MOUNT JEWETT — Due to low water levels, the Instanter boat launch at Elk State Park will be unusable as of Monday for boats that must be launched and recovered using a trailer.
Boats that can be launched by hand will still have access to the water. The lake is below full summer pool, currently at 1,643 feet, and the pool level is falling at the average rate expected at this time of the year.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has implemented a dam safety initiative at the Clarion River East Branch Dam for precautionary measures. The initiative includes lowering the water level of the lake and other risk reduction measures taken to ensure the dam will be operated at a safe level while the Corps investigates the concerns and pursues the long-term repairs.
Questions concerning lake levels can be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, East Branch Dam at 814-965-2065.
All vessels launched from Elk State Park are required to have a valid DCNR Launch Permit or PA Fish and Boat Commission registration. For more information, contact the Kinzua Bridge State Park Complex Office at 814-778-5467 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email kinzuabridgesp@pa.gov.
