Drought drives Elephant Butte Reservoir down to 1.4%, tourism businesses feel the pinch

KFOX 14 El Paso TX & Las Cruces NM

Aug 17, 2026

Elephant Butte Reservoir has plunged from 5.6% to 1.4% capacity, closing ramps and crushing tourism. One kayak outfitter reports a 77% business drop as city leaders declare a local…