Clear Lake barely rises overnight

The waters of Clear Lake barely rose overnight, as Lake County dried out a little on Thursday morning.

“We’re enjoying a little bit of sunshine and a break in the rain,” said Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin.

By Thursday morning the lake had risen to 10.58 feet on the Rumsey gauge, compared to 10.55 feet a day earlier.

Flood stage is 9 feet, and the rising waters and other storm damage have prompted both mandatory and voluntary evacuations and a declaration of a local state of emergency .

About 85 people stayed overnight at an emergency shelter in Lakeport, Martin said. Officials with the county’s Office of Emergency Services are working to determine whether to open a second shelter.

More rain is expected this weekend, but the storm may not be as strong as first feared, Martin said. Even so, the lake is expected to remain above flood stage for at least another week to 10 days.