The State - News from Aug. 19, 1985

The state has ordered Benbow Lake on the Eel River south of Garberville lowered because of a leak in the dam. Park Ranger Joe Hardcastle said that even complete failure of the dam would not endanger any inhabited areas. But it would pose a danger to anyone on or near the river below it, he said, and would wash out some low river crossings. Hardcastle said the lake is up to 27 feet. The state ordered it lowered by seven feet until a two-foot-square leak at the base of the flashboards is repaired. The work will end further use of the lake for recreation this season, which normally runs until the end of September.