Monroe Lake beaches closed for weekend

The beaches at Monroe Lake will be closed for Memorial Day weekend.

Recent rain and river levels downstream have forced the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to restrict the outflow of water at the dam, which has resulted in high water levels at Monroe Lake, according to a press release from the Division of State Parks and Reservoirs at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The high water levels pose several hazardous situations, said Phil Wilson, reservoir specialist with the Indiana DNR.

High water levels in the reservoir can erode the banks and ground of the beaches, Wilson said. The wear can then produce steep drop-offs that grab unsuspecting swimmers.

“With the water level so high, it’s like there isn’t even a beach there,” Wilson said. “Someone could be in the water on a solid surface, and then all of sudden there’s a 15-foot drop.”

Swimmers are not the only ones at risk in such scenarios.

These waters can pick up large debris, such as branches and rocks, Wilson said. If someone is boating on the lake, striking the obstruction can be very dangerous.

“Someone may not see the debris or may not realize how large it is, because most of it is submerged,” Wilson said. “Hitting the debris can cause a lot of damage to the boat and anyone on it.”

Despite this hazard, boat ramps at the lake will remain open for the weekend.