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Annual Drawdown Begins At Bass Lake

BASS LAKE — Visitor and residents along Bass Lake will see water levels begin to drop in the coming weeks as water is released in the annual drawdown.

Beginning Sept. 29, PG&E will be begin operation of the power houses at Crane Valley and along the river as they lower the lake level to provide water to downstream users.

“The lake level will drop about two feet per week until it reaches 50 percent of capacity,” says PG&E spokesman Denny Boyles. “The water release is required by the contract with downstream water users, and also helps protect against flooding by providing space to capture storm and snow melt runoff.”

Boyles says the drawdown at Bass Lake usually begins around mid-August, with water levels maintained to allow for recreation through Labor Day. This year’s drawdown was delayed a few weeks extra due to maintenance.

Bass Lake is a reservoir owned and operated by PG&E. The water is used not only for recreation, but also for farm irrigation and generating electricity.

Though levels will be dropping as they do every winter, any rain and runoff during the coming months will recharge the water supply, and after a beautiful summer with the lake at capacity, now is the time to enjoy this jewel in your own back yard, free of the summer crowds.

To learn more about Bass Lake and its history, visit http://www.basslakeca.com/history.html.

 

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online