Despite dry conditions, Battenkill Valley Outdoors open this weekend

CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Despite some recent rainfall, most of the Capital Region is still in a moderate drought and the conditions are even more severe deeper into New England. NEWS10 checked-in with a local business that monitors rainfall and water levels closely, to stay afloat.

The phone is not ringing off the hook, but Battenkill Valley Outdoors is open, despite dry conditions and fluctuating water levels. 

When we first introduced you to Don and Lisa Otey, they anticipated closing their seasonal business earlier than normal, due to the Battenkill’s low water levels. But after the recent rainfall, they’re back open for their final weekend of the season.

“It’s stayed low for longer than most people around here remember, I’m talking 20, 30, 40 years,” said Don.

Water levels fell below four feet before significant rainfall last week. Levels bounced back, then dipped near 4 feet again, before rebounding up to nearly 5 feet. As of Thursday, it’s just under 4.5 feet.  “We watch those levels, it’s still a lovely float,” said Lisa.

They said, floating is best between 4.5 feet and 5.5 feet. “Most of the time, you know, during the summer we’re in that range. You know, they’ll be days when it goes up and so on. But most of the time we are able to operate during the summer months,” said Don.

But, Don said, dry conditions have hit them particularly hard this year. “We actually had to shut down for the first time in, I don’t know when, because it just got too low.” 

He said this year they closed for five weeks. Lisa described how it felt when they finally got some rain.

“It felt hopeful. Just was grateful to see it for the whole landscape because all the vegetation, the farmers, the fishermen, everybody was looking forward to having a real rejuvenation of the water. And it was here, which is great,” said Lisa.

Lisa said they’re at the mercy of mother nature. They said it’s a nice time to make a reservation to watch the fall foliage from the river’s perspective. 

“Beautiful fall colors. It’s a great time to be out,” said Don.

“You would have to bundle up because it is…We don’t have the 70 degrees of last week, that’s for sure,” said Lisa.

They close for the season on Monday evening and usually open back up mid-May. 518-677-3311