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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Drawdown bares Roosevelt shores; driving not allowed

In April 2011, outdoors enthusiasts discovered vast expances of sandy beach created by the drawdown at Lake Roosevelt. (Rich Landers)
In April 2011, outdoors enthusiasts discovered vast expances of sandy beach created by the drawdown at Lake Roosevelt. (Rich Landers)

RESERVOIRS -- From all indications, the Lake Roosevelt drawdown will continue into May with a possibility of lake elevations going to 1220 feet or lower. That's grim for anglers who will see another year of fish pouring over the dam and out of the reservoir.  Full pool is 1290 feet above sea level.

Expanses of bare shoreline will be showing in upcoming weeks. 

As lake level goes down, boat launch ramps will begin to close with all ramps being closed if the elevation goes below 1222 feet. 

In order to prevent archaeological and resource damage, driving on the drawdown is not allowed, Lake Roosvelt National Recreation Area officials say.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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