Corps warns of floating debris in the lake

CLARK FORK — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ officials warn boaters to be safe and watch out for floating debris on Lake Pend Oreille this holiday weekend.

Logs and floating debris have been reported passing through a breach in the shear boom system at Clark Fork Drift Facility. Boaters and the public should take caution.

As a reminder, floating and submerged logs and debris can be a safety hazard for boating activities in many water bodies, including Lake Pend Oreille. Boaters and people recreating on or in the lake should always take caution for such hazards. Although the Corps tries to reduce the number of floating and submerged logs and debris through use of the Clark Fork drift yard, total elimination of these dangers is not possible. Corps’ officials are planning repairs to the breach at the Clark Ford drift yard; work is expected to commence as river flows decrease.

Lake Pend Oreille filled to full summer elevation June 24. The lake elevation ranges from 2,062 to 2,062.5 feet above sea level throughout the summer season for recreation uses. The current plan is to hold the lake in the summer operating range through the third weekend of September and above 2,061 feet through the fourth weekend of September.

The Corps of Engineers is the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation.

Lake Pend Oreille is one of 403 lakes and river projects in 43 states on which the Corps provides a diverse range of recreational opportunities.