Extremely low water levels and underwater hazards have limited access to the lake and challenged boaters at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area near Burwell.
Several ramps have closed or have restrictions due to low water and underwater sand movement. The reservoir currently is at 41% capacity, which is the second lowest level on record.
These conditions, in addition to wave action and power loading of boats onto trailers, have led to a large sand ridge forming in front of the Homestead Knolls boat ramp, on the northeast side of the lake.
On Sept. 19, Nebraska Game and Parks will begin removing the sand here to improve boater access to the reservoir.
“This is the lowest I have ever seen Calamus Reservoir, dating back to 2014,” said Tommy Hicks, North Central regional superintendent. The lowest level on record was reached during the drought of 2012, when the reservoir was at 31% capacity.
Hicks said the Twin Loups Irrigation District is at the end of its irrigation season and will stop releasing water into the canal system on Sept. 19. He expects reservoir levels to start rising by the end of the month.
Park visitors are asked to be cautious of underwater hazards as they utilize the lake.
For further updates, contact the Calamus park office at 308-346-5666.
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