FORT GARLAND – Anyone who is planning to boat, fish, hike or camp at Mountain Home State Wildlife Area is advised to use caution because of the high and rising water level of the lake, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has advised.

Mountain Home State Wildlife Area is located about five miles southeast of Fort Garland in Costilla County on the east side of the San Luis Valley.

Due to melting of the heavy snowpack in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the lake has been filling quickly and the water level is far above average. Areas around the edge of the lake could be especially hazardous because stumps, rocks and other obstacles are covered with water. Also, the depth of the water next to the edge is unknown and the level will change as the reservoir is expected to continue rising. Boaters should be especially careful in areas near the shore.

Campers should place their tents on high ground well away from the edge of the lake. If the water level continues to rise, the south entrance to the area could become inaccessible if water covers a nearby county road.

For more information about the status of the lake, call the Monte Vista wildlife office at 719-587-6900.

Courier photo by Ruth Heide.