News Release

Low Water Levels Impact Boating on Bighorn Lake

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Black Canyon Docks

NPS

News Release Date: August 11, 2021
Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406

The Bighorn Lake level on August 9, 2021 was 3623.16. Recommended minimal launch levels at Horseshoe Bend are 3620. The Horseshoe Bend ramp is currently open. At this time Bighorn Canyon is recommending extreme caution if planning on going south of the south narrows towards the causeway. This area has very low water levels and Bighorn Canyon has already received several reports of damaged props and people getting stuck in the sand bars.

The docks at Black Canyon have been moved around the corner and there is approximately a ¼ mile hike to the campground. At around lake elevation 3620 they will be pulled for the season.

Widespread drought conditions through the State of Montana and Wyoming resulted in much lower than average runoff into Bighorn Lake and corresponding low reservoir levels and low river releases. Higher temperatures and lower precipitation also led to an increase in upstream irrigation demands effecting the amount of water in Bighorn Lake.

Bighorn Canyon expects lake levels to be below the recommended minimal launch at Horseshoe Bend of 3620 prior to the end of August. At that point several lake facilities will be removed for the season. Actual timing may vary, so please review current conditions at https://www.usbr.gov/gp/hydromet/index.html for up to date information.

Water storage on Bighorn Lake may see a slight rebound in the fall as irrigation systems are shutoff.

The Bureau of Reclamation is working to reach their long term carry over storage goals of 3617 for Bighorn Lake by March of 2022.

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