May 16, 2024 · Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

[NEWS RELEASE] Santa Rosa Lake Closed to Boating - Boat ramp temporarily closed

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor

Melanie A. Kenderdine , Cabinet Secretary

Dylan Fuge, Deputy Cabinet Secretary

Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director

Contact:

Wendy Mason

Marketing & Public Relations Manager

NM State Parks Division

wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov

505-819-1785

Sidney Hill

Public Information Officer, EMNRD

sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov

505-629-2900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 16, 2024

Boat ramp temporarily closed at Santa Rosa Lake State Park

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.

Santa Rosa Lake State Park boat ramp. Photo: NM State Parks

New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department . Our mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors.

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The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department provides resource protection and resource development services to the public and other state agencies. Learn more at https://www.emnrd.nm.gov