GSL Slip Renters and Marina Users.

The lake is now at its lowest level since 1963.  We predicted this would happen.  But it has been shocking to see the effect of “Negative Storm Surge” over the last three days.

We are currently bouncing between a lake level of 4193.7 to 4193.8.

But, on Monday, and on Wednesday, we had storms come through that dropped the water level on the south half of the lake by 8/10ths of a foot.  At that level the bottom of the marina broke the surface between the marina patio and ‘E’ dock.  And the bottom of the marina appeared along the north break wall behind ‘B’ dock.  The mouth of the marina became very narrow and the level at the mouth was about 3.5’ clearance (draft).

That means that nearly every boat was trapped in the marina (or out of the marina if you had gone sailing before the negative storm surge).

And the scary thing about Wednesday’s drop is that the wind never got strong here at the marina.  But Hat Island had significant wind that dragged the water north.

For this reason, we have added another element to the daily forecasts posted on the bulletin board and on www.gslmarina.com  We have now issued “Negative Storm Surge Warnings” if we feel there is enough of a chance of south winds to drop the level at the mouth of the marina.  I would hate to have someone go sailing in the morning only to be trapped on the lake because the lake water went north closing the mouth of the marina.

But realize we may not be able to predict every significant south wind.

Another interesting thing is that the reef just north of the marina broke the surface of the water during these negative storm surges as did the Goggins Reef. (and I mean “interesting” in a bad way)

On a good note, the lake appears to be trying to stabilize for the year.  We should be near the bottom and should start climbing sometime in November.  And the prediction is for a wetter than normal weather cycle for the Bear River Drainage to kick in sometime late October or November.

Because of the storm activity predicted today we have issued a NEGATIVE STORM SURGE WARNING for the Great Salt Lake Marina for the rest of today.

Dave Shearer

Harbormaster

Great Salt Lake State Marina

801-209-9142