Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced today that Lake Almanor and Bucks Lake water levels are projected to be above normal this summer thanks to above normal precipitation and snowpack this season.
The company announced the lake level projections today at the 2105 Lake Level Committee meeting in Chico, which is held most years to review and discuss PG&E’s planned water operations for Lake Almanor and Bucks Lake for the remainder of the year. The committee name refers to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project no. 2105, which is the license number for PG&E’s Upper North Fork of the Feather River Hydroelectric Project.
PG&E reported how it plans its operations to balance recreation, the environment, electric power generation and other needs. With above average precipitation and snowpack for the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades mountain ranges, Lake Almanor is expected to be about three to four feet higher than normal this summer.
Total precipitation for the season to date in the Lake Almanor basin is at 129 percent of average, and the spring runoff is forecast to be 168 percent of average, PG&E reported.
This year, based on current data, a moderate summer electrical demand, and historical modeling, PG&E projects Lake Almanor levels will reach approximately 4,492 feet elevation by July 4, and approximately 4,486 feet by Labor Day.
For Bucks Lake, levels are also projected to be higher than normal, remaining above 5,153 feet elevation through July 4, and approximately 5,145 feet by Labor Day.
PG&E expects Butt Valley Reservoir to be within normal operating range this summer.
PG&E encourages the public to take appropriate safety precautions when recreating in and near water:
• Obey all warning signs and restrictive buoys while swimming or boating.
• Use the “buddy system.” Never fish, swim, boat or raft alone.
• Don’t dive or jump into unfamiliar water. Shallow water or submerged trees or rocks could cause serious injury.
