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Slim This space for rent
Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Posts: 560 | TRs | Pics Location: Falling off a turnip truck |
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Slim
This space for rent
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Sun May 12, 2019 6:09 pm
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Looks like it's going to be a low water year ...
Quote: | From: "NOCA_Backcountry_reservations, NPS" <noca_backcountry_reservations@nps.gov>
Date: May 12, 2019 at 9:01:41 AM PDT
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Ross Lake Camp Closures
Dear Ross Lake Boat-In site reservation holder,
Lake levels on Ross Lake reservoir are predicted to be significantly lower than normal during the summer months of 2019. Levels are expected to be 15-25 feet below the full pool of 1602.5 feet. The unanticipated low reservoir level is due to lack of rainfall, a decline in snow pack, and the protection of chum salmon redds resulting in a drawdown by Seattle City Light.
Effective immediately, the following areas in Ross Lake National Recreation Area are closed:
—all campsites accessed by boat on Ross Lake are closed to overnight use;
—the exposed lakebed to the full pool line unless in designated areas; and
—the boat ramps at Hozomeen
These temporary closures are in effect for public health, safety, and resource protection. The low lake levels impact the park’s ability to pump out the vault toilets, the exposed lakebed provides difficult terrain and hazards from unstable trees, and visitor use within the exposed lakebed could impact park resources.
Lake levels and on-going management assessments will determine when campsites and boat ramps will reopen. If campsites are opened, they will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the Ross Lake section of the park website for current conditions and updates. https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/boating-on-ross-lake.htm |
"Lean mean money-making-machines serving fiends"
"Lean mean money-making-machines serving fiends"
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Slugman It’s a Slugfest!
Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 16874 | TRs | Pics
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Slugman
It’s a Slugfest!
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Sun May 12, 2019 9:03 pm
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I was just now planning my trip there. I was hoping to start June 15th. Bummer.
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Cyclopath Faster than light
Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 7697 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Cyclopath
Faster than light
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Sun May 12, 2019 10:14 pm
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They told me a couple weeks ago when I reserved a fast boat that the water level would be lower than I've ever seen it.
Mystery Island has good swimming when it's exposed.
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Stefan Member
Joined: 17 Dec 2001 Posts: 5085 | TRs | Pics
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Stefan
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Mon May 13, 2019 9:37 am
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Even when you do your own kayaking these campgrounds are closed? Seriously? That does not make sense.
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Cyclopath Faster than light
Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 7697 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Cyclopath
Faster than light
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Mon May 13, 2019 9:42 am
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The docks at these campgrounds probably aren't touching water. Normally you'd paddle a kayak up to the dock and get out. I'm pretty sure (from looking foam at Ross last weekend, and from experience) the docks are high and dry.
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thunderhead Member
Joined: 14 Oct 2015 Posts: 1511 | TRs | Pics
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Since when do you need a dock for a kayak?
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iron Member
Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 6391 | TRs | Pics Location: southeast kootenays |
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iron
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Mon May 13, 2019 10:16 am
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thunderhead wrote: | Since when do you need a dock for a kayak? |
millennial era?
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Malachai Constant Member
Joined: 13 Jan 2002 Posts: 16088 | TRs | Pics Location: Back Again Like A Bad Penny |
The pain with low water in Ross Lake is not the lack of docks. When the water is very low it is a long distance through mud and waterlogged logs between campsites and the water. The lake shores are mostly steep with few beaches. This is combined with a constant threat of a thunderstorm coming in making for a rapid rise of water. This makes it unwise to leave your boat close to the shore. In addition the shore is ugly as sin during extreme low water.
"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
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thunderhead Member
Joined: 14 Oct 2015 Posts: 1511 | TRs | Pics
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Ya, the water walk is annoying but that doesn't strike me as something that should close a campsite.
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Cyclopath Faster than light
Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 7697 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Cyclopath
Faster than light
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Mon May 13, 2019 10:46 am
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iron wrote: | thunderhead wrote: | Since when do you need a dock for a kayak? |
millennial era? |
Did you guys read the post that started this thread? People aren't allowed on the exposed lake bed. Nothing millennial about following the rules.
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iron Member
Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 6391 | TRs | Pics Location: southeast kootenays |
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iron
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Mon May 13, 2019 10:49 am
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thunderhead Member
Joined: 14 Oct 2015 Posts: 1511 | TRs | Pics
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Quote: | People aren't allowed on the exposed lake bed |
Why? Sand and mud is hazardous? Ecologically sensitive?
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JonnyQuest Member
Joined: 10 Dec 2013 Posts: 593 | TRs | Pics
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From the linked article...
These temporary closures are in effect for public health, safety, and resource protection. The low lake levels impact the park’s ability to pump out the vault toilets, the exposed lakebed provides difficult terrain and hazards from unstable trees, and visitor use within the exposed lakebed could impact park resources
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Stefan Member
Joined: 17 Dec 2001 Posts: 5085 | TRs | Pics
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Stefan
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Mon May 13, 2019 12:03 pm
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So,
Big Beaver Campground is closed....even though you can walk to it....because it is accessed by boat. That would make Little Beaver Campground closed too. As well as Devils Junction, and Rainbow Point closed too.
Based on the exact wording of this:
Effective immediately, the following areas in Ross Lake National Recreation Area are closed:
—all campsites accessed by boat on Ross Lake are closed to overnight use
Something is amiss in the wording...
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Cyclopath Faster than light
Joined: 20 Mar 2012 Posts: 7697 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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Cyclopath
Faster than light
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Mon May 13, 2019 12:03 pm
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thunderhead wrote: | Why? Sand and mud is hazardous? Ecologically sensitive? |
I don't make the rules, I just spend more time at Ross Lake than the average bear, and I'm trying to share what I know. The email in the OP gives a few reasons.
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