(HOLDREGE, Neb.) - The Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District, along with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, wants to remind the public that Elwood Reservoir in Gosper County is open for recreational use during the current construction project taking place at the Elwood dam.
As a reminder, the boat ramp parking lot is being used for construction efforts which requires all boaters and fisherman to park along the road to the north. Central crews were able to clean off the boat ramp giving access for anglers to launch their boats. Although the ramp is accessible, water levels are low and near the end of the boat ramp. It is anticipated that small watercraft should be able to launch for another month.
Once construction around the pump station is completed, Central will be putting water into the lake for irrigation use. Water will be pumped into the reservoir sometime in late April or early May depending on the construction progress.
Construction on the $6 million Dam Seepage Mitigation Project at Elwood dam began in September 2023 with removal of trees below the dam. Work around the pump station began on November 1 and the projected timeline to finish the project is August 2024. Central stores water in Elwood Reservoir that is conveyed from the supply canal at the Johnson Lake inlet via the E65 canal and siphons. The pump station is where water is put into Elwood Reservoir and also the location where water is released for irrigation. This project helps secure the long-term use of Elwood Reservoir along with the associated benefits it provides. We appreciate and thank all the users for respecting construction efforts and crews while enjoying their time at Elwood Reservoir.