Lake Moovalya elevation to drop in January for maintenance activities

Boulder City, Nev. - The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that the water level at Lake Moovalya will be one-foot lower for approximately two weeks beginning Jan. 9, 2026. The temporary elevation change, requested by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, will facilitate annual maintenance on canals operated by the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

River users should exercise extra caution as lower than normal river flows may expose or create natural hazards such as sandbars, gravel bars, and unstable riverbanks. Floating or submerged debris or other unfamiliar obstacles may also pose potential hazards.

The elevation will begin to gradually drop to 363.40 feet the morning of Jan. 9 and the drawdown should be completed by midday, although the timing could vary depending on operational or environmental conditions. The lake should return to its normal elevation of 364.40 feet on Jan. 23; however, the timing could change if operational or environmental conditions make it necessary. The drawdown and refill periods are expected to have only minimal impacts on releases from Parker Dam and will not affect Colorado River flows below Headgate Rock Dam.

Lake Moovalya is the small body of water upstream of Headgate Rock Dam north of Parker, Arizona.

Hourly release schedule

Davis & Parker Dam release schedule