sdarc
Well-Known Member
No Wake Zone
There have been many complaints around the lake already this summer about boats operating too close to shore or structures (breaking no wake rules). Law enforcement agencies are ticketing boats operating within 50 yards of shoreline/structures. Violating no wake rules used to be a misdemeanor and included court fees (making it much more taxing of the officers). The North Carolina General Assembly has now made this violation an infraction with a $50 fine, making it simple and easy to enforce for Lake Patrols. Be aware of your surroundings and remember even if you are 50 yards off the shore or from a structure you are still responsible for any damage the wake from your boat causes. There does not need to be signage or buoys for law enforcement to write tickets. Please remember to respect other boaters and property owners by following no wake guidelines.
Important to note:
One area being watched very closely right now is McCrary Creek located south of the 150 bridge running East towards Williamson Road. This Creek is pretty narrow at 400-500 feet wide and ski/wakeboard boats have been using this area as it is protected. The problem is that the creek narrows to 300 feet wide in several areas and anywhere on the lake that is less than 300 foot wide is an enforceable no wake zone. If you have been using this creek to ski and wakeboard, be very cautious that you are following no wake guidelines as this area is being heavily patrolled. If you are pulling a skier in an area of the lake just over 300 feet wide, you are not breaking the no wake guidelines. As soon as you turn, and leave the center of the creek, you become eligible for a no wake infraction.
Important Information from the Lake Commission
Lake level is at 98.8 (target elevation is 98). Duke Power is adding 6" to target between Memorial Day and Labor Day to add give lake levels a boost if we get a dry spell and to proactively account for increased evaporation. Lake levels are going to be great for the summer boating!
Lake Navigation Notifications
Aids to Navigation
Lights are out at Marker 4A and D8.
Marker 23 (north of the 150 bridge) is leaning heavily and may disappear beneath the surface of the lake prior to being repaired. This is a rocky area, use extreme caution, while this repair is being made.
Construction on the 150 Bridge
Construction is to begin within the next couple weeks on the 150 Bridge. Notices will be sent out lake wide when the project officially begins, but be aware that traffic patterns will change as the construction company shuts down sections beneath the bridge.
There have been many complaints around the lake already this summer about boats operating too close to shore or structures (breaking no wake rules). Law enforcement agencies are ticketing boats operating within 50 yards of shoreline/structures. Violating no wake rules used to be a misdemeanor and included court fees (making it much more taxing of the officers). The North Carolina General Assembly has now made this violation an infraction with a $50 fine, making it simple and easy to enforce for Lake Patrols. Be aware of your surroundings and remember even if you are 50 yards off the shore or from a structure you are still responsible for any damage the wake from your boat causes. There does not need to be signage or buoys for law enforcement to write tickets. Please remember to respect other boaters and property owners by following no wake guidelines.
Important to note:
One area being watched very closely right now is McCrary Creek located south of the 150 bridge running East towards Williamson Road. This Creek is pretty narrow at 400-500 feet wide and ski/wakeboard boats have been using this area as it is protected. The problem is that the creek narrows to 300 feet wide in several areas and anywhere on the lake that is less than 300 foot wide is an enforceable no wake zone. If you have been using this creek to ski and wakeboard, be very cautious that you are following no wake guidelines as this area is being heavily patrolled. If you are pulling a skier in an area of the lake just over 300 feet wide, you are not breaking the no wake guidelines. As soon as you turn, and leave the center of the creek, you become eligible for a no wake infraction.
Important Information from the Lake Commission
Lake level is at 98.8 (target elevation is 98). Duke Power is adding 6" to target between Memorial Day and Labor Day to add give lake levels a boost if we get a dry spell and to proactively account for increased evaporation. Lake levels are going to be great for the summer boating!
Lake Navigation Notifications
Aids to Navigation
Lights are out at Marker 4A and D8.
Marker 23 (north of the 150 bridge) is leaning heavily and may disappear beneath the surface of the lake prior to being repaired. This is a rocky area, use extreme caution, while this repair is being made.
Construction on the 150 Bridge
Construction is to begin within the next couple weeks on the 150 Bridge. Notices will be sent out lake wide when the project officially begins, but be aware that traffic patterns will change as the construction company shuts down sections beneath the bridge.
