MONROE LAKE – Visitors to Monroe Lake are advised of significant impacts due to current high water levels, which are presently 10.55 feet above normal pool. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively monitoring downstream water levels and incoming rain to determine water release strategies.
The elevated water levels have resulted in numerous closures and accessibility issues across the property. Visitors should be aware of the following affected areas:
- Beaches: Both Paynetown and Fairfax SRA beaches are closed until further notice.
- Boat Ramps: The main ramp at Cutright SRA is closed, though its high-water ramp remains operational. All other boat ramps are open. Courtesy docks are currently accessible only at the Paynetown and Fairfax ramps.
- Shelters/Picnic Areas: The Lakeview, Twin Oaks, Paynetown, and activity center shelters at Paynetown SRA are closed, as is the beach shelter at Fairfax SRA. Select shelters remain open at Cutright SRA, Moores Creek SRA, Paynetown SRA (Ramp and Deer Run), and Fairfax SRA (Bay View and Big Oak). The Lakeview/Beach picnic area at Paynetown SRA is also closed.
- Campground: Several campsites are closed due to flooding or to accommodate overflow parking. All affected reservations have received notifications, cancellations, and refunds.
- Trails: The southwestern portion of the Homestead Loop at Fairfax SRA is inaccessible due to flooded creek crossings. Additionally, the Osprey Trail and the western portion of the Tree Trek Trail at Paynetown SRA are closed. Other trails, including Big Oak at Fairfax SRA, Turkey Trot at Allens Creek SRA, and Bluebird and Whitetail at Paynetown SRA, are open, but visitors should be cautious of fallen trees from recent storms.
- 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: Privately owned and operated boat rentals and marinas at Monroe Lake remain open. Visitors should contact them directly for information. The state-run marina at Paynetown SRA is open, but currently without gas service. It operates a shuttle to buoys/docks from the non-electric camping area.
- Activity Center / Programs: The Paynetown Activity Center is closed due to a covered access road. However, naturalist-led programs are still available. Visitors are encouraged to double-check the online calendar for program schedules a day or two before their visit at bit.ly/monroelakecalendar.
- Fishing Piers: The fishing piers at both Paynetown and Cutright SRAs are currently inaccessible.
For the latest water level updates, visitors can check the gauge data from NOAA, which is measured just above the reservoir dam.
