Water woes: Boating season cut short at Seagull Bay

AMERICAN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – With the water levels on the American Falls Reservoir rapidly nearing 50 percent capacity, the Seagull Bay Yacht Club is pivoting to alternative summer activities and asking for the public's help in donating to a summer season.

Due to the dry winter in eastern Idaho, there has been little snow runoff to add to local reservoirs. The American Falls Reservoir is currently at 61 percent capacity and is dropping four inches daily. The Palisades Reservoir is also low, sitting at about 40 percent.

"Launching and docking boats is at your own risk," said Tiffany Dansie, Secretary of the Seagull Bay Yacht Club. "Our water year is about over as far as boat activities go out here. But that doesn't mean you still can't bring your paddleboard and go out, but it is a dangerous year for boating with the water levels going down so quickly."

President of the club, Shane Howell, said all boats must be pulled when the reservoir hits 50 percent. He said he's hoping for another couple of weeks of the season and assured dock users they would be alerted about the deadlines for pulling boats.

Seagull Bay has a clubhouse available for rent for events, barbeques, camper slots, and plenty of recreational areas for outdoor sports. Dansie said the options are endless in the beautiful area, and managers aren't backing down in the wake of low water.

"Throughout the summer, we're looking to put on several events for both members of the yacht club and for visitors," Dansie said. "We have fishing all summer, paddleboarding, and are happy to set up volleyball, cornhole, pickleball, horseshoes, and croquet."

Many visitors come to enjoy the view of the water and the legendary Seagull Bay sunsets. Howell said the summer events will hopefully supplement funds with a short boating season.

"We are looking for donations from the public to get events going, and we'd love to hear from others what events they're wanting to have," Dansie said.

Some current ideas are farmers' markets near the water, a food truck rally, water slide rentals for a family fun day, and a cornhole tournament. To pitch your ideas or donate to the yacht club, you can visit their Facebook page at Seagull Bay Yacht Club or call directly at 208-226-2088. The property caretaker is also on site if you make the drive to contact them directly.

Whether it's for enjoying the views, camping for a weekend, or enjoying the water itself for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, Seagull Bay is far from closing this summer despite the low water level.

"Just because we don't have water doesn't mean people can't get out and enjoy the place," Howell said.