The Manti-La Sal National Forest, Moab-Monticello Ranger District gearing up for two separate projects that will impact public use around the Oowah Lake next month.

The first project is set to inspect and, if needed, replace the outlet gate for the Oowah Lake dam. This project is scheduled to begin on September 8th and last until the September 11th and will require Oowah Lake to be completely drained. Oowah Lake Campground, Clark Lake, and Boren Mesa Trails will remain open to the public during this time.

The Forest Service is coordinating with Grand Water and Sewer Company and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to drain the lake. It is anticipated that water levels in Oowah Lake will return to normal after the 2020-2021 winter season. The outlet gate is used to regulate downstream flows and used to protect the Oowah Dam from spilling over.

The second project involves repairing a small landslide that occurred on the Oowah Lake Road (NFS road 50076) during the wet spring of 2019. The Oowah Lake Road is scheduled to be repaired after replacement of the outlet gate, with an anticipated start date of September 14th.

Oowah Lake Road will be closed September 9th thru October 10th, or until road work is complete. Oowah Campground, Clark Lake, and Boren Mesa Trails will remain open, but must be reached by means other than the Oowah Lake Road. The road work is required to permanently repair the landslide area and improve the safety of the road for public use.

The Manti-La Sal National Forest Service understands the significance of Oowah Lake in the communities of southeastern Utah and is taking necessary steps to safeguard recreational opportunities for future use. If there are any questions or concerns about the outlet gate replacement or road repair work, please contact Francisco Castillo at 435-636-3336 or francisco.j.castillo@usda.gov.

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE MANTI-LA SAL NATIONAL FOREST