Canyon Lake drawdown project

Access will be prohibited by boat, motorized vehicles or hiking due to hazards exposed by lowering the elevation of the lake. These hazards include unstable shorelines, deep mud pools and sudden drop-offs. The Tonto National Forest and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) will be enforcing the Canyon Lake closure to ensure public safety.

The Canyon Lake Marina is independently operated under permit from the U.S. Forest Service. For inquiries about their drawdown plans, please contact the marina operators directly.

The four lakes on the Salt River were created in the early 1900s to serve the Valley’s water needs, provide flood control and produce low-cost clean energy. These dams impound massive quantities of water and require regular maintenance to ensure that gates, intakes and paths of water flow function properly. Maintenance on the dams occurs daily, weekly, monthly, annually and every 20 years. We are approaching the due date for our 20-year inspections and maintenance. This project includes the same work completed in 2007, 1987 and in 20-year intervals prior.

Performing drawdowns during the fall time frame ensures that our hydropower facilities are fully operational to support the electric system during the peak summer months. This timing also maximizes our water storage and release capabilities for winter and spring. Additionally, floods in late January and February could put the project at risk, emphasizing the goal to complete the drawdown work before the late January rains begin.

This series of inspections and maintenance is focused on critical dam features that are normally under water and therefore require lowering Canyon Lake water levels for access. The project is necessary to ensure a secure water supply for the Valley and prepare the dams to safely manage flood waters.

All dams and reservoirs managed by SRP, which include those along the Salt and Verde rivers and the C.C. Cragin Dam and reservoir, are owned by the United States. SRP operates and maintains the dams and hydrogeneration plants, manages water storage and delivery, and oversees flood control activities under contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

SRP, the Bureau of Reclamation, Tonto National Forest, Arizona Game & Fish, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) are working together to ensure public safety is the highest priority during the drawdown.

All water moved out of Canyon Lake during the project will be used to fulfill the normal water needs of the Valley. No water will be wasted.

SRP will communicate updates and progress on the project through various channels, including the Canyon Lake drawdown project webpage, news releases, social media platforms, and other communications to stakeholders.

If additional work is identified during the drawdown and maintenance inspections, it may be necessary to extend the project timeline to ensure all necessary repairs and safety measures are completed thoroughly. This could potentially delay the reopening of Canyon Lake. If this occurs, additional communication will be provided.