ROUGH RIVER LAKE, KY– We have been receiving numerous questions in regard to why the lake level is lower than past years. The normal winter pool level is 470 ft m.s.l. (mean sea level). For the past 10 plus years the Corps of Engineers at Rough River Lake was given a temporary deviation to hold the winter pool 5 ft higher (475 ft). The deviation was authorized to allow Leitchfield Utilities time to resolve and obtain funding for the resolution of the water intake issues. In 2012 the water intake issues were resolved with the installation of a floating water intake. In October 2012 the Corps of Engineers at Rough River Lake were advised to return to their normal winter pool. Only North Fork and Rough River State Park Boat Ramps are useable at this elevation.

We will begin holding for summer pool (495 ft m.s.l.) on March 15th with a goal of reaching summer pool by mid May.

Visitors to the Corps of Engineers facilities at Rough River Lake will see some nice improvements this year. Improvements by area are as follows:

• Rough River Lake Visitor Center will open May 17th with new exhibits to view.
• Cave Creek Campground: Eighteen additional electric and water sites, several pull through sites, numerous campsites have been leveled and widened, new playground, and a shower house.
• Laurel Branch Campground: Eighteen additional electric sites in loops C and D and a shower house.
• Laurel Branch Public Beach: We are constructing a new public beach in the Laurel Branch area formally known as loop E. This area will have a large public beach with picnic areas close to the beach.
• Fish Cleaning Stations are being installed at North Fork Boat Ramp and at Laurel Branch.

• March 28th: Axtel Campground Loops A, B, C, and D
• May 3rd: North Fork Campground, Cave Creek Campground, remaining loops at Axtel Campground, and remaining loops at Laurel Branch.