Drought dries up lake access
Duke Energy has closed more ramps on Lake Wylie.
All ramps at Buster Boyd and South Point in Belmont access areas are being closed due to declining lake levels caused by continued drought conditions.
All four boat ramps at Allison Creek Access Area were closed mid-summer.
Nivens Creek Access Area, near Fort Mill, remains open.
Lake Wylie sits more than 6 feet below full pond elevation, and 4 inches lower than it was a week ago.
“Despite last weekend’s rainfall, Lake Wylie is still well below normal. The region continues to experience drought conditions and with no expected improvement,” said John Crutchfield, public safety and recreation strategy planning director.
“Boaters and other recreational users should be on look out for potential navigational hazards when on the lake.”
The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Council announced in July the region is in Stage 1 of the drought protocol. Residents are asked to be mindful of their water usage.
Duke Energy will continue to monitor lake levels and works as part of the CW-DMAG to address the drought conditions.
Lake levels and access area ramp information is available at duke-energy.com/lakes.
The closings, particularly Buster Boyd, will effect Riversweep on Oct. 3. But the event still will operate at each of the planned boat landings.
“We’re going to get what we can get,” said Riversweep co-organizer and Lake Wylie Marine Commissioner Neil Brennan.
Boats still will use the ends of the docks to bring trash, and volunteers will carry it to dumpsters nearby. Buster Boyd usually has a tractor or two to haul large items. Organizers still will try to use them even without access to ramps.
Organizers ask anyone who lives on the lake and can get on the water, or for people who may still use Nivens Creek, to provide boats to help. Tarps will be available.
The North Carolina Drought Advisory Council extended its list of counties in Stage 2 drought on Sept. 15, which includes Gaston. Mecklenburg remains in Stage 1. Residents and businesses are asked to eliminate nonessential uses of water.
This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 5:14 PM with the headline "Drought dries up lake access."