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.