IntermediateBoth

Elephant Butte Reservoir

New Mexico, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested3–46 m (10–150 ft) depthBoth entry

Elephant Butte Reservoir at a glance

Elephant Butte Reservoir is an intermediate both dive site in New Mexico, United States with depths of 3–45.7 m (10–150 ft). Typically most favorable Dec · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Walleye, White bass, and Largemouth bass. Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Next window today· 8:00–19:00 · favorable · sunset 18:23

Wind forecast for this hour · 7:00 · run 7 h ago

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Tap a factor for its source and model point

Site hazards: Very poor to zero visibility, especially below 30 ft; heavy summer boat and PWC traffic; fluctuating water levels; entanglement on lost fishing tackle.

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Dive windows this week

Lightest wind: Fri

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Favorable windowModerate window— no window

Every forecast dive window each day, site-local time, from wind forecasts. Numbers under each bar are daylight averages.

First light 6:56 · Sunrise 7:22 · Sunset 18:23 · some windows run past sunset

Source: Open-Meteo wind · updated 25 Oct, 23:24 GMT-6

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

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Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

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What Divers Say

Known for: White bass, Common carp, Channel catfish

Best time: Cooler months after boating season when sediment settles; only in higher water years.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

January, 65% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 13 knots
February, 44% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 15 knots
March, 27% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 17 knots
April, 33% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 17 knots
May, 25% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 17 knots
June, 38% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 15 knots
July, 65% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 13 knots
August, 73% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 12 knots
September, 79% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 12 knots
October, 69% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 13 knots
November, 74% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots
December, 83% of days have historically been favorable, wind has typically been 11 knots, historically most favorable

December has typically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

Rough labels: “Commonly seen” usually means two or more recorded sightings near this site in public dive logs (GBIF), “Occasionally seen” one; “Seasonal” and “Rarely seen” come from dive-guide research. Not a measured rate.

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km (16 mi). Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated June 2026

Site details

New Mexico's largest-capacity reservoir on the Rio Grande, named for the volcanic core island near the dam, with maximum depths over 150 feet. It was historically a regional dive destination — divers explore volcanic rock around the butte from shore or rented boats — but years of low water have stirred fine sediment so that visibility is now often only ~3 feet, dropping to near zero below 30 feet. It remains open to diving but is generally regarded as a poor-visibility novelty dive today.

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Very poor to zero visibility, especially below 30 ft; heavy summer boat and PWC traffic; fluctuating water levels; entanglement on lost fishing tackle.

How deep is Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Elephant Butte Reservoir ranges from 3 to 45.7 metres deep (10–150 feet) — a deep dive at its limit. It is a freshwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Elephant Butte Reservoir a shore dive or a boat dive?

Elephant Butte Reservoir can be dived from shore or by boat. The entry is recorded as an easy walk-in. The entry area is recorded as moderately exposed to surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Elephant Butte Reservoir is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 3 to 45.7 metres (10–150 feet). Access is from shore or by boat, with the entry recorded as an easy walk-in. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Cooler months after boating season when sediment settles; only in higher water years. None; lake level (and thus conditions) varies dramatically by year and season. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Divers at Elephant Butte Reservoir in United States commonly report sightings of Walleye, White bass, Largemouth bass, Common carp, and Channel catfish. White bass, Common carp, and Channel catfish are recorded as common sightings, while Walleye and Largemouth bass are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Elephant Butte Reservoir?

Very poor to zero visibility, especially below 30 ft; heavy summer boat and PWC traffic; fluctuating water levels; entanglement on lost fishing tackle. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

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