MEDIA ADVISORY:
August 3, 2026
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.
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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.
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.
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Towed watersports are strongly discouraged at this time due to hazards and limited navigable areas.
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/
New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The Division manages 35 state parks across New Mexico and works to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide recreational and educational opportunities, and promote public safety for the benefit of residents and visitors.
