Late Launch
Tygart Lake water levels up, but marina shut down
Morgantown Dominion Post
13 August 2012
Thanks to increased precipitation, an historically low water level
at a local lake has turned into higher than normal levels in just
a couple of weeks.
About a month ago, officials had to close and remove the docks at
the Tygart Lake State Park marina because of low water levels.
Mike Estuck, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said the water
level at one point was 15.6 feet below the normal summer height of
1,094 feet. But during a two-week period, the water level rose
16.5 feet. Today, the water level is three feet above the normal
level. The army corps manages the lake.
The constant precipitation the area received helped with the
increase in water level, Estuck said.
The docks at the marina were removed when water levels were low.
Estuck said the docks were damaged in the removal process and by
the severe weather the area experienced. He said that he was told
there was $30,000 in damage.
By the time repairs are complete and the docks reinstalled, the
season would be over, so Estuck said there are no plans to put the
docks back this year.
“We’ll be ready for next season,” Estuck said.
The loss of the docks has caused some issues, he said. The boat
launch ramps can get congested, he said, and officials are asking
for boaters’ patience.
According to AccuWeather, today’s forecast calls for a few
thunderstorms and the high tempature to be in the upper 70s.