Car camping is popular on the lower 8 miles, and float boaters enjoy two or three day trips on Class II rapids on the entire 31-mile segment (advance permits required), or half-day trips on the lower segment (no advance permits required). Berrendo Creek: Valerie Wyatt of Roswell caught a22-inch largemouth bass using a red-and-black Senko worm Feb. 24. NOTE: You may need to refresh the page if your internet browser has stored older content. 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. 1/10/2023 - 4/1/2023. Rio Chama below El Vado Dam. Between April 15 and September 15, the BLM allows only permitted launches on the Rio Chama from El Vado Dam to Chavez Canyon (21.6 miles). The Rio Chama launch calendar is split into two seasons: Early Season and Release Season. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Fishing for trout in the bait waters section was good when using black-and-gold Panther Martin spinners. For small rafts, minimum recommended flows are 300 to 400 cfs. Trout Lakes: We had no reports from anglers this week. Caballo Lake: Fishing for catfish was good when using cut carp bait. The dam embankment is of rolled gravel fill with a steel membrane on the upstream face. Posting Dates: 1/10/2023 - 4/1/2023 . Cowles Ponds: We had no reports from anglers this week. Classification/Mileage: Wild 21.6 miles; Scenic 3.0 miles; Total 24.6 miles. Ice fishing for perch was good when using green and yellow tungsten jigs. Citation: Study assesses impacts of water flow management through El Vado Dam (2019, June 4 . ECO Safe, River Bank Toilet, Coleman, Jon-ny Partner, Cleanwaste's GO Anywhere Toilet Kit or Restop 2 are some examples. Select a ProjectMiddle Rio Grande ProjectSelect a DamAngostura Diversion DamIsleta Diversion Dam. San Gregorio Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. While not a storage right for these pueblos, this water can be released if native flows are insufficient to meet irrigation demand for prior and paramount lands. MRGCD allows other SJC contractors to store about 40,000 acre-feet in El Vado Reservoir; the amount available for SJC storage is re-evaluated by MRGCD every year. A new outlet works was built by Reclamation in 1965-1966 to accommodate the additional water from the San Juan-Chama Project. Shortly after Laramide deformation began the sea retreated toward the northeast one final time. Posting Dates: The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Snow Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. The reservoir has a total capacity of 196,500 acre-feet. The Boat ramp at South Monticello remains closed due to low water levels. Changes cannot be made to the permit once it has been printed. ****, Rio Grande Basin Water Storage: Abiquiu Reservoirs. Call (575).588.7470 for conditions at both Heron Lake and El Vado Lake. In general, water is stored during the spring run off for release later in the year when flows are lower. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the U.S., with 53 hydroelectric powerplants that have produced an average of 40 billion kWh annually over the past decade. Please note the No Show and Cancellation Policy. Water is released from El Vado Reservoir when natural flow of the Rio Grande is not sufficient to meet demands of the MRGCD and the Six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos. American Whitewater Green Meadow Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using worms fished beneath a bobber. 2/24/2021 - ongoing. 12/8/2022 - ongoing. The plan for filling El Vado Reservoir is to store all flows into the reservoir that are in excess of downstream requirements, such as those for Rio Chama water rights holders. Cold. Developed campsites at El Vado Lake State Park are currently closed for the winter season. NM Natural Resource Office. The Rio Chama launch calendar is split into two 'seasons': Early Season and Release Season. All companies meet strict guidelines for equipment safety and guide experience. Releases from El Vado Reservoir flow through the hydroelectric plant within the maximum and minimum capacities of the plant. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The lake was constructed in 1935, as part of a Bureau of Reclamation Project. The river passes through designated wilderness on the upper stretches; the lower section is lightly developed and very scenic. 1/2/2023 - 4/1/2023. Developed campgrounds are scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2023. GdE:f"x`{b3sjXiWG] If monitoring indicates that the impacts of dogs on the corridor continues to increase, to include harassment of wildlife or the public, the number of dogs per trip will restricted or dogs will be excluded all together in the future. Construction will include reducing reservoir storage to grout behind the steel faceplate and begin installation of a geomembrane over the face of the dam. Plan Ahead and Prepare/Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces, Pact it In, Pack it Out/Leave What You Find. Abiquiu may replace El Vado for water storage We will update the webpage as conditions change. District exhausted all San Juan-Chama supplies in 2013 San Juan-Chama shortages occurred in 2014, 15 and 16. Eagle Nest Lake: Ice fishing for trout was good when using salmon-peach PowerBait and green tungsten jigs. Change Policy: Prior to printing your permit you can modify the group size. 4/1/2022 - ongoing, Cieneguilla Day Use Area is closed until Spring of 2023, Posting Dates: Boating: Wood collection is limited to dead and down material only. Reclamation contracts with New Mexico State Parks to manage recreational opportunities at El Vado Reservoir. 