Commonly known as "The Queen of American Lakes," Lake George's crystal clear waters and picturesque views make it a bustling summer destination, especially for boaters.
A fun day out on the lake is something many in the Northeast look forward to every summer. Sitting at the southern end of the Adirondacks, Lake George is the most popular place to enjoy a variety of summer activities, particularly boating.
Lake George is a headwater lake. This means hundreds of streams feed into it, making it a natural watershed originating in the Adirondack Forestlands. Most of this land is protected as forever-wild Forest Preserve and publicly owned by New York State.
Lake George contains more than 170 islands varying in size, some of which are used as campgrounds and are only accessible by boat.
The glacier-formed lake known for its large size and clear waters is not only used for recreation, but it is also a source of drinking water for thousands of residents. New York State designated it as a Class AA-Special water body.
In 1792, Thomas Jefferson described the lake as "without comparison the most beautiful water I ever saw," as he was in awe of its crystal clear water. Today, it is not only a residential resource, but also a large cash generator for the local tourism industry of Upstate New York.
The lake's rich history continues to hold a high regard to this day by local organizations and remains protected by the government.
According to the Lake George Association, the New York State Legislature recognized Lake George as “an area so distinctive in natural qualities and scenic beauty that it is deserving of special protection" in 1961.
To give you an idea of how busy the lake is, the Lake George Park Commission claims that nearly 3,000 boats reside at commercial and resort marinas. The majority of the boats are settled in the busier, southern lake area and merely 14% are in the northern lake locations.
While making plans to get out on the water during the warm months is a must, it is also important that we do it safely.
Following the latest rules and regulations, along with staying on top of the weather forecast, can ensure you and loved ones will stay safe out on the lake.
Knowledge of the current and future weather plays an important role for boat operators since they are the most vulnerable to the wind, temperatures, storms and squalls out on the water.
In general, wind speeds over 20 knots or 23 mph are too high for boaters. At this wind speed, almost all size boats will be greatly affected, and smaller boats may could become capsized.
On Lake George, a northerly wind component can really bring on a rough chop due to the long north-to-south orientation of the lake.
On calm days, low clouds and fog can get stuck between the mountain ranges that surround the lake. Some days, you might have to wait it out until the fog lifts or visibility improves.
While lake water temperatures are very agreeable in the summer months, air temperatures can vary from very cool to warm. It's always best to plan ahead. Be aware of the temperature fluctuations and make sure you dress accordingly.
When showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast, reschedule your day on the boat for a quieter time. If you do venture out, stay close to shore and have a plan to head to a sturdy shelter on land if changeable weather arrives.
It is also important to know the latest boating rules. Here are some current boating laws in New York State from In Focus with JoDee Kenney on Spectrum News 1.
Also, remember the south end of the lake, near the Lake George Village and the Million Dollar Beach, tends to be busier with more boat traffic than the northern end of the lake.
Hopefully, you can use these tips in order to avoid an emergency on the water. Luckily, there are plenty of other activities you can do in the Lake George area while you wait for storms to pass.