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Shelley Osterloh ReportingLabor Day is traditionally the last recreational opportunity of the summer for many families, and that opportunity may be even more limited than usual this summer.
Gas prices are nearing two dollars; that may keep some travelers closer to home. And if you are a boater, you might want to know where the water levels are too low.
Freeway traffic is always busy in the evenings, but come Thursday or Friday the real mass exodus begins as people take off and get out of town for the last big summer holiday of the season.
No matter where you go this holiday weekend you'll find high gas prices. AAA reports the National Average is $1.71 for regular and here it Utah its a little higher, about $1.77.
If you are planning on camping you can still make reservations so you aren't disappointed, but do it soon. Utah State Parks reports openings at about half a dozen of its camp areas, but they are filling fast. A few campgrounds are already filled.
Boaters will want to check which lakes have water this Labor Day weekend. Water levels have dropped so low the ramp at Echo is out of the water, but some boats can still use the old ramp. The main ramp at Deer Creek is high, dry and closed as are most of the facilities there. But some boaters are launching in the dirt at the Island resort.
Cody Richards, Boater: "It’s really low but the water is still nice. We’ve put in the sand the last couple of times. It’s not too bad unless you have two wheel drive."
Rockport and Jordanelle reservoirs still have great boating conditions. With plenty of water and great facilities, Jordanelle is expecting capacity crowds this Holiday weekend so get there early. The campgrounds are already filled or reserved.
As for other lakes: the launch ramps are closed at Willard Bay, Utah Lake, Sand Hollow and Piute State Parks. The Lindon boat ramp at Utah Lake is still open to the public.
Most of the other ramps through the Utah State Park are closed because of low water levels.
And this is a big weekend at Flaming Gorge with its annual Labor Day Parade of Lights and fireworks show on Saturday.
