CONCORD —More than 30 state-owned dams have seen doors open and water released downstream to help alleviate high water in some lakes.

Daniel Mattaini, operations engineer in the dam bureau of the state Department of Environmental Services, said Tuesday that Lake Winnipesaukee is three to four inches higher than full and many other lakes are at or near full, after going from near-drought conditions earlier this spring.

“We had anticipated the weather we got on Friday and crews went out to open gates on some of the 30-owned state dams,” he said.

Squam Lake has had water released twice in the past four days.

Lake Winnipesaukee is a massive water system and “we do have to worry about downstream lakes,” specifically he said flows in the Tilton area and Silver Lake area.

National Weather Service officials said that almost four inches of rain were recorded in the Lakes Region through Monday at noon, though it was not as bad as some communities in Maine.

“We're still monitoring things,” Mattaini said.

Marine Patrol officials reported high water was causing some breaking free of vessels and stationary docks under water, and recommended boaters be particularly mindful of their wake as they put out near shoreline. The safe distance to stay from shore or other objects is 150 feet.

ptracy@unionleader.com