Winter Drawdown at Lake Raystown

[aspeck]

The lake will be lowered from its summer elevation of 786 feet to a target of 778 feet by Nov. 9. The lake will remain at the lower level through December 2026 and most of January 2027 before returning to its usual summer level through natural precipitation and runoff.

Lowering the lake is a deviation from normal operations that allows USACE and partnering agencies, including Allegheny Electric, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Friends of Raystown Lake, and marina operators, to complete important work in areas that are typically underwater.

Due to lower lake levels, visitors should anticipate the following boat launch closures after Nov. 11: Seven Points, Aitch, Tatman Run, and Weaver Falls.

The Snyder’s Run, James Creek, and Shy Beaver boat launches are expected to remain open throughout the duration of the drawdown.

Read the full news release: https://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Medi...-drawdown-scheduled-to-allow-for-maintenance/

 

[FLATHEAD]

Without ever seeing them I’ll bet even those launches still open will prove to be a pain to launch at. With the drought here last year guys were backing trailers off the lip of the ramps getting stuck.

 

[aspeck]

Actually the ramps open are not too difficult if you can back up a trailer. That is the key to it. There is still enough ramp that will be underwater that unless you have a really large boat, you should be fine. My 20 footer will not be any issue at all.

 

[alldodge]

Doing similar at Dale Hollow (11 ft drop) going down fast and Lake Cumberland (28 ft drop) about normal for time of year

 

[aspeck]

Raystown only drops in the winter for repairs. It is not an "every year" thing. I know many other lakes that have a "Summer Pool" and a "Winter Pool," but Raystown is not one of them.