It is currently undergoing an extensive repair program to improve dam safety and reduce water losses by the US Bureau of Reclamation. Permit holder must be 18 years old, and individuals may obtain one permit for each season.The Rio Chama has two permit seasons:, The Early Season (April 15 to July 15) weekday flows typically reflect upstream reservoir inflow and weekends are augmented with water being delivered downstream., The Release Season (July 16 to Sept. 15) weekday flows are at minimal levels and weekend flows are augmented.. El Vado Dam can hold back about 60 billion gallons (273 billion liters) of water, but the capacity will be reduced significantly while the repairs are being done. When El Vado Reservoir spills, MRGCD has the option to spill SJC water belonging to other contractors or to spill native water not held under terms of the Rio Grande Compact. Persistent drought also has. Posting Dates: Sarabeth Noggle of Brown County, Ind., walks her dog, Yoyo, over the Santa Fe River on Old Santa Fe Trail on Wednesday. If the group size is decreased, a refund of the recreation fees will be processed as applicable. Tingley Beach: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using white PowerBait eggs. and reservations. Monastery Lake: Closed to fishing due to unsafe ice conditions. el vado dam release schedule. As a result, flows, River Flow Levels links are available in the links section or contact BLM for current information., The Class II-III rapids on the Rio Chama require skills necessary to navigate these rapids safely.. Copyright © 2021-2022 Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Welcome to the New Mexico State Parks Infomation Page. It brings water to more than 31 million people and provides one out of five western farmers with irrigation water for farmland. water named El Vado Reservoir (Segment No. Page Pegram, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission . SJC water and water stored for the Six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos are not subject to the provisions of the Rio Grande Compact that limit storage and release of water under certain conditions. Although the lottery only awards Friday launches, lottery winners may launch on either Friday or Saturday. , 2023 state basketball tournament brackets, Suspect charged in murder of 15-yr-old Gallup boy, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. 12/1/2022 - 3/31/2023. River and streamflowfor New Mexico provided by USGS. The Rio Chama, a major tributary of the Rio Grande, flows through the Chama River Canyon Wilderness - a multi-colored sandstone canyon whose walls rise to 1,500 feet above the river as you travel downstream. Some of the steel faceplates of the dam have become cracked and bent due to shifts in the land around the dam, wrote Bureau of Reclamation Public Affairs Specialist Mary Carlson in a March 6 email. Bosque Redondo Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Fishing for bass was fair to good when using red-and-black Senko worms. The reservoir has a total capacity of 196,500 acre-feet. Eagle Nest Lake: Josh Harris and Stephen Pattinson of Santa Fe caught 30 perch, with the largest being 12 inches long, using green-and-yellow tungsten jigs in 40 feet of water Feb. 17. 7 days 30 days 1 year Change time span Retrieve data Thanks for reading and supporting our angling community! Project Diversion Dams and Tunnels The northern most facility is Blanco Diver-sion Dam on the Rio Blanco. Abiquiu Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Rio Chama flows are not guaranteed and are highly variable - based on water availability, irrigation demand, and precipitation - and may change with little notice. SJC water released from Heron Reservoir for immediate use downstream of El Vado Reservoir is simply passed through El Vado Dam. Escondida Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using salmon-peach PowerBait. Please stay clear of all construction areas. The Plan must be cognizant of Article VII in the Rio Grande Compact, which pro-hibits storage in El Vado when, as is the case this year, there is less than 400,000 acre-feet in Elephant Butte Reservoir. Call (575).588.7470 for conditions at both Heron Lake and El Vado Lake. Posting Dates: There tends to be a better chance to have weekday water during the Early Season. The dam was built in the 1930s and its current condition isnt safe for the public, the agency said. Region: Upper Colorado Basin Region, Related Facilities 12/1/2022 - ongoing. Due to the ongoing renovation of El Vado Dam and the resultant lack of fishable surface area, ice fishing remains closed TFN. