Low water has made boat launching impossible at Cougar, Beaver and Saddle Dam ramps
WOODLAND — Low water levels in the Lewis River drainage are beginning to impact boaters. The boat ramps at Saddle Dam Park, Cougar Park and Beaver Bay on Yale Reservoir will close until further notice.
The ramp at Yale Park is open and provides boat access to the reservoir. Boat launches on Merwin and Swift reservoirs are open.
Low snowpack and below average spring rains means water coming into the series of reservoirs managed by PacifiCorp is well below normal for this time of year. Statewide, the Washington governor has declared a drought. Closure signs are posted at the affected recreation sites.
Reservoir levels, even without the water conditions seen this year, are subject to available inflows and downstream flow requirements for fish and aquatic habitats. While reservoir levels are always subject to fluctuation, PacifiCorp recognizes the importance of recreational resources and balancing of recreation access with environmental requirements.
