Water levels are high at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and park officials are urging visitors to be aware of the conditions.

“Bighorn Lake is in flood stage and will affect the boat-in-only camping, boating, and some of the other facilities,” said Christy Fleming, the park’s chief of interpretation.

As of Wednesday, the water level at Bighorn Lake stood at 3,642.5 feet, which is 2 1/2 feet into the flood pool. The level is expected to continue rising over the next two weeks.

Due to the high water, sizable amounts of driftwood and other debris are floating on the lake. Several driftwood rafts containing large trees have formed, which can cause serious damage to boat props and lower units, park officials say.

The high water is also affecting the Black Canyon and Dayboard 9 campgrounds. The campgrounds are not closed, but the sites are starting to go underwater. When the lake reaches 3,646 feet, all sites at Black Canyon will be underwater. The high water has also temporarily eliminated the accessibility parking on the ramp at Barry’s Landing. The park recommends large trucks and boat trailers back down the ramp to avoid the challenge of turning vehicles around at the end of the launch area.

Parts of the Barry’s Island Trail to Medicine Creek will go underwater at lake level 3,646 feet, and the swim beach areas at Ok-A-Beh and Horseshoe Bend marinas have significantly diminished in size due to the high water.

Boaters may also be aware of new docks stacked at both Barry’s Landing and Horseshoe Bend. Due to contracting issues and safety concerns, the park is waiting to complete the installation until the issues are resolved.

For current lake conditions or help planning a visit, visitors may call the Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at 307-548-5406.