JOHNSTON, Iowa — If you're trying to get out on the water for the Fourth of July, state officials are asking boaters to stay away from one of the more popular boating spots in the Des Moines metro.
As of Wednesday morning, Saylorville Lake is sitting at just over 870 feet. With Tuesday's heavy rainfall, the lake picked up around two feet of water in 24 hours.
Water continues to rapidly gush out of Saylorville Dam, which flows into the Des Moines River, at a rate of 16,000 cubic feet per second.
By July 10, the Army Corps of Engineers expects the lake to crest at 882 feet, which is just two feet shy of the emergency spillway.
Several areas at Saylorville, including the Cherry Glen boat ramp, are closed for safety purposes.
Officials warn that debris from recent storms has flowed into the lake and can pose extra dangers for anyone in or on the water.
"We have high water, so now we have to add that you need to look out for debris," said Susan Stocker, an education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "You could have some potential motor damage, prop damage, things like that."
Lake Red Rock in Knoxville has been posed as another local option for boaters. While boat ramps at Lake Red Rock remain open, officials announced beaches there will close Wednesday due to rising water levels.
Despite the change of plans for boaters, the campgrounds at Saylorville Lake will remain open to the public for the holiday.