Spring Natural History Note - Lake Levels

Flooded Burlington waterfront. Photo by Justin Hurtt

Snowmelt-filled rivers and streams lead to rising lake levels this time of year. Additionally, plants can’t readily absorb any rain that falls before the flowers blossom and trees leaf-out so it moves fairly rapidly to the streams. On average, the lake’s level climbs almost three feet between the beginning of March and early May, peaking at about 99 feet above sea level.  As of March 26, 2009 the lake stood near 97.5 feet.