Weather forecasts usually introduce big rains with fanfare. Radar showed rain approaching earlier in the evening (Sun 6/16), but tended to understate what actually took place. Along with thunder and lightning came 1.5 inches of rain during overnight hours. That ties it for second for the most rain on a given day since January 1, 2024. Still leading is Friday, January 26th when 1.75 inches fell. The other 1.5 inch day was Sunday, May 26th.
Since January 1, 2024, rainfall at Clark Lake totaled 18.625 inches. Winter snowfall was light – only 11 inches from November to mid-February.
These Clark Lake measurements were recorded on the west end, along Eagle Point Road. Care was taken to locate the rain gauge for a clear view of the sky, dodge the effect of trees, and stay away from the shoreline where wind and waves tend to influence outcomes. The measurements were typically recorded when the rain stopped. For example, if the rain started at 9 pm on Friday and stopped at 7 am Saturday, the number was attributed to Saturday. Results may be different at other parts of the lake. This effect is confirmed by watching rain fall across the lake, but not seeing much of it arrive at your location.
Earlier articles on this website offered a calculation on how much rain contributes to lake level, thanks to research by John Deming. “An inch of rain falling on an acre results in 27,154 gallons of water. Our lake is estimated to be 580 acres. The total? 39,373,300 gallons.” Last night’s 1.5 inches means 59,059,950 gallons replenished the lake. And the actual number could be higher as runoff also contributes to the level of the lake.
Clark Lakers often check the DamCam to see how much water is falling over it. Here’s a look from 10 am today (Mon 6/17).
There are times when no water flows over the dam. If that occurs, it’s usually late in the summer.
For a deeper dive into lake level, please click here. It describes an era when lake level dropped considerably.
What constitutes “normal” rainfall in the general area? This chart combines precipitation with high and low temperatures.
Thanks for the informative update. I’m still wondering why the lake level is so low. Before last night’s rain the level at the shore near the gear garage was the lowest I can remember seeing. Also looking closely at the dam, It appears that water is flowing through the dam not just over the dam. Could be my optical illusion.