Lake Norman water level Oct. 2023

Oct. 17. By Dave Yochum. With Lake Norman down more than two-and-a-half feet below target levels, it’s best to be extra-careful out on the lake right now.

“You need to be very cautious and some people may have issues getting their boat off the lift depending on depth at their slip,” says Jeff Junker, owner of Carefree Boat Sales and Mountain Creek Marina.

He said it’s a good time for someone who is new to the lake to “putt around and find all the shallow spots” you should avoid even when the water is up a foot or even more.

A depth meter is a must.

“If you are unsure,” stop the boat,” says Kevin Scott, owner of JK Marine Service in Cornelius.

Kevin Scott

To further complicate things, smaller boats may ride lower in the water with a full load than larger boats.

Right now Lake Norman is five feet below full pond, or about six inches above minimum levels, as per Duke Energy’s Current Lake Levels report.

Rolling farmland = highs and lows

Michael Miltich, captain of the Carolina Grace charter vessel, said he keeps the yacht well clear of shoals, sticking to the main channel as well.

“This used to be rolling farmland. There are all kinds of hills now covered with water, and sometimes not very much water,” he says.

Pro tip

Miltich on Carolina Grace

One trick to gauge the depth is to look at the neighboring shoreline.

“If the land at the water’s edge is steep, then you can expect the water to become quickly deep. However, if the land gently enters the lake, expect it to be much shallower in that area,” Miltich says.

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Junker said low lake levels make it easier to check for shoreline erosion issues.

Lake Norman water level Oct. 2023