TULSA - Boaters are reminded to use caution while boating on Fort Gibson Lake due to lower than normal lake levels.

Currently the lake level is about one foot below normal and will be kept at that level for the next one to two years. The lowering of the lake levels is necessary to allow contractor’s to continue work on the tainter (flood) gates at the Fort Gibson Dam.

"Recent rains have caused the lake to be above normal," said Tom Heathcock, Fort Gibson Lake manager. "Now that we’ve returned to below normal conditions, we want to remind boaters to use caution while enjoying the lake."

The target level is about one foot below normal, but there may be times when it may be lower. Boaters should take precautions while launching their boats and slow down while boating since numerous underwater hazards may cause damage to their boats and motors.

"The lake surface may look the same because a one foot drop in elevation around the shoreline doesn’t appear to be much, however, for Fort Gibson Lake, this change in elevation limits the safe areas to launch your boat and operate, said Heathcock. "Park rangers continue to monitor the conditions of boat ramps and have placed barricades on ramps that are unsafe."

And as always, visitors to the lake are encouraged to always wear a life jacket.

For more information about current lake levels, visit the Water Control Data System or the daily report link under the Lakes and River Information link on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District Homepage, www.swt.usace.army.mil or call the Fort Gibson Lake office at 918-682-4314.