U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water for Carlsbad Irrigation District dropping the lake's level by 32 feet

Santa Rosa, NM – The New Mexico State Parks Division announces the temporary closure of the boat ramp at Santa Rosa Lake State Park due to a significant water release by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

The USACE Albuquerque District announced that it would conduct a block release of water from Santa Rosa Lake this week that will drop the lake's level by approximately 32 feet. The Bureau of Reclamation, acting on behalf of Carlsbad Irrigation District, requested the 25,250 acre-feet release that's expected to last until May 23.

"The boat ramp will remain closed until the lake returns to a safe level from monsoon rain and runoff," said Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director. "The water that makes up Santa Rosa Lake belongs to the Carlsbad Irrigation District. The State Parks Division manages the park, while the USACE manages the reservoir and the water in it. Camping is still available at the park, and we invite visitors to come out and enjoy the many other recreational activities until boating access returns to the lake."

Santa Rosa Dam is the first major dam along the Pecos River, and its reservoir has a 2,434 square mile contributing drainage area. The other two dams, Sumner Lake Dam, and Brantley Dam are owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. The Santa Rosa Reservoir is a main component in the Pecos River Basin comprehensive plan, providing irrigation storage, flood control, and sediment retention to the basin.
For more information call Santa Rosa Lake State Park at (575) 472-3110, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at (505) 342-3171.