EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of Alamogordo announced Thursday morning, June 6, that Bonito Lake will remain closed until further notice due to the spread of the recent Blue 2 Fire, the City said in a press release.
Photos: The City of Alamogordo
The City says after the Little Bear Fire and the subsequent flooding in 2012, the City in coordination with the Department of Defense repaired 88 miles of pipeline which resulted in the La Luz treatment plant receiving water from Bontio Lake on April 30, 2024. The La Luz Well Field is the City’s main source of groundwater.
The City says rainbow trout were also stocked at Bonito Lake on May 22, in preparation for its reopening on Memorial Day weekend.
On May 24, the Blue 2 Fire ultimately closed Bonito Lake and surrounding areas. The City then assessed the fire’s impact and potential damage to the lake and identified three areas below the cofferdam that could cause damage similar to the flooding in 2012.
The City says its top priority is to protect the lake as a vital water source for Alamogordo and the citizens from Holloman Air Force Base.
The City also says it has taken immediate action to mitigate potential runoff effects due to the upcoming monsoon season. As a result of this, emergency funding was secured and a local contractor will be taking a “proactive, aggressive approach.”
As part of the contractor’s approach, 30,000 tons of soil will be removed to create several sediment ponds along Kraut and Littleton Canyons and the parking lot located east of the West Lake Campground. The project is expected to be completed within 10-16 days.
Photos: The City of Alamogordo
The City says the safety of patrons is its prime concern and until the lake can be properly surveyed and assessed, it will remain closed until further notice.
“We acknowledge this is disappointing news, which is why the City is being proactive and aggressive in our efforts. We hope it will be enough and that we can announce the reopening of Bonito Lake in a reasonable time frame. Thank you for your understanding and patience,” the City said.
Read: Read More