Summer heat has people ready to hit local waterways, but historic rains have postponed the summer fun indefinitely at Barren River Lake’s beaches.
According to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the lake is dropping about four inches per day as they continue to release excess water downstream, but the beaches are still largely underwater.
Lead Ranger at Barren River Lake, Dan Taylor, said the water is still 19 feet above summer pool level and it needs to be within five to six feet of the summer pool, or even a little bit lower, to be able to open the beaches because sand needs to be exposed. Also, the beaches will need to be raked and cleaned to make sure there is no foreign objects that could hurt somebody’s foot.
While the lake is still open to boaters, officials said the beaches are still too dangerous for anyone to enjoy.
Taylor said you can’t see the depth markers so the designated swim areas are not safe for swimming at this point.
He said if there are no further significant rain events, Barren River Lake should return to normal summer pool levels by August.
He did not say when their beaches would re-open, but they won’t be opening in time for the Fourth of July festivities.
The Friends of Barren River Lake said Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are still on at the lake this year despite the historic flooding, but there will be around 350 fewer parking spots available for the event.
Attendees will be able to watch the show from the hillside at the state park, the tennis courts nearby, or by boat.
Source: WBKO
You must be logged in to post a comment.