River drawdown begins Monday

The Colorado River on the Parker Strip will be a foot lower beginning on Monday as the Bureau of Reclamation facilitates its annual drawdown.

The temporary elevation change is done in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to facilitate annual maintenance on canals operated by Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Beginning the morning of January 9th, the agency will begin lowering Lake Moovalya – the body of water between Parker Dam on the north and Headgate Dam on the south – to 363.40 feet. The one-foot drop should be complete by that afternoon, although timing could vary depending on operational or environmental conditions. The lake should return to its normal elevation of 364.40 feet on January 20th, however that could change if operational or environmental conditions make it necessary. The drawdown is expected to have only minimal impacts on releases from Parker Dam and will not affect Colorado River flows below Headgate Rock Dam.

River users should be aware that fluctuating or lower than normal river flows may expose or create natural hazards such as sandbars, gravel bars, unstable riverbanks, floating or submerged debris, or other unfamiliar obstacles. As always, caution should be exercised while using the river.