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Mayor warns of safety risks after Canalwood Lake drawdown following DOE request
Summary
The mayor said Canalwood Lake was lowered about four feet beyond the original plan after a U.S. Department of Energy New England-region request to increase power production during the cold snap; he warned of an 'air gap' between ice and water and urged residents to exercise caution.
The mayor of New Milford told livestream viewers that Canalwood Lake’s drawdown was increased by about four feet beyond the original plan after a request from the U.S. Department of Energy’s New England region to produce more power during the recent cold snap.
He cautioned residents that the deeper drawdown can create dangerous conditions on the ice. "If you're going out on the lake, just remember when they're drawing down, there could be an air gap between the ice that you're on and where that water is. So, just make sure you really are cautious as we're going through this draw down," the mayor said.
The mayor also noted a potential ecological side effect: the drawdown can help reduce invasive zebra mussels and milfoil and make it easier for property owners to repair docks and decks. He emphasized that the change was a response to regional grid needs during extreme cold rather than a local operational decision alone.
What’s missing: the livestream did not include a direct statement from the U.S. Department of Energy or the lake operator; the mayor presented the town’s account and safety guidance.
Next steps: the mayor asked residents to take extra safety precautions near the lake while the drawdown is in effect and to follow updates posted to the mayor’s page and town alerts.
