WATERSPORTS -- Boating facilities at Dworshak Reservoir are starting to open for the season, with houseboat moorage notably absent, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says.
Smallmouth bass anglers are likely to be the first to zero in on the lake this year, but early campers have an incentive:
Current snowpack for the Clearwater sub-basin is 72 percent of normal and Dworshak Reservoir is just 30 feet from full pool. Lower snowpack means the reservoir doesn't have to be drawn down as low to accommodate spring runoff: The higher pool elevation makes it a short hike to the shoreline campsites.
Dent Acres Boat Ramp and restroom opened today, March 16. Canyon Creek, Bruces Eddy and Big Eddy ramps are already open.
Merrys Bay day-use, Dam View, and Canyon Creek campgrounds open April 1, 2015.
Dent Acres Campground will open April 13, with campsite fees at $10 a day.
Regular-season camping will start May 21, with full hook-up sites available for $18 a night.
Reserve regular season sites online or call the national reservation service at (877) 444-6777.
Here's the scoop on the change in houseboat moorage from the Corps media release:
Visitors wanting to launch boats may encounter large houseboats using the ramps to exit the reservoir. Park rangers ask boaters to be patient or use a different ramp, as loading and removing the houseboats can require considerable time on the ramp.
The State of Idaho Parks and Recreation recently notified the houseboat owners and the Corps that they no longer intend to offer moorages for houseboats as part of their lease to operate Dworshak State Park recreation facilities because of increased liability, staff safety and anticipated moorage failure.
"What started as a test to determine feasibility of a large-boat marina to provide additional recreation opportunities and economic benefits to the surrounding community has run its course," said Dworshak Natural Resource Manager Paul Pence. "Over the past decade or so, the moorage buoys have failed because of high winds and the fluctuating rise and fall of the reservoir. We're down to one functional buoy, and several vessels whose buoys failed have been tied off to various Corps structures - it's not safe for the boaters or the public property.
"With no new concessionaire or user group willing to invest in a large-boat marina, it's time to call this experiment done," Pence agreed with the State's decision to no longer renew the annual moorage rental contracts. "It would take a big pot of money to build and maintain the infrastructure needed for these large vessels, and recreation budgets have continually declined."
Despite a recreation budget almost half of what it was in 2006 (approx. $1.23 million versus about $778,000 in 2015), staff at Dworshak makes the most of what they have to continue improving the quality of recreation on and around the reservoir and providing safe and fun experiences for visitors.
Safety reminders for boaters:
- Allow plenty of line when tying-off vessels along the reservoir shoreline to allow for water-level fluctuations.
- Be alert to changes in water elevation and volume of flow.
- Be aware the water is cold.
- Wear a life jacket.
- The weather may be warming up, but the water in Dworshak Reservoir is still very cold. Always be aware of hypothermia, and wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
The region's snow pack and weather impact flood risk, and consequently Corps Reservoir Management decisions. Current snowpack for the Clearwater sub-basin is 72 percent of normal, and Dworshak Reservoir is just 30 feet from full pool.
"A low snow year creates good early season recreation conditions for Dworshak since not as much space in the reservoir needs to be reserved for potential inflows," said Pence. "The higher pool elevation makes it a short hike to the shoreline campsites."
- Updated water level and boat ramp information, (800) 321-3198.
- Info on facilities and current conditions, (208) 476-1255, or stop by the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
