CID receives 14,500 acre-feet of water released from Santa Rosa reservoir

The New Mexico State Parks Department said it would release 14,500 acre-feet of water to the Carlsbad Irrigation District this week as requested by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

The water release forced the closure of Santa Rosa Lake State Park temporarily, including the boat ramp at the lake, as the water level in the lake would drop by about 27 feet.

The Parks Department estimated the lake held approximately 16,470 acre-feet of stored water before the release. After the release begins on Wednesday, the lake will hold about 1,700 acre-feet.

"The Bureau of Reclamation, acting on the behalf of Carlsbad Irrigation District, requested the 14,500 acre-feet release," a news release from the state Parks Department read.

The water, stored in Santa Rosa Lake, belongs to the Carlsbad Irrigation District and would continue to be released through June 29.

The Parks Department warned that the boat ramp at the lake would remain closed until the water levels are restored, which it said would occur through the accumulation of monsoon rains and runoff.

Fishing and recreation at the lake are expected to be impacted as the water levels drop, the release read.

Santa Rosa Dam is the first dam along the Pecos River, and its reservoir has a 2,434 square mile contributing drainage area. It is a part of the comprehensive plan to manage the Pecos River and provides flood control in addition storage.

The other two dams, Sumner Lake and Dam, and Brantley Dam, are owned by the Bureau of Reclamation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the reservoir, the campgrounds and most recreation areas are managed by the State Parks Division.