15-050 Irrigation water releases lower Lucky Peak Lake; Watersport enthusiasts advised to be aware of changing water elevations

Published Aug. 14, 2015

BOISE, Idaho – Water levels at Lucky Peak Dam and Lake are dropping as water operations managers for the Boise River reservoir system release water to meet irrigation commitments.

 

Lucky Peak Lake elevation was about 3,054 feet on Aug. 14. Lake elevation will likely fall to about 3,031 feet by Labor Day in early September, affecting some boat launching facilities on the lake.

 

Normal lake elevation is 3,055 feet. The first ramp likely to be affected by low water levels is Robie Creek boat ramp. Turner Gulch’s ramp at 2,905 feet will be the last to close, if at all, depending upon irrigation needs and future inflows. Visitors can check the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Hydromet website for current lake elevation and boat ramp status www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/ramps/lucky/lucky.html.

 

“As water levels lower to a point where a boat ramp can't be safely used, we will close it.” said Matt Walker, Operations Project Manager at Lucky Peak. “As more ramps are closed, those ramps remaining open are likely to become more congested than usual.”

 

Boaters should use caution when mooring vessels along the shoreline because they may become stranded as water levels recede, especially if anchored on or too close to the shore. Corps rangers advise lake users to be on the lookout for underwater hazards that become closer to the surface as the lake lowers, particularly in the Mores Creek area and near shorelines. For more information about Lucky Peak Dam and Lake, call 208-343-0671 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LuckyPeakLake.    

 

As always, safety is the Corps’ greatest concern – safety is everyone’s responsibility!  Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while having fun at Lucky Peak:

 

• Changing weather conditions can create unsafe situations on open water. Know the weather and have a float plan.

• Keep life jackets on children while on or around the water, and don’t let small children out of your sight.

• Fire danger is present, so follow any fire restrictions, be careful with your campfire, and extinguish smoking materials.

• Check the serviceability of your boat, and avoid drinking alcohol while boating.

• Ensure proper-fitting, accessible and serviceable life vests are available for each occupant on your boat. Better yet, wear them!

• Familiarize yourself with the area in which you will be boating before traveling at high speeds. There may be rocks, stumps or shallow areas not visible from the surface.

 

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Release no. 15-050