5/4/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – All launch ramps associated with Tygart Lake are closed due to high-water conditions. The park’s launch areas and marina are underwater, according to Brennon O’Sullivan, Tygart Lake State Park Superintendent. The park marina and launch ramps, as well as the Pleasant Creek WMA side of the lake, is affected.
“These conditions may exist for the next several weeks and are dependent upon the severity of continuing rains,” O’Sullivan said.
Tygart Lake is monitored and controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood-control dam. “I met with Mike Estock with the Corps of Engineers and I understand that Tygart Lake water is being retained due to severe flooding conditions on the lower Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, O’Sullivan said. “Also, if rains occur to the south of Grafton, the boat launch ramps will remain underwater as they are currently.”
When storms hit, multi-purpose flood control reservoirs built and maintained by the Corps of Engineers retain excess water upstream of the dam. Controlled releases of this excess water prevent or reduce downstream flooding. Prevention of flooding downstream in turn often limits the use of lake facilities such as launch ramps.
Tygart Lake is located minutes from Grafton, W.Va. The state park features a 20-room lodge overlooking Tygart Lake, marina operations, vacation cabins, fishing and boating. The Boston Beanery recently accepted the food service operations at the lodge and is open daily. “With Memorial Weekend approaching, we are hopeful that rain in our area subsides and water levels will return to normal, but currently, Tygart Lake Dam is serving the purpose it was intended – flood control – not only for our area, but also when disaster strikes elsewhere.” The park will post launch ramp access on the website
www.tygartlake.com.
For lake conditions and flood control information, contact the Corps of Engineers at (304) 265-1760. The Corps also maintains a website for Tygart Lake information at
http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/rec/lakes/tygartla.htm.
Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey provides National Water Information at
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03056000.
For more information about Tygart Lake State Park, facilities and activities, call (304) 265-6144.
Contact Information
Brennon O’Sullivan, Superintendent or Mike Estock, Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District
(304) 265-6144 or (304) 265-1760