SANDUSKY, OH -- Lake Erie boaters are being urged by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to use extra caution this year while out on the lake, as lower water levels are creating additional hazards to navigation. Lake levels are projected to be as much as two feet lower than a year ago.
"While lower lake levels will help reduce flooding and coastal erosion along Ohio's 262-mile Lake Erie coast, it will also create challenging navigation hazards for boaters, especially in the traditionally shallow western basin and along Lake Erie tributaries," said ODNR Director Sam Speck. "Boaters need to be especially careful this summer while fishing, waterskiing or cruising certain sections of Lake Erie."
According to Speck, lake levels could be even lower in July, August and September when the lake traditionally drops below its springtime level. Boaters should also use caution when navigating western Lake Erie during southwest winds, as lake levels may be temporarily lowered.
To help boaters avoid trouble around the Lake Erie islands, the ODNR Division of Watercraft has teamed with the other boating agencies to identify areas with the greatest potential for boaters to run aground this year.
The following is a top ten list of potential grounding areas in Lake Erie's western basin, where water may be too low for safe navigation:
1) All water between Johnson's Island and Bay Point in Sandusky Bay, including the Bay Point Sandbar.
2) Gull Island Shoal north of Kelleys Island.
3) Middle Harbor Shoal near East Harbor Beach
4) North entrance to West Harbor (the sandbar forming at the end of the breakwall into Lake Erie)
5) Starve Island Reef area
6) All water along the northeast side of South Bass Island from Perry's Victory Monument to Ballast Island, including Buckeye Reef.
7) Lonz's Point Reef off Middle Bass Island.
8) Put-In-Bay's Alligator Reef between Gibraltar Island and South Bass Island
9) Sugar Island Reef between Sugar Island and Middle Bass Island.
10) All water between Mouse Island and Catawba Island.
Other trouble spots include all western basin tributaries, Sandusky Bay west of the Coal Docks and Sandusky Bay east of the Cedar Point Causeway. The Division of Watercraft also recommends that boaters use navigation charts this year to help avoid trouble spots.
According to ODNR, Lake Erie water levels have fallen approximately 2.4 feet since the near-record highs of 1997.