ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District announced today that effective immediately Cochiti Lake is closed to all water recreation until further notice.
Cochiti Reservoir will be used as a water supply for aerial firefighting support of wildland firefighter operations to combat the spread of the Cerro Pelado Fire currently burning approximately 7 miles east of Jemez Springs, N.M.
Effective April 29, 2022, no vessels, including motorboats, kayaks, paddlecraft, and personal watercraft, will be allowed on the lake until further notice. The Cochiti Boat Ramp, Swim Beach and Tetilla Peak Recreation area (including the boat ramp) will be closed until further notice. Walk-in access to the lake will be allowed.
The Cochiti Campground and Picnic Day Use Area will remain open at this time. However, this could change if an emergency evacuation order is implemented.
Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the USACE Cochiti Lake Project. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove, is prohibited. This includes the use of charcoal and briquettes. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
For more information regarding the notifications about the Cerro Pelado Fire, Sandoval County has created a Code Red Emergency Notification System for public notifications during an emergency. To sign up for notifications visit https://www.sandovalcountynm.gov/codered/.
If you have furthermore questions, please contact the Cochiti Lake Project at (505)-465-0307.
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