The long-awaited opening of Spinney Mountain Reservoir will be Wednesday, April 30, second latest in history. Gates will open at 5:31 a.m., half-hour before sunrise.
Kevin Tobey, manager of the state park, said the delayed opening was caused by a large ice sheet that otherwise threatened the north shoreline and the north boat ramp. At only 5.8 vertical feet from filling, the water level will allow that boat ramp to open, but not the one on the south shore.
Tobey reported an in-flow to the lake at 112 cubic feet per second, enough to prompt a run of trout. Outflow is measured at a robust 249 cfs, also stimulating a run up from Elevenmile Reservoir. Elevenmile retains a more formidable ice cover, with openings at various places along the south shore.
The latest previous opening was May 1 in 1993, the earliest March 24 in 1999.
State parks passes are required to utilize both reservoirs.
