CLEARLAKE, Calif. – After a monthlong closure necessitated by Clear Lake’s flooding, Thompson Harbor at Redbud Harbor has reopened.
Clearlake Public Works Director Doug Herren said the four ramps at the harbor were reopened at 3:30 p.m. Friday.
While the city determined conditions were finally safe to reopen the harbor, Herren urged boaters to use extreme caution when using the facilities.
“The water’s still high,” Herren said.
The city was forced to close Thompson Harbor on Feb. 8 when rapidly rising lake levels endangered the floating docks, as Lake County News has reported.
Feb. 8 was the same date that Clear Lake passed the flood stage mark – 9 feet on the Rumsey gauge.
The lake finally fell below 9 feet Rumsey on Thursday afternoon. On Friday afternoon, when Thompson Harbor was reopened, the lake’s elevation was just above the 8.8 feet on the Rumsey gauge, according to the United States Geological Survey, which records the lake’s gauge readings.
With the lake now below flood stage, Clearlake Public Works crews were able to reattach the floating docks to the concrete ramps, making the docks safe to use again and allowing the ramps to reopen, the city reported.
Herren said there is still some water on the docks, but he expects them to be high and dry by Saturday.
Overall, despite the flooding and closure, Herren said the harbor and its facilities suffered no damage.
City Manager Greg Folsom reported that the city of Clearlake recently completed a major renovation project at Thompson Harbor that replaced all of the docks and created one of the nicest launching facilities on Clear Lake.
“We are very pleased that the receding waters of Clear Lake have made it possible for us to reopen
Thompson Harbor,” said Folsom. “Fishing and tourism are significant drivers of our economy and we welcome all anglers to come out and experience the magnificent fishing experience that Clear Lake has to offer.”
Email Elizabeth Larson at
City of Clearlake reopens Thompson Harbor
- Elizabeth Larson
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