We at the US Fish and Wildlife Service would like to let the public know that the water in Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is contaminated with bacteria (fecal coliform and E. coli). The lake water may also carry other contaminants that could make humans and animals sick. Consistent with existing regulations, the lake, including Umbarger Dam, is not open to public uses. Please follow signs for your own safety and the safety of others.
We encourage visitors to use the trails, auto tour loop, camping and picnicking areas at this time. Please enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, wildlife observation and photography, and camping and picnicking during your visit.
The refuge does not allow the public or their pets to come in contact with lake water. Specifically, these activities are not allowed in the waters of Buffalo Lake NWR:
- Water sports
- Water skiing
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Boating
- Swimming
- Wading
- Fishing
- Diving
Brief History:
In 1938, Umbarger Dam was built and with it came the creation of Buffalo Lake. Water in the lake came from Tierra Blanca Creek, which was supplied by runoff from rain and natural springs.
While the lake was popular with boaters and anglers through the mid- 1960’s, low inflows since then have led to water quality and quantity concerns. Runoff from these areas has caused numerous fish kills in the lake dating back to 1959. The lake was closed to the public for the first time in 1967 due to excessive levels of fecal coliform. As of 2016, the watershed contained about 44 permitted concentrated animal feeding operations and an estimated 830,000 animals.
In the 1970s, Tierra Blanca Creek and the natural springs that fed into it dried up due to over consumption for agriculture and urban uses. Today, Buffalo Lake is typically dry and only receives water during major storms that flood Tierra Blanca Creek.
Present Day:
From May to early June, the areas around Umbarger Dam have received more than 11 inches of rain. Water from these large rainfall events has flowed through the watershed and into Buffalo Lake. Large rainfall events also occurred downstream of Umbarger Dam which also caused high flows in Tierra Blanca Creek that were not from Buffalo Lake.
On May 30th, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge began to release a small amount of water to reduce the pressure on the Umbarger Dam by releasing water downstream into Tierra Blanca Creek. This water is contaminated with bacteria (fecal coliform and E. coli) and considered non-potable to the point of no contact. The refuge will continue managed small releases of water downstream of the dam to allow for more water storage These small releases may cause water in Tierra Blanca Creek downstream of the dam to considered non-potable.
Buffalo Lake refuge is open to the public and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, wildlife observation and photography, and camping and picnicking. The refuge is open to the public from 8am to 8pm. There is an entrance fee of $2 per vehicle.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.
