LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Due to historically low water levels caused by the ongoing drought in California, three boat ramps on Clear Lake that are located at County parks are being closed.

Lake County Public Services Director Caroline Chavez said the following ramps are closing:

– Keeling Park in Nice;
– Lucerne Harbor in Lucerne; and
– Lakeside Park in Kelseyville;

“We are taking steps to close these ramps due to the hazardous conditions to boaters and their vessels,” Chavez said.

Clear Lake is currently below zero on the Rumsey gauge and water levels continue to drop.

The Clearlake Oaks boat ramp is still open, and could be so for approximately another month before low water levels cause its closure, according to Chavez.

Lakeport City Manager Margaret Silveira reported that the Third Street and Fifth Street boat ramps in Lakeport are fine, and there are no launching restrictions.

The First Street boat ramp should be used for small vessels only, such as kayaks or jet skis, officials said.

Clearlake City Manager Joan Phillipe said several boat ramps have been closed in Redbud Park in Clearlake, but there is a still one ramp open.

Signage has been placed in Redbud Park warning boaters of the low water level.

City officials in both cities continue to monitor their boat ramps for safety.

The Clear Lake State Park in Kelseyville closed its boat ramp earlier in August.

Information about private boat ramps can be obtained from their owners.