Water levels peak early at Bear Lake

GARDEN CITY, Rich County — At the start of the Memorial Day weekend, water levels at Bear Lake are already at the expected peak for the season.

Water managers blame a nearly nonexistent snowpack for the low levels, currently sitting at around 7 feet below normal.

Richard Droesbeke, manager for Utah's Bear Lake State Park, said the levels are expected to drop another 4 to 5 feet by October.

The low levels aren't all bad news, as they also mean larger beaches and likely more beach parking spaces. Droesbeke adds that the lake still has lots of surface area to play on, as it runs well over 100 square miles when full.

"The lake will still have plenty of water to play on and in," Droesbeke said. "And because of Bear Lake's size, there will be lots of water to boat on. To us, Bear Lake will be a destination that many people will come to as other reservoirs get low and have limited access."

Droesbeke anticipates that Utah State Parks will be able to keep docks open all summer long at the State Marina, First Point, Rainbow Cove and Cisco Beach. The remaining three at Rendezvous Beach, North Eden and Rainbow Cover will be determined as the season goes on.

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