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. These spawning coves and the points or channels near them will begin to load up with fish preparing for the spawn. Please call for more information about ELF trips. Main lake and secondary points with chunk rock or pea-gravel banks, as well as shallower pockets off the main lake, will begin to hold groups of fish. A lottery system is used for Friday and Saturday launches. Water data back to 1914 are available online. 1/2/2023 - 4/1/2023. Comfort Stations located at Willow, Blanco, and Island View campgrounds have been closed for the season. Liquid waste should be strained into the river. The fishing has been good with a variety of fly patterns in the four miles of Quality Water below the Dam. Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nm/nwis/uv/?site_no=08285500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. Contact El Vado Ranch for questions about fees and services at the privately owned launch site, or about fishing 575-588-7354. Solid human waste must be carried out in a washable re-usable container, or for very small groups an approved bag system. Water is released from El Vado Reservoir between 10:00 am and Noon on Friday and reduced between 10:00 am and Noon on Sunday. We may include your story in our next report. Anglers are encouraged to visit surrounding lakes such as Bear Canyon Lake, Lake Roberts and Trees Lake for alternate fishing locations. Comfort Station # 1 is closed due to plumbing problems. 10/31/2022 - 3/30/2023, Blackjack Campground is closed until further notice, Posting Dates: Cooper's El Vado Ranch Launch site is a private facility and requires a $5.00 per person launch fee in addition to BLM fees. (April 15 to July 15) flows often coincide with inflow to reservoirs above El Vado Dam. Storage of large volumes of SJC water may take place for extended periods of time. The recommended minimum flow requirements for kayaks, canoes, and rafts less than 12' is 300 cfs. The above table lists scheduled-release information using an alias for each site name. Citation: Study assesses impacts of water flow management through El Vado Dam (2019, June 4 . The 22 miles of the river from Coopers El Vado Ranch to Chavez Canyon flows through a BLM Wilderness Study Area and the designated Chama Canyons Wilderness Area. Green Meadow Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using worms fished beneath a bobber. An official website of the United States government. The 92-year-old, 230ft (70m) high dam is one of the only steel faceplated dams in the country. The main boat ramp is open. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation plans to address cracks in El Vados steel faceplate and the foundation, and the deteriorating spillway. We spent a lot of time and effort coordinating and were able to release it in a pulse from El Vado to Abiquiu intended to move fine sediment that deposits within the gravels in the riverbed, and this hopefully improved the brown trout habitat." Register for the free event at the Rio Chama Congreso, www.sanjuanchama.org/events Share this: Tweet Lake Roberts: We had no reports from anglers this week. Due to the ongoing renovation of El Vado Dam and the resultant lack of fishable surface area, ice fishing remains closed TFN. The Park is open 24 hours and is a fee area. 1/13/2023 - ongoing. Storrie Lake State Park boat ramp and lake access to all motorized vessels is closed effective immediately. El Vado Dam, New Mexico [show on map] El Vado Dam, which holds back El Vado Lake, is unusual as it uses steel plates to reduce seepage across the 175-foot long face of the dam. 2/24/2021 - ongoing. Major repairs to El Vado Dam next year will force New Mexico to look elsewhere to store irrigation water for the Middle Rio Grande Valley. The Rio Chama is 120 miles long, making it the third largest tributary of the Rio Grande. Posting Dates: All launches must be permitted. 4/15/2021 - ongoing, Posting Dates: Use the following if you givefish,game meat,orparts of game animalsto an individual:Possession Certificate. The Oliver Lee Ranch House can be viewed with guided tours only. The lake and surrounding area are a major wintering ground for bald eagles and other birds. Starting October 1st, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) State Parks Division announces seasonal changes to services within state parks, including changes to operational hours and some comfort stations. Trout Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Best access point: Below Abiquiu Dam and below El Vado Dam. To promote bass and trout fishing opportunities in New Mexico and encourage anglers to branch out and discover new fishing waters and species, anglers can participate in the New Mexico Trout Challenge and the New Mexico Bass Challenge. El Vado Dam can hold back about 60 billion gallons (273 billion liters) of water, but the capacity will be reduced significantly while the repairs are being done. You may set up your shuttle at Coopers El Vado Ranch office during open hours or call 505-490-2053 or 575-756-8131. Storage restrictions limit the water surface elevation to 6896.20 feet from June 1 through September 30 and 6,900.0 feet from October through May; however, the restrictions have been relaxed in the past in an attempt to conserve water during years with expected below normal runoff. Developed campgrounds are scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2023. 