PIERRE - Lake Oahe will be larger this Labor Day than it was a year ago.

The Army Corps of Engineers reports that the lake in North Dakota and South Dakota is 9 feet higher than it was last year at the same time.

South Dakota officials say that means most boat ramps that are open now will probably be usable next spring at the beginning of the boating season.

The lake remains 22-25 feet below average operating level for the end of August. Still, the 9-foot rise from a year ago is enough to have perhaps 20 boat ramps in operation instead of 10 or fewer.

"We're a good 9 higher than last year, and it's supposed to go up a foot," said Doug Hofer, head of parks and recreation for the state Game, Fish & Parks Department.