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. %PDF-1.7 % 10/1/2022 - 3/31/2023. First aid kit adequate for the size of the group and sufficient for treating serious injuries. Permits are for private boating. Releases from El Vado Reservoir occur in a manner that is consistent with the following operational requirements and/or considerations: Native Rio Grande water flows into El Vado Reservoir up to 100 cfs are bypassed to meet demands of Rio Chama water rights holders. Please call for additional information (505)344-7240. Oasis Park Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using yellow and salmon-peach PowerBait. Individuals may apply for each of these seasons. A lock ( Permits are only available through Recreation.gov, and are not transferrable. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times to avoid harassment of wildlife or other river users. Cimarron River: Streamflow near Cimarron Monday morning was not measured due to ice. Park staff would appreciate reports on any fish caught. The Park is open 24 hours and is a fee area. RIO CHAMA BELOW EL VADO DAM, NM - USGS Water Data for the Nation Nicholson working on El Vado Dam rehabilitation project. D1 - Moderate Drought. Channel capacity below El Vado Dam is approximately 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Chama 2 Day Adventure Rio Chama near La Puente. Posting Dates: For more information, visit El Vado Lake State Parks webpage or call 575-588-7247. 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. Catch all the challenge species that are found throughout New Mexico to receive your certificate and challenge coin. 2371 0 obj <> endobj Clayton Lake: Closed to boating and fishing until March. BLM - Taos Field Office 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos NM 87571, Up the Creek Shuttle PO Box 6 Tierra Amarilla NM 87575, BLM Taos Field Office 226 Cruz Alta Rd. We expect stream flows in the basin to remain below average.. This behavior is being closely monitored. In most Windows browsers (such as Internet Explorer) hold down the Control key and press F5. The water levels vary by time of year. 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. The Departments new Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner was created using data from the 2016 to 2019 Weekly Fishing Reports to develop graphs depicting fishing conditions for several species and waterbodies throughout the year. Fishing is especially good on the upper 1 mile of this river segment. Lake levels are steady but expected to drop as crews Nov. 22, 2021, at 11:10 p.m. Save ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Major repairs to a northern New Mexico Front desk and Nature Shop volunteers may not be available at the park. Most outfitted trips on the Rio Chama last two days, beginning at Cooper's Ranch just below El Vado Dam and ending 31 miles downstream at Big Eddy takeout. It can store around 200,000 acre-feet of water. Please call for more information about ELF trips. Being part of the process of ensuring that communities have reliable irrigation and drinking water is extremely important to us as at every level of our company.. Albuquerque Area Drains: Fishing for trout was fair when using peach PowerBait. Recent Weekly Fishing Reports: No advance reservation is required for a launch after September 15 and before April 15 you simply show up at the launch site, fill out a self permit envelope, pay the fees, and go. Berrendo Creek: Please visit theOpen Gate webpagefor more information onthis property. A 5.5-mile scenic trail along the Rio Chama connects El Vado with nearby Heron Lake. 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. For updated lake conditions, visit the parks webpage or call the park office at 575-377-1594. State: New Mexico Liquid (kitchen) waste should be strained into the river. Chama flows are go | Environment | taosnews.com 7/27/2021 - ongoing. If you would like to float the Rio Chama, Receation.gov will begin accepting applications on December 1,2020for the 2021season. 11/7/2022 - ongoing. 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.. If you cancel 13 days or less prior to your start date, you will not receive a refund. Taos NM 87571. 12/22/2022 - 12/31/2023. 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. Click on the links to access complete/current scheduled-release information. Fly fishing hatches in order of importance: Stoneflies (freestone section) Baetis Craneflies Caddis Midges olive may nymph patters. Please watch for flow information on the USGS website. 