're going to hit us with more water," resident Bill Chavanelle said.

State officials said at this rate of release, it will take two to three weeks before Lake Winnepesaukee is back to a normal level.