Low Water Levels Prompt Kings River Closure to Motorized Vessels

Low Water Levels Prompt Kings River Closure to Motorized Vessels

Tulare County’s General Services and Sheriff’s Departments announced today that the Kings River in Tulare County is closed to motorized vessels, such as boats and jet skis, until water levels and rates increase.

Tulare County Parks Manager Neil Pilegard said motorized vessels should not be used in the Kings River until water flows reach 400 cubic feet per second. As of today, water is flowing at a rate between 30- and 50 cubic-feet per-second.

“Operating motorized vehicles in the Kings River with low water levels and rates is dangerous,” Pilegard said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Tulare County works with the King River Watermaster to determine water levels and flow rate. Pilegard said the Kings River Watermaster estimates that flows will remain at low levels through the end of May, including Memorial Day Weekend.

The Kings River closures are being posted. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department will provide enforcement, per County Ordinance Section 2-03-11135.

For more information, the public should call 559/624-7227.