Forum Index > Trail Talk > Low water levels at Ross Lake force closure of boat-in campsites
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Slim
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PostSun May 12, 2019 6:09 pm 
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

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Slugman
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PostSun May 12, 2019 9:03 pm 
I was just now planning my trip there. I was hoping to start June 15th. Bummer.

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Cyclopath
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PostSun May 12, 2019 10:14 pm 
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
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PostMon May 13, 2019 9:37 am 
Even when you do your own kayaking these campgrounds are closed? Seriously? That does not make sense.

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Cyclopath
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PostMon May 13, 2019 9:42 am 
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
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PostMon May 13, 2019 10:05 am 
Since when do you need a dock for a kayak?

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iron
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PostMon May 13, 2019 10:16 am 
thunderhead wrote:
Since when do you need a dock for a kayak?
millennial era?

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Malachai Constant
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PostMon May 13, 2019 10:23 am 
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.

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thunderhead
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PostMon May 13, 2019 10:26 am 
Ya, the water walk is annoying but that doesn't strike me as something that should close a campsite.

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Cyclopath
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PostMon May 13, 2019 10:46 am 
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
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PostMon May 13, 2019 10:49 am 
R-E-L-A-X

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thunderhead
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PostMon May 13, 2019 11:09 am 
Quote:
People aren't allowed on the exposed lake bed
Why? Sand and mud is hazardous? Ecologically sensitive?

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JonnyQuest
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PostMon May 13, 2019 11:39 am 
thunderhead wrote:
Why?
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
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PostMon May 13, 2019 12:03 pm 
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
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PostMon May 13, 2019 12:03 pm 
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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