Can you swim in Elephant Butte?
Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico – fish, swim, boat and hike year-round!
What is at the bottom of Elephant Butte lake?
While statewide droughts have left water levels at Elephant Butte Reservoir to dwindle, one thing that hasn’t receded is the tales of large catfish and lifeless bodies at the bottom of the popular boating spot in southern New Mexico.
What is happening to Elephant Butte lake?
Poor water management, statewide drought cited as reasons for dropping water levels at Elephant Butte. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — As the drought continues in New Mexico, water levels at Elephant Butte Lake State Park are also dropping. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the lake is less than 11% full.
When was the last time Elephant Butte lake was full?
The last time water levels were that low was 1972, after droughts in the 1950s and 1960s depleted Elephant Butte. On the other hand, the reservoir was filled nearly to capacity for most of the period between 1985 and 2000.
What is the deepest lake in New Mexico?
Established in 1933, it was the first state park in New Mexico. It takes its name from nine small, deep lakes located along the eastern escarpment of the Pecos River valley….
| Bottomless Lakes State Park | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 3,500 ft (1,100 m) |
| Established | 1933 |
| Governing body | New Mexico State Parks Division |
Are there any bodies of water in New Mexico?
New Mexico Lakes Shown on the Map: Abiquiu Reservoir, Brantley Lake, Caballo Reservoir, Conchas Lake, Eagle Nest Lake, Elephant Butte Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, Sumner Lake, Two Rivers Reservoir and Ute Reservoir. The United States Geological Survey has a number of stream gages located throughout New Mexico.
How full is Elephant Butte right now?
Elephant Butte Lake (located in New Mexico) is governed by the Rio Grande Compact.
Why is Elephant Butte Lake being drained?
For 20 years declining snowpack and higher temperatures from climate change have reduced the water levels flowing to New Mexico from the Colorado River Basin, resulting in a failure to restore the Elephant Butte Lake’s reserve of water. The last time the reservoir reached full capacity was in the late 1990s.
Does bottomless lakes have a bottom?
The park’s nine lakes are not actually lakes, and they are not actually bottomless. They are sinkholes filled with water (or cenotes, if you prefer) that range from 17 to 90 feet deep. It’s the unique blue-green color given off by underwater plants that makes the bodies of water look endless.