In early October I posted a series of pics regarding the low water level at Hinckley Reservoir in upstate NY. The combination of low rainfall and demand had reduced the lake some 35 feet below spill level. I had hoped to post some pics in Spring 2008 to contrast these to normal levels. That won’t be necessary. Over the past several weeks we have had considerable rain. Also, the major draw off of the reservoir, the NY state canal corporation, reduced their demand and planned to close the canal early. (At present, the canal is nicely topped off.) The result is that the lake is now just a few feet below spill over. Below the fold are some pics that I took just a few days ago. In the meantime we have had more rain (and some snow), so I wouldn’t be surprised if the level is even higher than shown.

First off, a shot from the top of the dam looking past the four very large concrete columns. Notice that these were high and dry in early October. Also notice the lack of mud flats in the background.

I could not get the same low angle shot of the columns as I did before without donning scuba gear. This is as close as I could get:

Finally, here’s a shot down the lake. No more “wide river” effect. We’re back to a lake.