Many lake users have noticed that water levels on Upper Saranac Lake are lower than usual this summer and have inquired whether the recent reconstruction of the Bartlett Carry Dam is to blame. In short: it’s the weather, not the dam.
The lake’s water level is governed almost entirely by natural factors—rainfall, runoff, and evaporation. The Bartlett Carry Dam does not have a gate or mechanical system to regulate outflow. Instead, water flows freely over the dam’s 175-foot spillway. When lake levels are high, more water spills over; when they’re low, less does. Crucially, the recent dam reconstruction project did not alter the crest height of the dam, so it has not contributed to any long-term change in lake level.
So why is the lake lower this year?
Simply put, it’s been dry and sunny. With reduced rainfall and increased evaporation, water levels have dropped. According to data from the Lake Clear Airport:
- June 2025 saw just 2.53 inches of rain, about 42% below the monthly average of 4.36 inches.
- July 2025 brought 3.53 inches, around 13% below the average of 4.06 inches.
- August 2025, so far, has recorded no measurable rainfall.
By comparison, last summer was unusually wet:
- June 2024 saw 5.82 inches of rain (33% above normal).
- July 2024 received 6.37 inches (57% above normal).
As of this writing, water is flowing 3.96 inches over the spillway—a figure well below the historical average of 6.82 inches for this time of year and closer to the record low of 2.76 inches.
You can view the current lake level and historical data anytime on the Upper Saranac Foundation website:
https://usfoundation.net/programs/water-quality/lake-level/
Despite the seasonal dip, water level fluctuations on Upper Saranac Lake remain modest compared to other Adirondack lakes. For example, Long Lake, Lake Champlain, and Indian Lake can experience multi-foot variations, while Upper Saranac typically sees about six inches of fluctuation annually. So far in 2025, the total variation has reached 10.44 inches, indicating a more dynamic summer but still within a historically manageable range.
As always, the Upper Saranac Foundation will continue monitoring conditions and providing regular updates to help our community understand and protect the lake we all cherish.