Recently, the lower lake’s water level was reduced by about 24 inches over an 8-day period. While the speed of the drawdown was unusual, it was carried out in accordance with the 2007 water decree that governs the lakes.
Our community holds junior water rights, while Moyer Ranch holds senior rights. Our water decree requires that water be controlled only by lowering the level of the lower lake. In recent years, water releases from the lower lake have been coordinated gradually with Moyer Ranch to match their actual needs, typically lowering the lake by about 3 inches per week when required.
This year, new water officials followed the decree’s allowances without being aware of this past practice, leading to a faster drawdown than usual. Low snowpack, hot and dry summer conditions, and lack of monsoon rains have resulted in reduced Empire Creek flows, which also contributed to the low lake levels. The water commission has agreed that future drawdowns will be better coordinated and are expected to return to the gradual process used in prior years.
The leading fish biologist for the Upper Arkansas River, Greg Bunjak, has been hired as a consultant in the past. He said that based on the altitude and depth of our lake, fishing is not a problem. If the surface water gets too warm, the fish will seek cooler water at a deeper level.
