Boulder City, Nev. -- The Bureau of Reclamation is lowering the level of Lake Moovalya, the small body of water behind Headgate Rock Dam north of Parker, Arizona, by approximately one foot in elevation for a two-week period beginning in early January 2012. Reclamation is responding to a request from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to reduce the water temporarily to perform maintenance projects on area canals serving the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT).

The temporary drawdown will have only minimal impact on releases from Parker Dam and flows below Headgate Rock Dam. During the drawdown, the Lake Moovalya water level will stay at approximately elevation 363.40 feet; it is normally at elevation 364.40 feet.

The drawdown is scheduled to begin Tuesday morning, January 3, 2012. The one-foot drop should be completed by Tuesday afternoon, but environmental conditions could vary the drawdown time. The lake should return to its normal elevation by Tuesday, January 17, 2012; however, a return to normal elevation may occur sooner or later than this date based on operational or environmental conditions.

All river users should remember that fluctuating or decreasing 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, take precautions and stay alert to use the Colorado River safely.