Boaters are urged to use caution and be aware of debris in the water
SANTA FE, NM – Significant rainfall is boosting water levels at Santa Rosa Lake State Park in Guadalupe County enabling the New Mexico State Parks Division to re-open the boat ramp for visitors. Boaters are urged to use caution as lake levels are still low and underwater hazards may be present. Additionally, with the recent inflow there is a significant amount of floating debris in the water.
On May 16, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which manages the reservoir lake levels, announced it would conduct a block release of 25,250 acre-feet from the lake for the Carlsbad Irrigation District (CID). The CID owns the irrigation water that makes up all the water stored in Santa Rosa Lake.
“The release reduced lake levels down to approximately two percent, which was much too low for safe boating, so we closed the boat ramp until lake levels recovered,” Director Toby Velasquez stated. “While the lake level has risen by about 10 percent, we encourage boaters and paddlers to keep a close eye out for debris in the lake that may have come in from recent heavy rains. Santa Rosa Lake is a very popular recreation area and we’re happy that visitors can enjoy it, but we also want them to do it safely.”
The Carlsbad Irrigation District says it might conduct another release of up to 10,000 acre-feet as early as August 5 depending on additional rainfall. While the USACE manages the reservoir, the State Parks Division supervises the campgrounds and most of the recreation area. 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.
State law requires that you wear a lifejacket while on a canoe, kayak, or raft and that all children 12 years old and younger wear a lifejacket while on the deck of a moving vessel. Visit emnrd.nm.gov and click on the State Parks Boating in New Mexico tab for details on boating rules and free online boating classes.
