May 2, 1014— Blue Marsh Lake recreation facilities have been closed to the public due to recent heavy rain and flood damage reduction actions. The lake level rose nearly five and a half feet higher than the normal summer pool.
On the evening of May 1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined the Schuylkill River could accept additional storm run-off and at 10 p.m., dam operators started taking actions to reduce water levels in the lake. The current release level from the dam is 2500 cubic feet per second. While this is not a major release, it is a significant amount of water.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not have a projection of when staff will reopen recreation areas based on these flood damage reduction actions.
People visiting Blue Marsh should be aware of the closure of the recreation areas and restriction on boating at the facility. Visitors who are using the trail system should be aware that low sections may still be flooded. Anyone venturing into wet areas should use caution.
Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants you to stay safe. Don’t become a statistic – and always be prepared for the unexpected!
Release no. 14-010