SANTA CRUZ – The City of Santa Cruz Water Department announced today that it would not be opening the Loch Lomond Reservoir to recreation this spring, due to the continued critically dry conditions. Normally the Recreation Area opens March 1.
Newell Creek, which drains into Loch Lomond, is at historically low levels currently. The reservoir’s steep, muddy banks are covered with stumps from the original clear cut and currently present a hazard to users of the recreation area and the rental boat fleet. The marina itself is unable to function at water levels below 564 ft, which is only six feet lower than the current water level.
“Of even greater concern,” said Chris Berry, Watershed Compliance Manager, “is the potential threat of wildfire from the extremely dry fuel conditions in the watershed.”
Should conditions change and the water level rise to where recreation services can be safely provided, the City may at that time consider opening the Recreation Area for the remainder of the season.
For more information on the drought, visit the City’s Drought 2014 website at www.cityofsantacruz.com/water.