News Release Archive

Shoreline Campers Visiting Lake Roosevelt Advised of Rising Water Levels

Media Contact: Lynne Brougher, (509) 633-9503, lbrougher@usbr.gov
Michael Williamson, mwilliamson@usbr.gov

For Release: June 29, 2015

Grand Coulee Reservoir in WashingtonGRAND COULEE, Washington - The Bureau of Reclamation is alerting visitors planning to camp along the Lake Roosevelt shoreline over the July 4 weekend to be aware of potential dangers from rising lake levels. Lake Roosevelt is impounded by Grand Coulee Dam located on the Columbia River about 90 miles west of Spokane, Washington.

"When camping along the shoreline, we recommend that tents and other belongings be kept well away from the water?s edge," said Lynne Brougher, Public Affairs Officer. "The lake is continuing to fill from the spring drawdown." Each year Lake Roosevelt is lowered in late winter to make space for capturing spring runoff.

On July 3, the lake level is anticipated to be in the range of 1285 to 1286.5 feet above sea level. Throughout the holiday weekend it is anticipated the lake could rise another one-half foot per day. The full pool elevation of Lake Roosevelt is 1290 feet above sea level.

"While there will be an ample amount of exposed beaches for camping during the holiday weekend, visitors should be prepared for the lake level to rise and plan accordingly," said Brougher.

Campsites too close to the water's edge could become flooded. Boats should be anchored or tied securely to the shoreline to avoid having them drift out into the lake and become a safety hazard. "Safety of visitors to Lake Roosevelt is our primary concern and caution is always advised when boating and camping on the shoreline," said Brougher.

For further information concerning lake levels, contact the Bureau of Reclamation at (509) 633-9503 or visit: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/lakelevel/index.html .

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/lakelevel/index.html