The Nelson Bar parking lot and car-top boat launch are seen underwater as visitors recreate on shore Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Lake Oroville in Oroville, California. (Michael Weber/Mercury-Register)
PARADISE — With a recent increase of a few feet in water elevation, Lake Oroville’s Nelson Bar boat ramp and parking lot are closed because they are underwater.
The lot’s elevation ranges between 891 and 895 feet and is impacted by higher lake levels, according to an email from DWR Public Information Officer Raquel Borrayo.
On Wednesday, Lake Orville’s elevation was 894 feet and the parking lot entrance was closed.
While the parking lot by the boat launch is closed, a small lot is open just uphill from the main parking lot from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Patrice Kielhorn and Erica Kielhorn visited the area Wednesday and set up camping chairs to watch their young ones swim in the day use area.
“We haven’t seen (the lake) this full very often in years. We’re just really grateful that we got all that rain,” Patricie Kielhorn said.
Nance Eakins visited the area Wednesday to take photos by the lake with her partner.
“I’ve lived here 41 years. It’s sad to see it when it’s empty and then when it’s full, it’s cool to see,” Eakins said.
The Nelson Bar parking lot and ramp will open when the water recedes below 891 feet, Borrayo said.
All standard boat launches are set to remain open when the lake is expected to reach full capacity in June, she said, including Bidwell Canyon, the Spillway launch ramp, Loafer Creek, Loafer Point, Lime Saddle and Enterprise.
Dark Canyon boat ramp is also closed because a county road is in need of repair.
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