Rising Lake Oroville puts boat ramps and parking lot underwater
PARADISE – With a recent increase of a few feet in water elevation, the boat launch and parking lot at the Nelson Bar of Lake Oroville is closed because it is underwater.
The terrain elevation varies between 891 and 895 feet and is affected by higher lake levels, according to an email from DWR public information officer Raquel Borrayo.
On Wednesday, Lake Orville’s elevation was 894 feet and the entrance to the parking lot was closed.
While the parking lot near the boat launch is closed, a small parking lot is open just uphill from the main parking lot from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Patrice Kielhorn and Erica Kielhorn visited the area on Wednesday and set up camping chairs to watch their youngsters swim in the day-use area.
“We haven’t seen (the lake) this full very often in years. We are really grateful to have had all this rain,” said Patricie Kielhorn.
Nance Eakins drove to the area on Wednesday to take photos by the lake with her partner.
“I have lived here for 41 years. It’s sad to see it when it’s empty and then when it’s full, it’s cool to see,” Eakins said.
The Nelson Bar parking lot and ramp will open when the water recedes below 891 feet, Borrayo said.
All standard boat launches should remain open when the lake is expected to reach full capacity in June, she said, including Bidwell Canyon, Spillway Launch, Loafer Creek, Loafer Point, Lime Saddle and Enterprise.
The Dark Canyon boat ramp is also closed due to a county road needing repair.
California Daily Newspapers
