Boating Advisory Issued For Skiatook Lake Due To Debris, Heavy Rain

A Boating Advisory has been issued for Skiatook Lake after heavy rain washed more debris into the water.

The water on Skiatook lake is almost four feet above normal thanks to heavy rain on Sunday night. That caused debris to wash into the water and flooded campsites.

"It was a pretty crazy day yesterday," said camper Tim Adams.

Adams set up camp Sunday afternoon at Tall Chief Cove on Skiatook Lake, but come Monday morning, he had to pack up and come to Twin Points after his waterside campsite flooded. 

"We didn't think nothing of it, then we woke up the next morning and opened up the blinds and looked outside at the lake and we were in the lake," Adams said.

The Army Corps of Engineers said about a dozen campsites at Tall Chief are closed due to high water. The heavy rains also littered the lake with debris, which can be hazardous for boaters.

"Typically, we don't see a lot of debris and it causes some dangers for people boating in the water," said Park Ranger Matt Schuffenhauer.

Schuffenhauer warns boaters to go slow, drive safe, and always wear a lifejacket.

"Driving a boat and you see some debris and you try to get out of the way, you know there some dangers there. You could throw someone out of the boat," he said.

The flooding also caused other recreational areas to close, like the swimming area at Twin Points. Schuffenhauer asked anyone coming to the lake to respect barriers blocking places off. He also said anytime you plan to come to the lake, stay weather aware and check their website and Facebook page.

The Army Corps of Engineers said there's also a boating advisory and closed campgrounds at Birch Lake where the water is over eight feet above normal.