06/09/2026
HIGH WATER UPDATE FOR JUNE 9
By Friday morning, outflow to the dam had been increased to 2138 CFS (cubic feet per second). That release rate held for about 3 days. On Monday morning, outflow was reduced to 1408 CFS, in anticipation of incoming rainfall. Current level is now 549.77'. You can track the reservoir water level at water.noaa.gov/gauges/MONI3 (updates about every 15 min).
Since our last update on June 3, the water level has dropped about 1.25'. Some areas that were closed due to high water have now reopened! Please scroll down for updated facility available lists. BEACHES ARE STILL CLOSED.
The lake is open and safe for boating!
• Motorized boats should exercise caution, as floodwaters often bring additional debris into the lake.
• With the water level up, non-motorized boats have access to hundreds of acres of additional backwater!
• Swimming off a boat is permitted. Stay close to your watercraft, so you are visible to other boat operators, and swim in no-wake zones.
• Boaters and swimmers should ALWAYS wear an appropriate PFD (lifejacket) when on or in the water.
Monroe Lake is fulfilling its purpose as a flood control reservoir, as we hold on this excess water to minimize impacts on downstream homes, farms, and businesses. For a virtual program about the history of how the reservoir came to be constructed, check out: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=740025398504038
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The following areas are NOW OPEN AGAIN...
- Cutright SRA: marina road is fully passable
- Paynetown SRA: Tree Trek Trail should be accessible (but muddy in spots)
- Cartop SRA: now accessible from the western approach (eastern approach is still underwater)
- Pinegrove SRA: access road is passable again so the boat ramp has reopened
- Paynetown SRA: pump out dock at the marina area is open (but no gas sales available)
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Additional notes on OPEN FACILITIES...
--> Courtesy docks are available at the Fairfax SRA and Paynetown SRA boat ramps.
--> Lake Monroe Boat Rental is OPEN.
--> Two Herons Marina and Fourwinds Marina & Paradise Boat Rental are OPEN and have gas available for purchase.
--> Naturalist programs still available! Check out our Facebook Events tab for details about upcoming activities.
--> Most of the campground at Paynetown SRA is OPEN. However, a few individual campsites are closed... non-electric sites P5–P18, P20, P22, P24, P39, P41–P51 and electric sites 171, 172.
--> Allens Creek SRA & Crooked Creek SRA are not impacted by the current water level.
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These facilities are STILL IMPACTED BY HIGH WATER...
PAYNETOWN SRA
--> Swimming beach is closed and is expected to remain closed for the remainder of June.
--> The marina boat shuttle is operating out of the non-electric campground. Patrons must take the shuttle to access both buoys and docks, as the peninsula road is underwater.
--> Activity Center is closed.
--> Twin Oaks Shelter and Lakeview Shelter are closed.
--> Fishing pier is inaccessible.
FAIRFAX SRA
--> Swimming beach is closed and is expected to remain closed for the remainder of June.
--> Fairfax Beach Shelter is closed.
--> The lower section of the Osprey Trail and southern end of the Homestead Loop are inaccessible.
CUTRIGHT SRA
--> The main boat ramp is closed but the high-water boat ramp is open.
--> Fishing pier is inaccessible.
--> Courtesy dock at the boat ramp is not available.
CARTOP SRA
--> Western access via road is open, but the eastern access is still underwater.
MOORES CREEK SRA & SALT CREEK SRA
--> Courtesy docks at the boat ramps are not available.
STILLWATER-NORTHFORK WATERFOWL RESTING AREA
--> Observation platform at Stillwater Wetland is inaccessible.
--> McGowan Road and the southern portion of Friendship Road are closed.
Photo: A window opens through the storm clouds, showing blue skies beyond, on June 13, 2017 in this photo by Jeff Danielson.
