It’s been another high water June (that drifted into another high water July.) Lake Champlain was in great shape back in early spring, maybe even a little low. But then the rains began. And they didn’t let up for more than a few days at a time. Week after week. The end of May and most of June delivered a parade of rainy weekends the likes of which few remember. Okay, so that’s not exactly true (and it’s not exactly science. Just grumbling justified.) Today, however, I share great news. Rosslyn’s beach is back. Hurrah!
With so many signs of seasonality defining the contours and textures of our time at Rosslyn, the rise and fall of Lake Champlain water level ranks relatively high in importance. With the 2011 flooding marking an all time nadir, you’d think all subsequent spring-summer lake level angst would be insignificant by comparison.
But the reverse is true. We’ve seen the reality of rising, rising, riding waters. And we worry. Until the lake crests. Then we exhale a long sigh of relief. And wait. For the beach.
After seasonal soggies persisted longer that normal, longer than desired, and longer than compatible with having a usable beach, we’ve finally rounded the proverbial corner. Rosslyn’s beach is back!
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Once the lake level begins to drop, the beach generally returns pretty quickly. A foot of water level drop probably equates to 8-10 feet of extra beach. Soon we’ll be able to store windsurfing gear on the sand, and Carley will be able to race around, chasing ducks and frisbees. Life. Is. Good. (Source: Beach is Back 2023)
With the wisdom of my ripe old age (and two years to digest my overzealous claim), I’m going to revise that overly optimistic equation. I’m going to estimate that 1′ of actual Lake Champlain water level drop roughly extends Rosslyn’s beach by about 6′ or so. The still might be a little bullish, but it feels more accurate that my ’23 claim.
In any case, the water level is dropping and Rosslyn’s sand beach is growing deeper by the day. For water loving Labrador retrievers, that’s good news. Carley and her cousin, Bella, will be taking full advantage the dog friendlier waterfront in the days and weeks ahead.
And it’s a whole lot more convenient for our fleet of small boats. Windsurfers can get stored along the seawall on the sand. Guideboat, dory, and canoe can get dragged ashore and stored wherever convenient. Ditto for the Zodiac, rowboat, and SUPs. And a deeper stretch of sand is perfect for beach bonfires and s’mores too. Basically beach life is better all around!
What do you think?