U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Canyon Lake Manager Brett Mazey said a meeting is planned Monday between key stakeholders like WORD of Canyon Lake, Comal County commissioners and Comal County Engineer Robert Boyd to discuss rising Canyon Lake levels, what to do about hazardous materials floating in the large debris field from floodwaters, and boat ramps.
“There will be boat ramps opening, there’s plenty of water for that,” he said. “Be patient and we’ll get these ramps open and have a better summer.”
By the end of the week — barring additional rain — Canyon Lake levels will have risen around 14 feet, he said.
WORD of Canyon Lake today said it will close Canyon and Comal parks on Monday, July 7 and Tuesday, July 8.
“This will allow time for debris in Canyon Lake to settle and for our staff to conduct repair work along the shoreline,” WORD said on social media. “We are hopeful that we can reopen to seven days a week starting Wednesday, July 9.”
Mazey said USACE is telling visitors to its North Park, Potters Creek and Cranes Mill parks there is nothing wrong with the camp sites but they should stay out of the water and let bacteria, debris and pollutants clear.
“We’re not telling anyone they can’t be in the water, that’s their choice, but there are some risks,” he said.
Comal County Pct. 1 Commissioner Doug Leecock, who represents Canyon Lake on Commissioners Court, reminds the public, “the floodwaters may not be the safest thing to get into right now, which goes for the Comal County-operated boat ramps as well. If you’re heading to the lake, it’s probably best to look but not touch. Be safe out there.”
It will still be a while before there is enough water for Boat Ramp 5 to open as well as a few others. In the meantime, much foliage has grown at the ramp termination point. Even if water rises to make the ramp usable, it seems all that tall foliage will prevent launching.
Is there a plan to cut down the foliage in these boat ramp approach areas? Residents would be happy to help with this in the areas where the water is still too low. Because you never know when we will get rains like this.