A low water level is prompting officials to urge boaters to beware at an area lake. According to the Kansas Deaprtment of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, the ongoing long term drought is having an impact on Wilson Lake.

Wilson is a popular fishing, boating and camping destination known for spectacular prairie views, sandstone bluffs, and deep clear waters. However, the lake’s normally consistent water level has declined, and the lake is now 8.5 feet below conservation pool level.

The low water level won’t impact Wilson State Park or Corps of Engineers parks areas, which are ready for the spring and summer camping seasons, but some boat ramps are inaccessible. Two boat ramps, the Spillway Boat Ramp near the east end of the dam and the Wilson State Park Hell Creek Boat Ramp are useable and have floating courtesy docks and parking areas.

Until rain returns the lake to conservation pool level, boaters must use caution to avoid shallow water hazards that are normally far below the surface. The upper, or west end, of the lake has areas too shallow for boating.