Gunnison, Colo. - Blue Mesa Reservoir continues to lose water to downstream stakeholders, according to data recently released by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). This means that boat ramps will become increasingly difficult to use and will eventually need to be closed as they become unsafe and unusable. The National Park Service (NPS) is monitoring reservoir levels and will be adjusting as needed to maintain the safety of our boaters.
The Iola boat ramp will close for the season on Monday, September 5, 2022, at 3:00 pm.
The Marina Concession operator is closing the Lake Fork Marina after Labor Day, and all boats are to be removed from the slips by September 11th.
The following reservoir elevations will be trigger points for closures. Bear in mind that ramps may close earlier than these dates if need warrants.
* Elevation of 7450’ - predicted to happen in September - fixed keel sailboats and larger deep draft motorboats should not attempt launch at Lake Fork.
* Elevation of 7448’ - predicted to happen in September shallow draft “fishing" boats can still launch at Lake Fork.
* Elevation of 7445’ - is the end of the ramp at Lake Fork and the ramp will be closed!
* 7435’ All deep draft vessels should be removed from the water, at the Elk Creek Boat Ramp.
* 7432’ Only shallow draft vessels may launch at Elk Creek.
* 7430’ Elk Creek Boat Ramp will close.
As a reminder, Blue Mesa’s full pool elevation is 7519’. On Aug. 28, 2022, the reservoir elevation was 7456’. This is 63 feet below full pool. During this monsoonal flow, with consistent rain, the reservoir is still dropping two inches a day. If the rain stops the reservoir will likely drop four inches or more of water per day. All boat ramps could likely be closed by the end of October, or soon afterwards.
The reservoir will remain open to hand launched craft and vessels that can be launched without a ramp. More details will be released about those locations and procedures for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspections as conditions are assessed.
Recreationists should be extremely cautious in and around the reservoir. Muddy and unstable banks may create hazards. Do not drive or park near the mudline and be aware that there may be hidden soft spots throughout the area. If you get your vehicle stuck out there, you are responsible for your own recovery.
As water levels drop and temperatures rise, algae can increase. Though not all algae produce cyanotoxins, it is difficult to discern without lab tests. The National Park Service is testing the water for the presence of such toxins, but recreationists are advised to avoid contact with algae. Toxic algae can resemble thick pea soup or spilled paint. Children and pets are particularly susceptible to these toxins. Do not drink the water. Rinse fish with clean water and properly dispose of guts. If exposed, shower immediately. If you’d like to help the NPS with monitoring efforts, you can download the Bloom watch app on your phone and help by reporting algae blooms. https://cyanos.org/bloomwatch/.
Please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/cure for updates and advisories. Information will also be posted to the Curecanti Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CurecantiNPS/ and Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/CurecantiNPS/.
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve natural resources, local history, and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
