Bureau of Reclamation News: Lake Moovalya Water Level to Temporarily Drop About Three Feet

Lower Colorado Region
Boulder City, Nev.

Media Contact:

Robert Walsh
702-293-8421

River Operations Center
702-293-8373

Released On: December 15, 2006

Lake Moovalya Water Level to Temporarily Drop About Three Feet

Lake Moovalya, the small body of water impounded behind Headgate Rock Dam north of Parker, Arizona, will be lowered approximately three feet in elevation for a two-week period in January 2007.

The drawdown is scheduled to begin Sunday, December 31, 2006, at 7:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST). The three-foot drop should be reached by 4:00 p.m. MST, but if unfavorable conditions are encountered, the drawdown time could be extended. Water levels are expected to return to normal by mid-afternoon on Saturday, January 13, 2007.

During the drawdown, Lake Moovalya will be maintained at approximately elevation 361.40 or about three feet below its normal level.

The drawdown is not expected to impact releases from Parker Dam or flows below Headgate Rock Dam.

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

More information on Colorado River operations can be found on-line at: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/riverops.html.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.