Repairs Begin After Storm Damages Grand Lake Marinas

Craig Day, News On 6

GRAND LAKE, Oklahoma -- The snow may be melting, but the hard work is just beginning for many marina owners on Grand Lake. Many boat slips collapsed under the weight of the heavy snow.

02/01/2011 Related Story: Boats Damaged As Docks Collapse At Grand Lake

News On 6 went to Grand Lake near Ketchum Monday to see how the recovery from our historic snowfall is going.

At the Hammerhead Marina on Grand Lake, some of the boat slips got hammered by our winter weather.

"It was devastating," said Brian Stengel of Hammerhead Marina. "This is the worst I've ever seen on this lake and in Oklahoma."

It's one of several marinas on the lake, where heavy Snow took a toll. Fifteen slips at Hammerhead Marina either have collapsed covers or have other significant damage. Six boats are also damaged.

"Some of them have severe damage to the windshields, and the decks and the hillsides," Stengel said.

As they await inspections by insurance adjustors, marina workers are picking up the pieces and trying to limit any further damage.

02/03/2011 Related Story: Marina Owners Survey Snow Damage At Grand Lake

"Even though it is melting now, a lot of the docks are holding water, so it's all getting pulled down into a concentrated area, so that's even harder on some of the docks," Stengel said.

Damage all around the lake is extensive. Many private dock owners also have a tough task ahead.

The Grand River Dam Authority said those owners can begin repairs immediately as long as no modifications are made that impact the footprint of the dock.

Any dock that is totally replaced must fit the size and configuration of the existing permit.

The bottom line is the winter storm hit Grand Lake hard, a winter wallop that will have a lasting effect long after the snow melts away.

"It's just devastating. There's a lot of damage out there. and it's going to be millions of dollars," Stengel said.

All damaged docks will require an electrical inspection by an electrician before they'll be in compliance with GRDA.

Any damaged boats that are underwater must be removed.