Loyalhanna Lake boat launch remains closed because of high water
The Loyalhanna Lake boat launch at Bush Recreation Area will stay closed until later this week for flood control purposes, the Army Corps of Engineers said.
The launch was closed on Thursday when the pool elevation exceeded 928 feet. It crested Saturday at 935 feet, about 12 feet above normal summer pool.
No canoes, kayaks, row boats or motor boats are permitted on the lake until further notice, said resource manager Matt Slezak.
“When we have a rain event like we did last week, our job is to store the water in the dam and protect the uncontrolled steams and creeks downstream,” Slezak said. “After the event is over, then we release the water.”
Loyalhanna Lake is part of the Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, flood control system. It provides flood protection for the lower Loyalhanna Creek and Kiskiminetas River valleys, as well as the lower Allegheny and upper Ohio rivers.
Bank fishing and other recreational activities are still permitted, Slezak said.
The lake will reopen to boat traffic when the water level drops below 928 feet — probably Wednesday or Thursday, he said.
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