News Release

January 10, 2007

ELEVATION OF GREAT SACANDAGA LAKE CONTINUES TO REMAIN HIGH
  
The elevation of the Great Sacandaga Lake continues to remain high as a result of two to two and one-half inches of rain received over the past weekend.  “The heavy rain has significantly increased the reservoir inflow.  On Monday, January 8, 2007, the Great Sacandaga Lake inflow averaged 19,000 cubic feet per second, a flow typical of the spring-time runoff,” said Regulating District Chief Engineer Robert S. Foltan, P.E.  “The reservoir elevation is anticipated to begin decreasing today.”

The unusually warm winter weather has prevented the reservoir from freezing.  With the onset of more seasonable temperatures, the Hudson River - Black River Regulating District reminds all Great Sacandaga Lake permit holders and lake recreational users to use caution on and around the reservoir as it begins to freeze.  Changes in ice surfaces will occur as a result of the release of water during the next several months.

The Regulating District continues to maximize the release of water from the Great Sacandaga Lake in accordance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license and the Upper Hudson/ Sacandaga River Offer of Settlement operating agreement.  However, the GSL reservoir elevation will remain higher than normal over at least the next eight to ten weeks.  If the current trend of above-normal precipitation continues, higher than normal reservoir elevations may persist through late winter.