Likely algal bloom temporarily closes Martis Creek Lake

Published July 12, 2014
Access to Martis Creek Lake near Truckee, Calif., is closed July 12, 2014, as a precaution against a likely algal bloom.

Access to Martis Creek Lake near Truckee, Calif., is closed July 12, 2014, as a precaution against a likely algal bloom.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Martis Creek Lake near Truckee has been temporarily closed due to a likely algal bloom. Access to the lake has been restricted and park rangers are posting signs warning visitors against entering or allowing their pets to enter the water. The Martis Creek Lake wildlife area and its hiking trails and the Alpine Meadows campground remain open during the lake closure. 

“While we’re not aware that the bloom poses an imminent public safety hazard, we’re closing access as a safety precaution until we have a better sense of what’s going on here,” said Doug Grothe, Martis Creek Lake park manager. “We’re working to identify the nature of the bloom as quickly as we can and will reopen the lake as soon as we’re certain that there’s not a health or safety threat.”

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff are in contact with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is coordinating to send staff to test the bloom.

Martis Creek Lake and Dam are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District.


Contact
DeDe Cordell
916-397-7311
dede.cordell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 14-035