MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP) _ Officials at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore say a beach along Lake Michigan just west of Michigan City has been closed indefinitely because of erosion that created a dangerous 8-foot drop.

Park officials say they have closed Central Avenue Beach and its parking lot. They say the erosion was caused by large waves. Officials say the area will be monitored and reopened after the beach sand has been replenished through natural deposits from the lake.

Officials say the continuing high water level of Lake Michigan makes the reopening of the beach soon unlikely. More than 13 miles of beaches along the lakeshore remain open.