<\/span>Sidney Hill\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Public Information Officer, EMNRD\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov<\/span><\/a>
<\/span>505-629-2900<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Shannon Nelson<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n July\u00a022, 2026<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0New Mexico State Parks is\u00a0clearing exposed shoreline debris, adjusting boat ramp\u00a0access\u00a0and coordinating with federal partners as\u00a0water levels at Elephant Butte\u00a0Reservoir\u00a0continue to drop amid regional\u00a0droughts.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The park\u00a0remains\u00a0open.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While current conditions are challenging, they reflect long-term\u00a0natural cycles intensified by regional drought and climate change\u2014patterns now common\u00a0in New Mexico and\u00a0throughout the Southwest\u2019s major reservoir systems.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What the department is\u00a0doing\u00a0to\u00a0preserve\u00a0access and\u00a0improve\u00a0safety:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To address\u00a0emerging conditions, the State Parks Division\u00a0(Division)\u00a0has\u00a0initiated\u00a0a series of coordinated actions:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Safety First<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To protect visitors and property during low water conditions,\u00a0the\u00a0Division\u00a0urges all boaters and lake users to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n Continuing\u00a0recreation\u00a0opportunities<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Despite low water levels, Elephant Butte Lake State Park\u00a0remains\u00a0an exciting\u00a0recreation destination. Visitors can enjoy:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n New Mexico State Parks will continue\u00a0monitoring\u00a0conditions, removing debris, assessing hazards, and\u00a0maintaining\u00a0facilities until water levels rise sufficiently to support normal operations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Visitors can find updated conditions and advisories at:<\/span> For questions or current local information, contact Elephant Butte Lake State Park at 575-744\u2011592<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”22205,22206,22207,22208,22209″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Exposed debris caused by\u00a0<\/span>receding<\/span>\u00a0water line at Marina del sur boat ramp<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/span>New Mexico State Parks<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is a division of the\u00a0<\/span>Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0Our 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.\u00a0New Mexico State Parks manages 35 parks statewide and serves millions of visitors each year.\u00a0For more information, visit emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Contact:\u00a0Sidney Hill\u00a0Public Information Officer, EMNRD\u00a0sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov505-629-2900\u00a0 Shannon NelsonPublic Affairs\u00a0Specialist, Bureau of Reclamationshannon_nelson@ios.doi.gov505-462-3576\u00a0 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:\u00a0 July\u00a022, 2026\u00a0 Update on\u00a0low\u00a0water\u00a0levels\u00a0at Elephant Butte Lake State Park\u00a0 ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M.\u00a0\u2013\u00a0New Mexico State Parks is\u00a0clearing exposed shoreline debris, adjusting boat ramp\u00a0access\u00a0and coordinating with federal partners as\u00a0water levels at Elephant Butte\u00a0Reservoir\u00a0continue to drop amid regional\u00a0droughts.\u00a0\u00a0 The park\u00a0remains\u00a0open.\u00a0\u00a0 The U.S. Bureau of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: \r\n\r\nJuly 22, 2026 \r\n\r\nUpdate on low water levels at Elephant Butte Lake State Park \r\n\r\nELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M. \u2013 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. \r\n\r\nThe park remains open. \r\n\r\nThe 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. \r\n\r\nWhile current conditions are challenging, they reflect long-term natural cycles intensified by regional drought and climate change\u2014patterns now common in New Mexico and throughout the Southwest\u2019s major reservoir systems. \r\n\r\nWhat the department is doing to preserve access and improve safety: \r\n\r\nTo address emerging conditions, the State Parks Division (Division) has initiated a series of coordinated actions: \r\n\r\nFederal and state agency compliance \r\n\r\nThe 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. \r\n\r\nRamp and access clearing \r\nA long\u2011reach 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. \r\n\r\nRamp silt and debris removal \r\nSilt 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. \r\n\r\nExposed debris removal throughout Summer and Fall \r\nCrews will remove exposed debris in high\u2011use areas and locations where shoreline hazards present