Many of us at Lake Hefner (oklahoma city) have the same problem. We have steel reinforced concrete fingers. We use Hi-Test chain around the concrete pillars and 10,000 lb test ratcheted tie-down straps hooked to the chain. Snug it up and pray for rain. Like you we waited for rain that never came and now it's too low for a safe removal. I just hope that it gets very wet over the next 6 months so that in March I can sail again...
What to do when the lake dries up
- Thread starter r. gallagher
- Start date
- Status
In late May in Maryland the corn was starting to show signs of a lack of water in June it was getting bad, in July we got a few inches of rain during the month and in August we got some more. Then in september we got a lot of rain. Be careful what you wish for. 
We had/have same dilemma on Lake Worth, that was one of the reasons I was content to relocate to Grapevine. What most of the people contributing here don't understand is that these lakes have no deep water slips still in the water, no boat cranes, or other means to extract a boat when the water gets low. What few marine facilities we do have are just not equipped to deal with these situations, they mainly work on jetskis and bassboats, and if we are lucky they might have the ability to do a bottom job on a sailboat, maybe. We are not affected by tidal surges, sea lions, or other open water normalities, we are just plain stuck in mud holes. It sucks, but that is life sailing in the southwest. Some of these lakes on good days are only 25 feet deep, and that is right down the river channel, otherwise you'll be lucky to find more than 12 ft. avg over a 33,000 acre lake. We frequently hit sunk skiboats with keels, old treetrunks, cars, bulldozers, you name it, if it was left in the lake when it was filled, we hit it, even old houses.
I remember the first time the water level on Lake Lanier dropped nearly 13' in the early '80s. Old timers were saying that if it went down another foot, they expected to see the red lights aglow again in the windows of a couple of establishments that had been flourishing before the dam was built.
I also remember that there was a booming business in used anchors then too.
I also remember that there was a booming business in used anchors then too.
Last edited:
Peggy, a ruling is needed...
I'm having my morning coffee and was just wonderin'....
Okay, so the lakes dry up and the boats are sitting on the bottom. Are the boats now allowed to pump directly overboard since they are no longer in the water and would dump on the ground? I mean, if a bear can...
I'm having my morning coffee and was just wonderin'....
You have WAAAAYY too much time on your hands, Ron!
1. Marina wouldn't allow boats to sit the mud...they'd move floating docks out far enough to keep boats afloat (which can make for ramps up to 50 yards long) or, if that doesn't work, move boats that can't or won't haul to temporary moorings,
2. But, assuming that boats WERE left to sit in the mud, would anyone be aboard any of 'em?
3. But if they were, the same health department laws that apply to everything else on land , would apply.
Tomorrow, consider decaf?:dance:
1. Marina wouldn't allow boats to sit the mud...they'd move floating docks out far enough to keep boats afloat (which can make for ramps up to 50 yards long) or, if that doesn't work, move boats that can't or won't haul to temporary moorings,
2. But, assuming that boats WERE left to sit in the mud, would anyone be aboard any of 'em?
3. But if they were, the same health department laws that apply to everything else on land , would apply.
Tomorrow, consider decaf?:dance:
Lake Travis
This shot was taken today from a position our boat is normally docked at. We are 30 feet or so below average or 41% full.
This shot was taken today from a position our boat is normally docked at. We are 30 feet or so below average or 41% full.
Attachments
I've actually sailed on Lake Travis... my cousin has a place at point venture.... and I've seen it pretty low... but that's ridiculous. The good news is that y'all can get out there and pick up all the Lone Star cans and Skoal tins off the bottom...... oops... I forgot... if you're on the Austin side you'll probably find the Grey Goose and cranberry juice bottles instead. heh, heh.
Jracer - Austin Yacht Club
Yes. First shot is from water level and you can see the clubhouse in the background. They were in the process of moving their last dock into the main basin.
Second shot. AYC ramp is out of the water.
Third shot is taken from where we normally park our cars looking up the inlet.
Yes. First shot is from water level and you can see the clubhouse in the background. They were in the process of moving their last dock into the main basin.
Second shot. AYC ramp is out of the water.
Third shot is taken from where we normally park our cars looking up the inlet.
Attachments
Unbelievable! We are drying up too but not that bad. Hope the bulldozers are taking advantage of it. Hang in there.
- Status