There will be pools of water big enough to float a boat and tow a water skier, but don't expect runs to be as long or water to be as calm as boaters would like.

The expanding shoreline around many of the state's most popular reservoirs is shrinking the boater's playground. In some cases, it's impossible to even launch boats. In other cases, the number of boats allowed to launch will be limited.

The only usable ramp at Deer Creek, for example, is the one at the state marina. Three private ramps have been closed. Newton Reservoir has been closed, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to launch at Hyrum Reservoir.

Rockport Reservoir will be open through Labor Day but could close soon after because of mud buildup on the launch ramp.

Another problem with the decline in water levels is the sudden appearance of natural hazards.

"What people need to realize," pointed out Ted Woolley, boating director for the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, "is that because there wasn't something there yesterday, doesn't mean there isn't something today.

"It's impossible to mark all of the rocks and sandbars that are starting to show up. Boaters need to use good judgement under these conditions."

Consensus seems to be that the possibility of a weekend traffic jam on the water may be self-correcting. Officials at several waters reported that as the water levels have dropped, so has interest in boating.

The ramps and docks at Sailboat, Rainbow and Island marinas on Deer Creek have closed because water levels have dropped below the edge of the ramp.

At Utah's second largest lake, Bear Lake, shared by Idaho, the ramp at Rendezvous Beach has closed, but the ramp at the state marina is open. The shallowest point in the marina is about 11 feet.

The problem at Rockport, says Joe Donnell, assistant manager, isn't with the ramp but with mud buildup.

"The part of the ramp we're using right now has never been used before," he said. "A lot of sediment has built up over the years. We have a frontloader coming in on Thursday to try and open the ramp for the weekend. The challenge will come in trying to keep it open after the holiday. We may be forced to close."

The reservoir is only about 30 percent of what it was this past spring.

At Quail Creek outside of St. George, a limit of 70 boats will be in place for the weekend, based on a first-come, first-served basis.

The ramp and boat docks at Huntington Reservoir are "high and dry." Some boats are still being launched "with much difficulty."

The opposite is true at Milsite. Water levels are such that both the ramp and docks are usable.

The level at Scofield Reservoir is down about 10 to 15 feet. It's enough to keep some boaters away and make fishing slow, but not enough to close the ramp.

Levels at Otter Creek and Piute Reservoirs are also reported low and posing a problem for boaters.

The water level at East Canyon is low enough that the old dam is visible. Park staff report that it's been many years since water levels were low enough to see the old dam.

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Woolley warned boaters that because of the shrinking water surface, the chances of having close encounters is increased.

"People need to be especially aware of the speed and proximity law that states boats must slow to a wakeless or idle speed when passing within 150 feet of another boat or person in the water," he notes.

As noted, the problem may be self-resolving when boat owners arrive at their favorite water only to find it smaller and more crowded than they would like.


E-mail: grass@desnews.com

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