U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

SYLVAN GROVE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wilson Lake reminds boaters to be especially safe with record low lake levels. At 8.5 feet below normal conservation pool, many shallow water hazards are present. Much of the west end of the lake is too shallow to operate. As levels continue to decline, underwater structures become newly exposed hazards.

Conservation pool of 1,516 feet above mean sea level was last reached in May 2012. Drought conditions along the Saline River valley are entering year four. Extremely low river inflow has not offset the typical high evaporation rates. The Corps continues to make its mandated minimum releases to supplement aquatic life in the Saline River below the dam.

Only two boat ramps remain accessible to the public. Those ramps are the Spillway Boat Ramp near the east end of the dam and the Hell Creek State Park Boat Ramp. Both of the ramps currently have floating courtesy docks. Parking is expected to be congested during peak boating days.

Construction of the dam was completed in 1964. Saline River inflows did not fill the lake to conservation pool until 1973. Despite today’s record low, Wilson Lake continues to have the deepest water in Kansas. The main channel depth, south of the dam, still has 55-60 feet depth. Boat launching will remain challenging until lake levels improve. Boaters are encouraged to exercise caution.

For more information on Wilson Lake, contact the project office at (785) 658-2551.