Corps urging caution due to lake debris as water level rises

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is urging caution and reminding folks about water level fluctuation on Lake Cumberland following the most rain events.

Corps officials say recent weather patterns have led to a substantial water level increase in recent weeks, causing debris to float off of the shoreline.

As of Wednesday, the lake was 712.57 feet above sea level, which is 10.43 feet below the full summer pool of 723.

Officials advises that boaters take caution when launching at any boat ramp around the lake affected by floating debris.

The Corps’ “Pride of the Cumberland” vessel works to keep Lake Cumberland’s waterways and shorelines clean and free of logs, debris and trash. A crew of three people work daily to remove logs, debris and trash from the lake in an effort to make it safer and more enjoyable for visitors.

At any given time, the Corps estimates Lake Cumberland’s 50,000 square miles of shoreline are polluted with at least 200 tons of trash.

This week, the “Pride” vessel will be operating in the Waitsboro area in neighboring Pulaski County.