Gorge Closed to Public September 9-17

The Owens River Gorge will be closed for public access from September 9-17, 2019 due to substantially higher-than-normal flows. This is a channel maintenance flow and will be highly monitored by LADWP. In conjunction with California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW), LADWP is working to improve the quantity and quality of habitat in the Gorge. The BACC requests that all climbers and hikers respect this closure for their own safety and to help us maintain the positive working relationship that has been established with the DWP. For more information, the DWP has created a website to monitor real-time flow rates in the Gorge. Read the full press release from LADWP here.

Water Release to Begin May 13, 2019

The BACC received notice on May 9, 2019 that the LADWP plans to increase water flows in the Gorge starting next Monday. Here is their statement:

In order to manage the runoff, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power plans to release water through the Middle Gorge starting on Monday May 13, 2019. LADWP is committed to public safety and is advising the public to practice general water safety and be aware of swift flowing water in this location. We will continue to keep residents in the Eastern Sierra informed of LADWP’s water operations for the spring and summer runoff.

While the BACC does not know how each crag will be affected, we urge climbers and hikers to use caution around the river, which may include avoiding crossing altogether. Once again, we appreciate DWP’s cooperation and notice of this plan.

Owens River Gorge Public Statement

Several rock climbing access points to the east side of Owens River Gorge are temporarily limited due to liability concerns by the landowner, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP). The Bishop Area Climbers Coalition (BACC), a local climbing organization in the Eastern Sierra, is working with DWP to resolve the situation with support from the Access Fund. BACC recognizes DWP’s commitment to climbing access in the Gorge and the positive working relationship that has been established. Patience and respect is encouraged while we work through this sensitive situation to return full access to the east side of the Owens River Gorge.