More than a dozen boat ramps at Thurmond Lake are being extended, expanded or repaired because of the unprecedented access offered by the lowest water levels in two decades.
"On most of them we've added at least 2 feet, I'd say," said Chrissy Westerberg, Thurmond Lake's chief corps ranger for recreation.
With a full pool of 330 feet above sea level, the reservoir had fallen below 314 in recent weeks because of drought across much of the Savannah River Basin. Recent rains pushed the lake up about 3 feet, to Monday's pool of 317.04.
"Most of the work we have been doing is adding concrete at the bottom of the ramps," she said. "We framed out the ends of the remaps, made forms and then filled them in with concrete."
The corps is also adding a second launch lane to its Modoc 7 ramp at the day-use area, she said. "They're working on the walkways this week to finish that one up, so now there are two launching ramps."
Repairs have been completed at Mount Carmel day-use, Rousseau Creek, Dordon Creek, Mount Pleasant and Cherokee, she said. Ramps that have been extended include Amity, Cherokee, Chamberlain Ferry, Leroy's Ferry, Double Branches and Modoc campground.
In addition to corps ramp improvements, Mistletoe State Park is moving and extending its low-water boat ramp.
Columbia County is extending ramp No. 2 in Winfield Hills subdivision.
Two launching lanes have also been extended at the Dorn Fishing Facility in McCormick County, S.C., which now has the second-deepest ramps on the water, after the corps' Leathersville ramp.
New ramp elevations are being continually updated on the corps' Web site as construction is completed, Ms. Westerberg said.
"We still haven't gotten around to all of them to shoot the new elevations, but we are working on it," she said.
The corps had planned to extend two additional ramps, but rising water in recent weeks prevented workers from completing that plan, she said.
For ramp elevations and a list of ramps that are currently open, go to www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/thurmond/boating.htm.
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
BOAT RAMPS IN PROGRESS
- Mount Carmel Day-Use Area
- Rousseau Creek (subdivision)
- Dordon Creek
- Mount Pleasant
- Cherokee Recreation Area
- Chamberlain Ferry
- Leroy's Ferry
- Double Branches
- Modoc Campground
- Modoc day-use ramp
Source: Army Corps of Engineers
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Why are they working on ramps? There's no water in the lake to use a boat. Haven't been able to safely use mine in two years, thanks Army Corp of Engineers.
There must be some thoughts that the water will return and the corps new and improved ramps will be welcomed and needed. What do you think, this has never happened?
The drought will not last forever... it goes in cycles. The lake will fill again.... on day.
Thanks truckinranger, the history of Clarks Hill (Lake Thurmond) shows several cycles of drought with most worse than this one. Each time a drought occurs, the Corp of Engineers makes improvements to infrastructure, ramps, removes trash, cars, and etc. from the waters in the two states. The Augusta Chronicle archive division ran a historic timeline on each drought a few months ago with the photos. I agree with you, it is very likely to be a nice full pool before the desert sets in. LOL's