LAKEPORT >> Once again the speed on Clear Lake has been limited, this time to the power of an oar.
On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors of Lake County announced the lake will be closed to all motorized vessels and other motorized vehicles. This came after weeks of rain and flooding caused the board to waver between speed limits.
The current notice is in immediate effect and will remain in place for no more than 60 days or until the Board takes any other action. It applies to all motorized boats except for the Sheriff’s patrol.
The public will be notified when the restriction is lifted from the Lake.
“Kayaks, paddled craft and wind-powered vessels can continue to utilize the lake,” said Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Steve Brooks in a prepared statement.
This closure is due to the continued high water levels and for potential damage to shoreline properties that line the Lake. The supervisors used the same argument recently when they placed a 5 mile an hour speed limit on all craft entering the water. This was later amended to a 5 mph limit within some 300 yards of the shore, with no limit beyond.
Although the lake has been ebbing over the past few days, dropping to 9.67 on the Rumsey Gauge as of Tuesday evening, down from a peak of 9.8, it remains above flood stage. And forecast rainfall starting tonight through Friday is expected to drive the level back up — perhaps even to 10.0.
If long range forecasts hold, Clear Lake may surpass the 1998 level of 11.44 on the Rumsey Gauge. Full is 7.56.
The supervisor’s decision puts several upcoming bass tournaments in question. However, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday evening issued a statement that the team bass tournament, set for March 18-19, is a go. Forecasts for March call for drier weather.
For further information, it is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department or the Water Resources Department for the county.
