LAKEPORT, Calif. – Although Clear Lake is still officially open to the boating public, to protect public safety and public property, the Parks and Recreation Division of the Lake County Public Services Department has temporarily closed all boat launches located on Clear Lake within county parks due to the lake's continuing high and rising waters.

Officials said the high lake level can damage park structures and facilities.

Temporary boat launch closures include Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch in Clearlake Oaks, Lucerne Harbor Park in Lucerne, Keeling County Park in Nice, Lakeside County Park in Lakeport and Rodman Slough in Upper Lake, Public Services said Friday.

Those ramps will reopen when Clear Lake recedes below the monitor stage of 8 feet Rumsey and the safety of these areas have been assured, according to the report.

Clear Lake hit flood stage, 9 feet Rumsey, early Friday morning, as Lake County News has reported. The lake is predicted to rise still higher, to about 9.5 feet Rumsey, but Monday.

Rodman Slough County Park launch – a “soft” launch with no concrete – is currently submerged and will remain closed for a longer period of time, the county reported.

Along with its boat launch, Lakeside County Park also is closed in its entirety – ball fields, picnic areas, and playground – until further notice due to high water, Public Services said.

The city of Lakeport and the city of Clearlake stated on Friday that their public launch facilities will remain open as long as it is safe to do so and Clear Lake remains open.

In Lakeport, this includes Library Park (ramps at First, Third and Fifth streets) and in Clearlake at Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive.

Privately-owned boat launching facilities may remain open and the public is encouraged to contact these businesses directly.

The boating public is cautioned to keep in mind that due to the ongoing storms, there is much debris in the lake – tree limbs, parts of docks, etc. – and a slower speed is greatly encouraged, particularly near shore where any wake can cause potentially damaging waves to already weakened structures.

For more information about public boat launches and other park amenities, please call 707-262-1618 or visit http://parks.co.lake.ca.us.

For current information on Clear Lake, visit the Lake County Water Resources Web site at www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Water_Resources.htm .

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