Several boat ramps at Banks Lake will be temporarily unavailable for a scheduled drawdown. The Bureau of Reclamation is lowering the elevation of Banks Lake by 6.2 feet to support fisheries and groundwater replacement objectives. The lower-than-normal reservoir levels are expected to continue through Thursday, Sept. 4. The drawdown will reduce the lake’s elevation to 1563.8 feet, impacting the accessibility of several boat ramps around the lake. The public is advised to exercise caution around the reservoir and lakeshore during this drawdown period due to shallow water and narrower channels. Areas of high concern, such as the Devil’s Punchbowl, should be approached with particular caution. This reduction in the lake's elevation occurs annually, from late August through early September. Once fisheries and groundwater replacement objectives are met, the reservoir will be returned to its regular operating elevation. I put the Bob Feil Boats and Motors Smoker Craft in the water at the Northrup boat ramp on Wednesday the 26th of August and noticed the water was way down. I kept the Mercury 250 tilted as high to put the boat on the trailer and didn’t have an issue. There’s a link on my Facebook page showing the ramps of concern.