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. Nov. 27El Vado Dam's upcoming renovation will make its lake shallower but could bump up Abiquiu Reservoir's levels if water is diverted there during repairs a process that will affect the. Grants Riverwalk Pond: The city is in the final stages of repairs; stocking will resume soon. EBY discusses construction of hydro station between Yacyret and Aa Cu Nepal professionals trained to improve the countrys hydropower sustainability. For current conditions, contact the departments Fisheries Management Division at 505-476-8055. Streamflow Reports. , 2023 state basketball tournament brackets, Suspect charged in murder of 15-yr-old Gallup boy, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. Reclamation begins safety modifications at El Vado Dam. The above table lists scheduled-release information using an alias for each site name. Timberon Ponds: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using worms. For large rafts (14 or bigger) minimum flows of 500 cfs are recommended. Department Weekly Report. Were very proud to join projects like El Vado Dam, said Nigel Miller, Regional Manager of Nicholsons Rocky Mountain Group. The Bureau of Reclamation has begun safety modifications at El Vado Dam on the Rio Chama in northern New Mexico to ensure the continued structural stability of the facility. Useable water is defined in the Rio Grande Compact. However, due to prolonged drought, the reservoir naturally remained below the restriction levels for most of the past two decades. The reservoir also provides recreational opportunities and allots space for sediment control. Lakes collapse and release meltwater during winter causing inland ice to speed up in Greenland . Solid human waste must be carried out in a washable re-usable container, or for very small groups an approved bag system. There tends to be a better chance to have weekday water during the Early Season. All times are listed in local time. The dam stores water for irrigation in the Middle Rio Grand Conservancy District, which includes six pueblos, and provides critical flood protection for downstream residents. Barry Weinstock BLM Park Ranger The lottery application window for Friday and Saturday launches is open from December 1 to January 31. Posting Dates: The main park is now open at El Vado Lake. Harry McAdamsPark Pond: Fishing for trout was very good when using homemade dough bait. Contact Information Mailing Address: El Vado . 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. Best trout fishing is within several miles of . Please self-register at the put-in. 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. Escondida Lake: Fishing for trout was good when using salmon-peach PowerBait. If you wish to increase the group size and space is available, you must pay additional recreation fees depending on the number of people added. Maxwell Lake 13: Closed to boating and fishing until March. Posting Dates: Water storage at the reservoir was restricted in recent years due to the structural concerns identified through inspections under Reclamations Safety of Dams program. Manzano Mountains State Park is closed for the winter season December 1st, 2022 through March 31st, 2023, however, the actual opening date will depend on weather and road conditions. Cliff banks with larger boulders in direct sunlight will be great areas to pitch a 1/2-ounce jig as the crayfish begin to emerge. An excellent fishing stream that consistently produces trophy size brown trout. Fenton Lake: Closed to fishing due to unsafe ice . Reclamation maintains an Emergency Action Plan for El Vado Dam and Reservoir and conducts periodic exercises of emergency operations with local government agencies to decrease agency response times and protect public safety in the event of a disaster. Access to the Rio Chama River can be gained at the North El Vado Day Use Area. on April 1, 2023 on this site. A new outlet works was built by Reclamation in 1965-1966 to accommodate the additional water from the San Juan-Chama Project. and reservations. Best access point: Below Abiquiu Dam and below El Vado Dam. For kayaks (inflatable or hard shell), canoes, and rafts less than 12', at least 200 cfs is recommended. Lake levels are steady but expected to drop as crews work on the El Vado Dam. Trees Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. PDF Region 6 1201 Elm Street, Suite 500 Dallas, Texas 75202-2733 Npdes Tingley Beach: Fishing for trout was fair to good when using white PowerBait eggs. Posting Dates: 1/2/2023 - 4/1/2023 Due to the ongoing renovation of El Vado Dam and the resultant lack of fishable surface area, ice fishing remains closed TFN. The Chama is regulated by several dams and storage reservoirs on its way to joining the Rio Grande just north of Espaola, and is the Rio Grande's largest tributary. D2 - Severe Drought. Bluewater Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Morphy Lake will close for the season on November 14, 2022. Official website (575) 588-7247 Camping types: First come, first served campites and reservable campsites. The main boat ramp is open. PDF Appendix B - CULTURAL RESOURCES CONSULTATION CORRESPONDENCE