CARLSBAD, N.M. - The Bureau of Reclamation is in the process of draining water from Avalon Reservoir so the Carlsbad Irrigation District can conduct required maintenance on the dam.
The reservoir is located about 13 miles north of Carlsbad. It was also drained last winter for similar purposes. During that time, Reclamation and Carlsbad Irrigation District staff noticed signs of four-wheeling within the reservoir pool and vehicles stuck in the mud.
“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 with water from nearby Brantley Reservoir late this winter or early this spring in preparation for the next irrigation season.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
