TULSA — A tornado that tore through Canton Lake May 24 did significant damage and recreation at the lake will be impacted for the Memorial Day holiday.
— A tornado that tore through Canton Lake May 24 did significant damage and recreation at the lake will be impacted for the Memorial Day holiday.
All boat traffic is currently prohibited at Canton Lake due to the presence of a large amount of debris in the lake. All boat ramps have been closed. Boating will be prohibited until further notice and will only be permitted after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deemed it safe.
Two campgrounds are closed at Canton Lake and reservations have been cancelled and full refunds given to the patrons. Canadian Campground sustained extensive damage and will remain closed until further notice. Longdale Campground sustained some damage and will be closed for the Memorial Day weekend, but could be re-opened in early June.
Some areas at Canton Lake will be open for the holiday. Big Bend and Fairview campgrounds will be open. Sandy Cove campground will be open, but the beach will be closed because debris is washing up on the shoreline.
Fishing will be permitted from the shore and the dam.
All visitors to Canton Lake recreation areas are urged to use caution in storm-damaged areas.
"The good news is, the Canton Dam itself was undamaged and the structural integrity of the dam was unharmed," said Earl Groves, chief, Operations, Tulsa District USACE.
For more information contact the Canton Lake Office at 580-886-2989.
Release no. 11-047