Coast Guard: More Crashes On Lake Champlain This Summer

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — U.S. Coast Guard officials say Lake Champlain is more treacherous for boaters this summer due to its low water level, which has contributed to an overall increase in reported crashes.

NECN reports (http://bit.ly/2bR5HxF ) the Coast Guard has responded to a total of 19 groundings on the lake this summer as of Tuesday. That figure is up from just eight last year.

The origin of the issue stems from the lack of snowfall during this past winter, which meant less melted snow was absorbed by Lake Champlain. That coupled with the abnormally dry summer season has led to a lower water level on the lake.

Officials say the lake's height on Tuesday was more than 16 inches off last year's level for the same date.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]