FALLS OF ROUGH, Ky. (WDRB) — Drought conditions in western Kentucky have left water levels at Rough River Lake well below normal, creating challenges for boaters and businesses ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
The lake is about 16 feet below its normal level after the area received roughly 10 inches less rainfall than average this year, according to officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The low lake levels have exposed shoreline and left some docks sitting far above the waterline, changing the landscape at one of the region’s popular recreation destinations.
"It’s sad, it’s very sad," said Amanda Pagago, who owns a nearby lake house and described her family as "river rats."
Pagago said her family regularly spends weekends at the lake, especially fishing trips with her husband.
IMAGES | Drought has caused water levels at Rough River Lake to drop
"My husband has usually come out here every weekend to fish," she said. "He’s a big fisherman, so for the lake to be this low is very disappointing."
She said the water typically reaches a visible waterline mark near her property but has dropped to levels she has not seen in years.
Officials with the Army Corps of Engineers said the low lake levels are also limiting access for visitors planning to spend Memorial Day weekend on the water.
John Fillingham with the Corps said only two boat ramps — Axtel and the state park ramp — remain open at Rough River Lake. At ramps where four or five boats can usually launch at once, only one can now.
"We just need some rain before we can see more facilities open up," Fillingham said.
Lower water levels also create hazards for boaters, including exposed tree limbs and shallow areas that increase the risk of boats running aground.
Fillingham said the conditions could affect visits during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
"I think it is going to limit some people making a decision to come out here because there is just not the opportunity here," he said.
Pagago said her family likely won’t spend Memorial Day weekend at the lake because they cannot access their dock.
The drought conditions are also affecting other nearby lakes, including Nolin Lake.
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