Moultrie Observer

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December 1, 2008

High water closes lake, but festivities still on

John Oxford

REED BINGHAM STATE PARK — Heavy rains during the weekend have forced Reed Bingham State Park officials to temporarily close the lake. Even with the closure, a Christmas program scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, is still being planned on schedule.

Park Manager Chet Powell said water levels caused by rain Friday, Saturday and into Sunday have caused the park’s lake to overflow its banks. The park measured six inches of rain alone to go with other rainwater flowing in from other parts of the Little River, which runs into the lake.

The water at the Little River dam has reached a height of 12.3 feet and was flowing at a volume of 2,740 cubic feet per second, Powell said. For Dec. 1, the water level is at an average of three to four feet high and has a 20 cubic feet per second flow volume.

Because of the amount of water that continued to rise Monday morning, Powell said the lake and all boat docks from Roundtree Bridge Road were being closed. He advised anyone who planned on bringing a boat to the lake to call the park at 896-3551 first to see if it has been reopened. The water level was expected to fall later in the week.

Powell said the lake was being closed as a way to protect visitors due to the swift water and debris, both large and small, beneath the water. It was also to ensure the Little River dam did not get any additional water pressure added to it as preventative maintenance repairs were put on hold because of the water level. The dam was not in any danger of breaking Monday, and a plan is in place should something happen to it, Powell said.

Even with the high water levels, Powell said “A Christmas With Friends” celebration at the park is still scheduled to take place Saturday, Dec. 6. There is currently a record number of boats signed up to take part in the Parade of Boats on the lake, which begins at 7:30 p.m., and the park is open to having even more added by Saturday night.

The celebration will begin at 7 p.m. at the beach pavilion with music and s’mores, Powell said. Santa will visit the pavilion by boat following the Parade of Boats, and hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn and sweets will be available for purchase. Visitors are required to purchase a $3 parking pass for each vehicle to attend.

For more information, call Reed Bingham State Park at 896-3551.

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