Elephant Butte Lake low

Elephant Butte Lake's water level is low because of the drought that has diminished snow pack runoff flowing down the Rio Grande.  

Downstream results for the lake that parallels Interstate 25 include higher irrigation pumping costs for farmers and loss of favorite fishing spots for recreational users. 

The lake hit an 8-year low on Sept. 4 when it was 5 percent full. The last time the lake was that low was in 2004 during another period of drought when the elevation was three feet lower.

Elephant Butte Lake low