4/11/2022 - ongoing. The primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater rivers throughout the United States and connects the interests of human-powered recreational river users with ecological and science-based data to achieve goals within our mission. D2 - Severe Drought. Up the Creek Shuttle (Prices below are provided as a guide and may not be actual. The dam also has a set of outlet works, capable of carrying 6,850 cubic feet per second (194 m 3 /s). However, due to prolonged drought, the reservoir naturally remained below the restriction levels for most of the past two decades. Alumni Pond: Fishing for trout was good when using Pistol Pete spinner flies fished with a bobber and salmon-peach PowerBait. Both comfrot stations and the park dump station are CLOSED until further notice due to a septic issue. Cabresto Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Reclamation regularly performs exams of El Vado Dam as part of the Safety of Dams Program. Flows are highly variable, based on water availability, irrigation demand, and rainfall. Individuals may apply for each of these seasons. No Show policies still apply. 11/18/2022 - 4/15/2023, Posting Dates: Lock We provide tools and tips to discover We have spent many years studying and closely monitoring El Vado Dam, as safety is our top priority, said Albuquerque Area Manager Jennifer Faler. Tiger Park Reservoir: We had no reports from anglers this week. Bottomless Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week. Rio Chama below El Vado Dam. Nicholsons work on the project will be completed in the Fall of 2023. Please note that winter minimum flows can be around 50 cfs, which is not a boatable flow. r J8-bD{cJ'\T@q4"I-KST(m6Mk*QkJx"v.DOTk!]*EQE9 W*X.M:u&Nd)r,Tmcg9J]j$}?l4Q{hpe{di*5BORo]f7x" _ Jemez River: George Smithson of Edgewood caught and released a 14-inch brown trout using a size-14 Parachute Adams fly on the lower river Feb. 20. Laguna del Campo: Closed to fishing until March. Bataan Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. allocated relinquishment credit water @El Vado Dam. 12/18/2022 - ongoing. Each graph represents the average fishing conditions for each week of the year over the four-year period. 10/17/2022 - 3/9/2023, Monday, October 17, 2022, continue established winter closure of CFS # 2. Attention: The Rio Chama Lottery has moved to Recreation.gov. For more information, visit El Vado Lake State Park's webpage or call 575-588-7247. Official websites use .gov Thirty-one miles of the river were protected as a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. This will not affect the water quality. Rio Ruidoso: Streamflow at Hollywood Monday morning was 27 cfs. , VIDEO: Giant I-40 light poles sway in strong ABQ, Taxidermy birds used to make drones at New Mexico, PHOTOS: Storm leaves parts of state covered in snow, PHOTOS: Winter storm moves through NM leaving snow, PHOTOS: Storm causes snowy, icy roads across New, Map: New Mexico Veterans Monuments and Memorials, 13 Broadcast Pl SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Posting Dates: Timberon Ponds: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using worms. The BLM Taos Field Office and Santa Fe National Forest have proposed an increase in the recreation fee for the Rio Chama River Permit from $5 per person to $10 per person. Please read the Cancellation Policy. The Bureau of Relamation (Reclamation) owns El Vado Dam and Reservoir. The agency announced Friday that the two-phased contract with CARPI USA Inc. is worth up to $16.7 million. Posting Dates: 12/20/2021 - ongoing The following campgrounds and primitive camping areas are closed . Young Pond: Fishing for trout was good when using Pistol Pete spinner flies, Velveeta cheese, canned corn, salmon-peach PowerBait and blue-and-silver, midge-pattern flies. Lottery entries are due on Recreation.gov before January 31. Posting Dates: Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Glenwood Pond: We had no reports from anglers this week. It also impounds water for an 8 MW small hydro powerhouse. For catches of the week, include name, age, hometown, date, location, type of fish, length and weight if possible, and bait, lure or fly used. Weekday releases in both seasons are more variable / less reliable than weekend. United States. El Vado Dam was built by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District in 1934 and 1935 and was rehabilitated by Reclamation in 1954 and 1955. Monday, October 17, 2022, continue established winter closures as follows, Long Point, Lost Canyon, South Highlands, North Highlands, Club Cove, and Three Sisters campground. 