an immediate safety risk. The Division also has contractors ready to assist with removal of submerged hazards. \r\n\r\nEngineering assessment for long\u2011term solutions \r\nThe Division is continuing to work with an engineering firm and marine construction experts to evaluate both short\u2011term solutions and potential long\u2011term improvements to maintain and enhance boater access. \r\n\r\nSafety First \r\n\r\nTo protect visitors and property during low water conditions, the Division urges all boaters and lake users to: \r\n\r\nBeware of unstable or soft shoreline zones \r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for newly exposed debris or hazards \r\n\r\nOperate vessels with extreme caution \r\n\r\nNavigate slowly in shallow or unfamiliar areas \r\n\r\nWatch for temporary signage and buoy changes \r\n\r\nWear life jackets and maintain safe distances from other vessels \r\n\r\nContinuing recreation opportunities \r\n\r\nDespite low water levels, Elephant Butte Lake State Park remains an exciting recreation destination. Visitors can enjoy: \r\n\r\nCamping, shoreline activities, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing \r\n\r\nPaddle craft opportunities \r\n\r\nAccess to nearby communities including Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte, Socorro, and Hatch \r\n\r\nThe newly opened Brew Lab 101 brew dock, offering lakeside relaxation even during low water periods \r\n\r\nIn addition, there are several other nearby State Parks that remain fully open and accessible. \r\n\r\nNo harmful algae blooms have been detected at Elephant Butte Reservoir at this time. The lake remains under \u201cwatch\u201d status, with the latest monitoring information available through the New Mexico Environment Department\u2019s interactive map: www.env.nm.gov\/surface-water-quality\/habs\/ \r\n\r\nNew Mexico State Parks will continue monitoring conditions, removing debris, assessing hazards, and maintaining facilities until water levels rise sufficiently to support normal operations. \r\n\r\nVisitors can find updated conditions and advisories at: \r\nwww.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/know-before-you-go-faqs\/ or www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/find-a-park\/elephant-butte-lake-state-park\/ \r\n\r\nFor questions or current local information, contact Elephant Butte Lake State Park at 575-744\u2011592","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,34,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-boating-safety","category-elephant-butte-lake-state-park","category-news-releases"],"yoast_head":"\n
<\/span>Public Affairs\u00a0Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation<\/span>
<\/span>shannon_nelson@ios.doi.gov<\/span><\/a>
<\/span>505-462-3576<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Update on\u00a0low\u00a0water\u00a0levels\u00a0at Elephant Butte Lake State Park<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
<\/span>The Division has and continues to work with federal and state regulatory agencies to implement mandatory environmental and cultural resource compliance for all\u00a0maintenance\u00a0and\u00a0improvement\u00a0actions.\u00a0This includes the\u00a0U.S. Bureau of Reclamation who owns the land on which the park is situated.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/span>A\u00a0long\u2011reach excavator\u00a0is on site to\u00a0remove\u00a0silt\u00a0and debris\u00a0from the\u00a0Marina del Sur\u00a0boat ramp as water levels drop.\u00a0This work is intended to\u00a0improve\u00a0the existing boat ramp to support boater access\u00a0as long as\u00a0it\u00a0is safe\u00a0to do so.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/span>Silt and debris cleared from the ramp area are being staged nearby to dry.\u00a0After the material dries,\u00a0a contractor will\u00a0screen\u00a0debris\u00a0from the\u00a0silt.\u00a0The\u00a0debris will be properly disposed\u00a0off-site.\u00a0Clean silt will be stored away from the lake and used in future park road repairs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/span>Crews will\u00a0remove\u00a0exposed debris\u00a0in\u00a0high\u2011use\u00a0areas\u00a0and\u00a0locations\u00a0where\u00a0shoreline\u00a0hazards present an immediate\u00a0safety risk.\u00a0The Division\u00a0also\u00a0has contractors ready to\u00a0assist\u00a0with\u00a0removal\u00a0of\u00a0submerged hazards.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/span>The Division\u00a0is\u00a0continuing to work\u00a0with an engineering firm and marine construction experts to evaluate both short\u2011term\u00a0solutions\u00a0and\u00a0potential\u00a0long\u2011term\u00a0improvements to\u00a0maintain\u00a0and enhance\u00a0boater access.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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<\/span>www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/know-before-you-go-faqs\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span>www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/find-a-park\/elephant-butte-lake-state-park\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/SPDVamonos_Color-1024x1024.png\")
\u200b<\/p>\n