The San Joaquin River and the Delta south of Stockton has reopened to boaters after a five-month closure.
Boating has been off limits for most of the Delta south of Stockton since mid-February due to high water, floating debris, and fragile levees.
Less water coming from reservoirs has seen the lowering of the San Joaquin River and other Delta tributaries that once hovered at the danger stage.
For five months, Delta marinas were unable to launch their boats, and even now some county parks along the river still have their boat ramps closed.
San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services Director Mike Cockrell said river conditions have improved enough to lift the emergency order.
“It’s low enough now that if a boater causes a wake, it won’t erode the levee anymore and that was the main thing that we were concerned about last,” Cockrell said.
Cockrell said boaters should wear life vests due to the cold and swift running rivers, and stay alert.
“There is still some floating debris so boaters should be cautious on that,” he said.
Cockrell said a flood declaration will stay in place to help agencies with the cleanup in which over $12 million in damages were reported.
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