Contact: 
Sidney Hill 
Public Information Officer, EMNRD 
sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov
505-629-2900 

Shannon Nelson
Public Affairs Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation
shannon_nelson@ios.doi.gov
505-462-3576 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

July 22, 2026 

Update on low water levels at Elephant Butte Lake State Park 

ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. – New Mexico State Parks is clearing exposed shoreline debris, adjusting boat ramp access and coordinating with federal partners as water levels at Elephant Butte Reservoir continue to drop amid regional droughts.  

The park remains open.  

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has confirmed water releases from the reservoir will continue through July 28, 2026, which is exposing debris and terrain normally underwater.  

While current conditions are challenging, they reflect long-term natural cycles intensified by regional drought and climate change—patterns now common in New Mexico and throughout the Southwest’s major reservoir systems.  

What the department is doing to preserve access and improve safety: 

To address emerging conditions, the State Parks Division (Division) has initiated a series of coordinated actions: 

• Federal and state agency compliance
  The Division has and continues to work with federal and state regulatory agencies to implement mandatory environmental and cultural resource compliance for all maintenance and improvement actions. This includes the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation who owns the land on which the park is situated.   

• Ramp and access clearing
  A long‑reach excavator is on site to remove silt and debris from the Marina del Sur boat ramp as water levels drop. This work is intended to improve the existing boat ramp to support boater access as long as it is safe to do so. 

• Ramp silt and debris removal 
  Silt and debris cleared from the ramp area are being staged nearby to dry. After the material dries, a contractor will screen debris from the silt. The debris will be properly disposed off-site. Clean silt will be stored away from the lake and used in future park road repairs. 

• Exposed debris removal throughout Summer and Fall
  Crews will remove exposed debris in high‑use areas and locations where shoreline hazards present an immediate safety risk. The Division also has contractors ready to assist with removal of submerged hazards.  

• Engineering assessment for long‑term solutions
  The Division is continuing to work with an engineering firm and marine construction experts to evaluate both short‑term solutions and potential long‑term improvements to maintain and enhance boater access. 

Safety First 

To protect visitors and property during low water conditions, the Division urges all boaters and lake users to: 

• Beware of unstable or soft shoreline zones 

• Keep an eye out for newly exposed debris or hazards 

• Operate vessels with extreme caution 

• Navigate slowly in shallow or unfamiliar areas 

• Watch for temporary signage and buoy changes 

• Wear life jackets and maintain safe distances from other vessels 

Continuing recreation opportunities 

Despite low water levels, Elephant Butte Lake State Park remains an exciting recreation destination. Visitors can enjoy: 

• Camping, shoreline activities, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing 

• Paddle craft opportunities  

• Access to nearby communities including Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte, Socorro, and Hatch 

• The newly opened Brew Lab 101 brew dock, offering lakeside relaxation even during low water periods 

• In addition, there are several other nearby State Parks that remain fully open and accessible. 

• No harmful algae blooms have been detected at Elephant Butte Reservoir at this time. The lake remains under “watch” status, with the latest monitoring information available through the New Mexico Environment Department’s interactive map: www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/habs/ 

New Mexico State Parks will continue monitoring conditions, removing debris, assessing hazards, and maintaining facilities until water levels rise sufficiently to support normal operations. 

Visitors can find updated conditions and advisories at:
www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/know-before-you-go-faqs/ or www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/elephant-butte-lake-state-park/  

For questions or current local information, contact Elephant Butte Lake State Park at 575-744‑592 

Exposed debris caused by receding water line at Marina del sur boat ramp

​

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. New Mexico State Parks manages 35 parks statewide and serves millions of visitors each year. For more information, visit emnrd.nm.gov/spd/