MONROE LAKE – The Monroe Lake reservoir water level is currently more than 11 feet above normal pool, as we are retaining water to alleviate downstream flooding. At this time, officials cannot forecast when or how quickly the water level will return to normal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers assesses the downstream water levels in the White and Ohio Rivers and the potential for incoming rain when deciding how much water to release.
For water level updates, check the gauge data from NOAA, which is measured just above the reservoir dam.
At this time, the following areas on our property are CLOSED/INACCESSIBLE:
- BEACHES: Paynetown and Fairfax SRA beaches are both closed until further notice.
- RAMPS: The main ramp at Cutright SRA is closed, but the high-water ramp there is open. All other boat ramps are open. Be aware that your ability to access courtesy docks may be impacted as the water level fluctuates.
- SHELTERS: Lakeview, Twin Oaks, and Paynetown shelters at Paynetown SRA are closed, as is the beach shelter at Fairfax SRA. Other shelters remain available for use at Cutright, Moores Creek, Paynetown (Ramp and Deer Run), and Fairfax (Bay View and Big Oak) SRAs.
- CAMPGROUND: Select campsites are closed due to flooding or to accommodate overflow from flooded parking lots. All impacted reservations have been notified, cancelled, and refunded.
- TRAILS: The southwestern portion of the Homestead Loop at Fairfax SRA is inaccessible due to flooded creek crossings, and the Osprey Trail is also closed. Portions of Tree Trek Trail at Paynetown SRA may also be impacted.
- ACCESS ROADS: Cartop SRA is inaccessible from the east but can be reached from the west side. Portions of Friendship Road and McGowan Road in the Stillwater-Northfork Waterfowl Area are closed.
- MARINAS / BOAT RENTALS: Most of the privately owned and operated boat rentals and marinas at Monroe Lake remain open for business; please call them directly for info/questions. The state-run marina at Paynetown SRA is also open but with no gas service; a shuttle to buoys/docks is operating out of the non-electric camping area.
- MISC: The Activity Center at Paynetown SRA is closed. The fishing piers at Paynetown and Cutright SRAs are inaccessible. Access to Pine Grove SRA may be impeded again as the water rises.
