CARLSBAD, N.M. - The Bureau of Reclamation will begin moving water down the Pecos River from Brantley Reservoir to Avalon Reservoir next week.
Reclamation will begin filling Avalon Reservoir, located about 13 miles north of Carlsbad, on February 28. It was drained at the end of 2017 to allow for necessary inspections and for the Carlsbad Irrigation District to perform maintenance. In recent months, Reclamation staff have noticed signs of vehicles four-wheeling in the empty reservoir pool.
“We want to remind everyone that this kind of activity is prohibited. Four-wheeling or any activity in a dry reservoir can be very dangerous as water levels can rise in an instant with water flowing from upstream or with inflow from other sources such as nearby arroyos. The surface may look stable but underneath the mud could be sticky, making it difficult for vehicles and people to get out," said Jim Wilber, Deputy Area Manager of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Albuquerque Area Office.
Avalon Reservoir will be filled in preparation for the upcoming irrigation season.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
