KEENE, NH – Heavy rain Wednesday forced the temporary closure of Surry Mountain Lake’s recreation area.

Park Ranger Michael Servant told the Keene Sentinel the lake’s depth was 21 feet, compared to 15 feet under normal conditions. The beach and part of the parking lot were reportedly under water, however, he expected it should return to normal levels soon.

Rangers are hopeful the lake will be open for the weekend and for the Fourth of July holiday.

Otter Brook Lake remains, although it was at 26 feet Wednesday afternoon, six feet higher than its typical 20 feet, but two feet shy of flood level.

Both lakes are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In a post on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Otter Brook Lake & Surry Mountain Lake Facebook page, officials urge caution while in the parks and warn that the water has not been tested at either recreation area since the rainfall, and historically after significant rain events bacteria levels are high.

For any questions, please call 603-352-4130.

Heavy rain also caused a road in Newport to be washed out for the second time in two weeks. Sand Hill Road was washed out Wednesday, just days after being washed out by flash flooding from heavy rain, leaving many residents stranded.

Newport Department of Public Works Director Todd Cartier said Wednesday that temporary road service should allow access for emergency vehicles while they work on a fix.