Officials Urge Boaters to Be Extra Cautious on Caddo Lake

Parish park officials say boaters should exercise more caution when driving through Caddo Lake because of low water levels. To warn boaters, the Parks Department placed caution signs at the lake this week. District 1 Commissioner Doug Dominick says when the lake level is low, stumps and other obstacles are closer to the surface -- and could cause a serious accident or cause water craft damage. Parks officials say the lake levels are just under 167 feet, compared to just over 168 feet this time last year. An ideal level is about 170 feet. The National Weather Service reports the lowest recorded level at slightly above 166 feet from 1956. While the levels are commonly lower in August and September, the lack of rainfall is causing the department to pay extra attention...and boaters should do the same.