SANTA FE – Historically low water levels and ongoing water management operations have closed multiple boat ramps at New Mexico State Parks, including the main ramp at Elephant Butte Lake.
New Mexico State Parks said Elephant Butte Reservoir is at approximately 1.4% capacity. Receding and evaporating water have created new hazards and made traditional boat launching unsafe.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park remains open for boating, camping, shoreline recreation, paddling and hiking. However, visitors should expect significant changes in lake conditions.
Other closures and limited access include:
- Heron Lake State Park, where boat ramps are closed because of extremely low water.
- Santa Rosa Lake State Park, where a recent water release reduced the reservoir from about 40% to about 3% capacity and closed the boat ramp.
- El Vado Lake State Park, where boating access is limited and ramp closure is expected soon.
- Clayton Lake and Dinosaur Trackways State Park, where the main ramp is closed because of low water.
“What we are seeing at Elephant Butte is significant, but our responsibility remains the same; keep people safe, protect the resources entrusted to our care and help visitors understand how they can continue to enjoy their state parks,” said Toby Velásquez, director of the New Mexico State Parks Division.
State Parks officials said visitors may still enjoy many recreation opportunities at affected parks. Boaters entering the water are urged to wear properly fitted life jackets, reduce speed, remain in marked channels and watch for shallow areas, submerged trees, rocks and debris. Towed watersports are strongly discouraged because of hazards and limited navigable areas.
Visitors can check current conditions through the New Mexico State Parks lake conditions dashboard or call New Mexico State Parks at 1-888-NM-PARKS.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
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