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Weather Near Amistad National Recreation Area Headquarters

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 29.465999846949362 Long: -100.98841113460753

Last updated:

Current Conditions

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Current Lake Level

Please visit the National Weather Service Lake Level or the Texas Water Development Board webpage for the current lake level and other information.

Links to Current Water Forecasts and Conditions

• Rio Grande flow data and reservoir conditions from International Boundary and Water Commission

• National Weather Service River Forecast Center

 

Smoke Forecast

 

Operational Status of Facilities

Please note that the "open" designation only refers to whether the facility is operational and not to whether there are current openings for use.

 

Boat Ramp Status

Many boat ramps at Lake Amistad were closed as a result of the historic low lake levels in 2013, 2022, and 2024. The National Park Service opens boat ramps as lake levels allow for safe launching of trailered boats from each ramp.

As an example of how drastically the lake levels can change, the reservoir reached its second historic low on May 23, 2013, at a level of 1055.93 feet above mean sea level (amsl), which was 61.07 feet below the reservoir's conservation pool level of 1117 feet. One year later on May 23, 2014, the lake was at 1070.79 feet amsl, up 14.86 feet from the historic low.

On July 17, 2024, the reservoir beat the previous historic low with the water surface at only 1,047.15 feet amsl, and the reservoir was 24% full. This closed all but half of Diablo East and half of Rough Canyon boat ramps (ramp extensions installed in 2022 have extended the useablility of both ramps). The reservoir levels are still expected to continue on a downward trend.

The main boat ramps are located at Diablo East, Rough Canyon, Box Canyon, and Southwinds (U.S. Air Force) Marina. Ramps are also available at Black Brush Point, 277 North, 277 South, Spur 406, Spur 454, and the Pecos River. Depending on lake conditions, these ramps may or may not be open.

*** Because of fluctuating lake levels, boat ramp status may change quickly; keep checking this page for updated boat ramp conditions.

As of July 17, 2024, the reservoir hit a new historic low. The water surface was 1,047.15 feet above mean sea level (ams), and the reservoir was 24% full.

Please continue to remain vigilant for potential water hazards and—of course—clean, drain, and dry boats and all equipment every time you leave the water.

♦ These are not true boat ramps but are old roadways that run into the reservoir and may be used when conditions permit to launch boats. Because of this, they do not close like regular boat ramps, even when the reservoir may be too low to launch boats. Launch with caution.

_^$ Automated fee machines are available at these locations. In addition, Lake Use Passes may be purchased at the Visitor Center and on Pay.gov.

* Right side of ramp is closed to all craft.
Unless otherwise posted or identified above, closed ramps may be used for launching small, lightweight craft that can be carried to the water's edge.

Boat Ramp	Open	Closed
Black Brush Point		X
Box Canyon $		X
Diablo East $	✓*
Pecos River		X
Rough Canyon Marina (High Water)		X
Rough Canyon Marina (Low Water) $	✓*
Southwinds (U.S. Air Force) Marina $		X
Spur 406♦ $	✓
Spur 454 (High Water)♦		X
Spur 454 (Low Water)♦	✓
277 North $		X
277 South		X

 

 

Current Conditions: Diablo East Boat Ramp - Amistad National Recreation Area

Current image of Diablo East boat ramp, which is one of the busiest ramps in Amistad National Recreation Area and a favorite location for tournaments.

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Why Does the Lake Level Fluctuate?

The reservoir is a man-made pool created to store water and prevent flooding. It is normal for water levels at Lake Amistad to fluctuate due to increased rainfall or ongoing drought and varying demands for water for irrigation, hydroelectric power, municipal uses, and needs downstream along the Rio Grande.

From 1992-2002, the reservoir level dropped and remained low during an extended drought. A tropical storm system in 2003-2004 brought increased rain to southwest Texas. By 2005, the lake was near the conservation pool level of 1117 feet above mean sea level.

The reservoir maintained near conservation pool levels into 2011, before beginning to decrease. Historic low lake levels were reached in 2013 due to a period of drought. The International Boundary and Water Commission continues to release water from Amistad Dam to provide for municipal use, irrigation, and power generation for both US and Mexican communities downstream along the Rio Grande.

To learn more about these fluctuations, visit the Weather page.

 

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