News Release Archive

Reclamation Begins Refilling Avalon Reservoir as Maintenance Work is Complete

Media Contact: Mary Carlson, (505)462-3576, mcarlson@usbr.gov

For Release: February 22, 2018

CARLSBAD, N.M. – The Bureau of Reclamation will begin moving water down the Pecos River from Brantley Reservoir to Avalon Reservoir next week.

Reclamation will begin filling Avalon Reservoir, located about 13 miles north of Carlsbad, on February 28. It was drained at the end of 2017 to allow for necessary inspections and for the Carlsbad Irrigation District to perform maintenance. In recent months, Reclamation staff have noticed signs of vehicles four-wheeling in the empty reservoir pool.

“We want to remind everyone that this kind of activity is prohibited. Four-wheeling or any activity in a dry reservoir can be very dangerous as water levels can rise in an instant with water flowing from upstream or with inflow from other sources such as nearby arroyos. The surface may look stable but underneath the mud could be sticky, making it difficult for vehicles and people to get out,” said Jim Wilber, Deputy Area Manager of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Albuquerque Area Office.

Avalon Reservoir will be filled in preparation for the upcoming irrigation season.

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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.