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Low Waters Levels Will Hamper Some Boating At Ross Lake National Recreation Area

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Boating on Diablo Lake could be hampered a bit this spring and fall while maintenance is performed on the Ross Dam barge landing/NPS

Scheduled maintenance by Seattle City Light will require the lowering of Diablo Lake by 10 feet, down to 1,192 feet above sea level, for periods this spring and again in the fall. As a result, boat ramps will be inaccessible to power boats and some paddlers might have trouble launching, as well, according to North Cascades National Park officials.

The power company will be performing maintenance on the Ross Dam barge landing and ferry facilities. Low lake levels will occur May 12 through June 15, and again September 15 through October 31. During these times, the Diablo Lake and the Colonial Creek boat ramps, which are located within Ross Lake National Recreation Area, will be inaccessible to motorboats and it will be difficult for paddlecraft to launch, the park said in a release.

Lake levels will fluctuate during the draw down, but boaters should be aware that Seattle City Light may rapidly vary the lake level without notice. It is therefore recommended that boaters refrain from using their vessels on Diablo Lake from May 12 through June 15 and again from September 15 through October 31 so as not to be stranded. While lake levels are low, National Park Service staff will clean sediment off the public boat ramp at Colonial Creek Campground. Normal lake levels will resume June 16 through September 14, and again on approximately November 1.

Seattle City Light will also complete work on the docks located on the east side of Diablo Lake near the Ross Haul Road. These facilities will be open to visitors on June 12. The Ross Haul Road between Ross Powerhouse and the tunnel, as well as the Diablo Lake Trail Bridge, will be closed through June 20 and again September 7 through November 4.

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