7/14/2022 - 4/30/2023. Chavez Canyon and Big Eddy access points are reached on Forest Road 151- just north of Ghost Ranch - on US 84. For small rafts, minimum recommended flows are 300 to 400 cfs. 4/2/2021 - ongoing. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Oasis Park Lake: Mario Velasco of Portales caught a 16-inch rainbow trout using PowerBait on Feb. 25. On the Rio Chama wilderness section, because of release schedules, the term 'Weekend' is used for Friday and Saturday launches. Escondida Lake: Taton Lam, age 3, of Socorro caught his first fish, a 12-inch rainbow trout, using salmon-peach PowerBait Feb 25. Bluewater Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. For current conditions, contact the departments Fisheries Management Division at 505-476-8055. This Day section is popular for day trips and has car camping opportunities. 7/4/2020 - ongoing, Monday October 31st, continue established winter closure of Upper Riverside Comfort Station, Posting Dates: El Vado Dam, located on the Rio Chama about 160 miles north of Albuquerque, was built by the conservancy district in 1934-1935 and was rehabilitated by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1954-1955. Recreation Fee: $5 per person, per launch -- may be adjusted up until the time that your permit is printed., Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your permit 14 days or more prior to your reservation date, you will receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable reservation fee. 12/20/2021 - ongoing. From El Vado Ranch launch site (immediately south of El Vado Dam) downstream 24.6 miles. ****, Rio Grande Basin Water Storage: Abiquiu Reservoirs. The plant operates as a run of the river facility; releases are not made for the sole purpose of generating power, but power is a byproduct of releases made for project purposes. Lake Maloya:Ice fishing for trout and perch was good when using tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms and chartreuse, shad-pattern minnows. endstream endobj 2375 0 obj <>stream Front desk and Nature Shop volunteers may not be available at the park. McGaffey Lake: Stocking efforts have been suspended due to extremely low water levels and unstable ground conditions. 2015: Out of Art VII for two months allowing storage of 82,000 a-f @ El Vado Reservoir. Recreation at El Vado Reservoir is managed by the New Mexico Division of Parks and Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation. endstream endobj 2372 0 obj <>/Metadata 102 0 R/Outlines 128 0 R/Pages 2364 0 R/StructTreeRoot 133 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 2373 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 2365 0 R/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 2374 0 obj <>stream Bonito Lake: Closed until further notice by the City of Alamogordo due to fire damage. 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El Vado Dam and Reservoir, features of the Middle Rio Grande Project, are located on the Rio Chama about 160 miles north of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Official websites use .gov Major duties and requirements of the position are listed below. . Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency and the largest wholesale provider of water in the U.S. Fishing for trout in the quality waters was good when using leech-pattern flies and orange and red beadhead annelid flies. The BLM manages a 22 mile stretch of the Rio Chama from El Vado Ranch to the Chavez Canyon access. In general, water is stored during the spring run off for release later in the year when flows are lower. GdE:f"x`{b3sjXiWG] El Vado Lake: Closed due to dam construction project. For kayaks (inflatable or hard shell), canoes, and rafts less than 12', at least 200 cfs is recommended. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. 2020-2021 New Mexico Fishing Rules & Info, 2022-2023 Nuevo Mexico Pesca Reglas e Informacion. Snow Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Playground is closed until further notice, due to safety concerns; Posting Dates: Santa Cruz Reservoir: Gates are open Thursday-Sunday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Shuree Ponds: Closed to fishing until July. Clayton Lake: Closed to boating and fishing until March. Posting Dates: Contact Information Mailing Address: El Vado . Please review BLM's recommended river safety tips. Los Pinos River: We had no reports from anglers this week. The BLM Taos Field Office and Santa Fe National Forest have determined that beginning the 2023 Release Season (16 Jul - 15 Sep) the BLM will be assigning campsites to Thursday, Friday and Saturday launches.