Forum Index > Trail Talk > Low water levels at Ross Lake force closure of boat-in campsites
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lolWes
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lolWes
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PostMon May 13, 2019 12:28 pm 
https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/faqs-for-ross-lake-low-water-lake-levels-2019.htm Pulled from NCNP website: "Will I still be able to use Lightning Creek and Big Beaver for my hiking trip? Yes, if you have a backcountry permit. Without using these campsites, the hiking distances for through-park hikers is too far for most people." Well, looks my original plans for my Pasayten thru hike i August are no good anymore....

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thunderhead
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PostMon May 13, 2019 1:37 pm 
Quote:
the exposed lakebed provides difficult terrain and hazards from unstable trees
ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha Perhaps this is an example of our weak sue-happy society. Or perhaps it is also an example of some truly lazy rangers at NCNP coming up with an excuse to slack.

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Slugman
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PostMon May 13, 2019 5:44 pm 
Does every thread here have to be polluted by crybaby morons too lazy to look anything up? The cynicism and stupidity is exactly what is wrong with our world. Lazy idiots attacking experts based on nothing but a built in ability to trash anything and anyone. Two more idiots for the ignore list.....

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Bootpathguy
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PostMon May 13, 2019 6:51 pm 
Slim wrote:
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
Just updated From: "NOCA_Backcountry_reservations, NPS" <noca_backcountry_reservations@nps.gov UPDATE Date: May 13, 2019 at 6:06:41 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 higher than normal during the summer months of 2019. Levels are expected to be 15O-250 feet above the full pool of 1602.5 feet. The unanticipated high reservoir level is due to last winters enormous snow pack and increase in temperatures, and the protection of resident walruses will finally get the opportunity to mate & multipy. The endangered North Cascade walruses won't mate unless the Ross Lake watershed is 150 to 250 feet above normal. The male walruses will be extremely aggressive this time of year. 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; ( they'll be underwater ) —the boat ramps at Hozomeen ( they'll be underwater ) These temporary closures are in effect for public health, safety, and walrus protection. The high lake levels impact the park’s ability to pump out the vault toilets ( they'll be underwater ) the exposed treetops provides difficult terrain and hazards from unstable trees, and visitor use within the lake could impact walrus mating behavior. 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 SaveTheEndangeredNorthCascadeWalruses.org #savethewalrus

Experience is what'cha get, when you get what'cha don't want
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pjhorst
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PostMon May 13, 2019 10:06 pm 
Ha, Walruses. Fun stuff. To clarify - Big Beaver is open for business. Just can't require a boat to get there. Having requested a couple of nights at Big Beaver mid-summer via the reservation lottery, I got the same notice. Upon clarification with the rangers that I didn't need to use water taxi nor a personal craft (canoe/kayak), they issued my reservation confirmation. If you are in the same 'boat', I recommend you just give them a call. Good luck! PJ

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Brushwork
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PostTue May 14, 2019 8:44 pm 
Well I’m sure glad the walruses are going to have some together time with the new high water. It’s about time. Of course that means some islands will be submerged. Oh well, can’t have everything....

When I grow up I wanna play.
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Jake Dogfish
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PostWed May 15, 2019 6:55 pm 
I have never used a dock with a kayak. I prefer a lake with low water levels for getting in and out.

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