MEDIA ADVISORY:

August 3, 2026

Low water levels close multiple boat ramps at state parks

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico State Parks is advising visitors of multiple boat ramp closures across the state due to historically low water levels and ongoing water management operations.

The main boat ramp at Elephant Butte is now closed as the reservoir sits at approximately 1.4% capacity. Receding and evaporating water has created new hazards and made traditional boat launching unsafe. The park remains open for boating, camping, shoreline recreation, paddling, and hiking, but boaters should expect significant changes in lake conditions.

Other Statewide Impact

Low reservoir levels and scheduled water releases are also affecting boating access at several additional parks:

Heron Lake State Park: Boat ramps closed due to extremely low water.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park: A recent water release dropped the reservoir from ~40% to ~3% capacity, the boat ramp is closed.
El Vado Lake State Park: Boating access is limited; with imminent ramp closure expected.
Clayton Lake & Dinosaur Trackways State Park: Main ramp closed due to low water levels.

“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. “Conditions are changing quickly, and our teams are adapting right alongside them.”

State Parks continues to monitor conditions and will adjust operations as needed for public safety. Visitors should be aware that a closed boat ramp does not mean the park is closed—many recreation opportunities remain available.

Boater Safety Reminder
Boaters who choose to enter the water should expect newly exposed hazards, shallow areas, and narrow channels. Visitors are urged to:

Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
Reduce speed and stay within marked channels.
Watch for submerged trees, rocks and debris.
Use caution near shorelines and unfamiliar areas.
Check current conditions before traveling.
Towed watersports are strongly discouraged at this time due to hazards and limited navigable areas.

Know Before You Go
Visitors should check current alerts and lake conditions before visiting any New Mexico State Park:

Lake conditions dashboard: https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/blog/2026/07/29/current-lake-conditions-across-state-parks/
FAQs: www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd/know-before-you-go-faqs/

For park updates, contact New Mexico State Parks at 1-888-NM-PARKS

Contact:
Diego Muñoz
Public Information Officer, New Mexico State Parks Division
Diego.munoz@emnrd.nm.gov
505-819-1785

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