Some Banks Lake boat ramps closed next week due to drawdown

GRAND COULEE — Some boat ramps around Banks Lake will be closed over the Labor Day weekend due to lower water levels. According to a press release from the US Bureau of Reclamation, water levels could start dropping as early as Aug. 27 and will continue into the first week in September. Erika Lopez, office of communications for the bureau, said it happens every year in late August and early September.  

“Once the end of August draft is reached, additional pumps at the John W. Keys III Pumping Plant, located on Lake Roosevelt, are used to begin refilling Banks Lake to its normal operating range,” Lopez wrote in answer to a question from the Columbia Basin Herald. “This process typically takes up to the first four days into September.” 

The water in Banks Lake is pumped out to help meet objectives for fisheries and groundwater replacement, Lopez said. The lake will be lowered about 6.2 feet.  

That will mean some places will have shallower water and narrower channels than normal, the press release said.  

“Areas of high concern, such as the Devil’s Punchbowl, should be approached with particular caution,” it said. 

Some boat ramps will remain in operation throughout the drawdown period. They include Coulee Playland in Electric City; Oborn Bay, Northrup and the Main ramp at Steamboat Rock State Park, and the east and west campgrounds at Coulee City. 

The Ankeny north ramp will be available, but it’s limited to small watercraft.  

The Barker Canyon and both Million Dollar Mile boat ramps will be unavailable, the press release said.  

“The level at which the boat ramp is no longer usable for loading and unloading depends on the size and type of watercraft and trailer,” the press release said.  

    Boaters should check to ensure the launch they want to use is open prior to heading to Banks Lake.