Upper Pahranagat Lake Draw-Down 2008

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is keeping water levels low in Upper Pahranagat Lake due to concerns about the physical integrity of the outflow structure.  An inspection of the outflow structure was completed in October, 2007, which determined that the structure was in poor condition and required replacement. Refuge staff will draw down Upper Pahranagat Lake during the spring and summer of 2008 in order to install a new water control structure.  Construction is scheduled to begin July 15, 2008 and is expected to be completed by October, 2008.  

To minimize impacts to the sport fishery at Upper Pahranagat Lake, the Nevada Department of Wildlife and Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge will work closely to manage the effects of water level reductions in the Lake. Unfortunately, equipment problems and water conditions will prevent salvage efforts for sport fish in 2008.Sport fish were salvaged in 2007 and moved to other waters including Nesbit Lake at Key Pitman Wildlife Management Area.

For current information regarding the drawdown, and possible impacts to camping at Upper Pahranagat Lake during the construction interval, please contact staff at the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Las Vegas) 702 515-5450 or the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (Alamo) 775 725-3417.