Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that water levels for Lake Almanor and Bucks Lake are projected to be higher than normal this summer due to high carryover storage combined with average precipitation and snowpack this season. Rapid spring snow melt also contributed to reservoir levels rising faster than normal.
The company reported the lake level projections on Wednesday at a virtual meeting held to review and discuss PG&E’s planned water operations for Lake Almanor and Bucks Lake for the remainder of the year.
PG&E plans its operations to balance recreation, the environment, electric power generation and other needs. With high carryover storage from 2023, plus average precipitation and snowpack for the northern Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascade mountain ranges, Lake Almanor is expected to be about 5 feet above normal this summer, similar to 2023 levels.
Total precipitation for the season to date in the Lake Almanor basin is at 97% of average, and the spring runoff is forecast to be 99% percent of average, PG&E reported.
This year, based on current data, historical modeling and planned operations, PG&E projects Lake Almanor levels will top-off in late May to early June a little above 4,493 feet, draw down slightly below 4,493 feet elevation by July 4, and reach approximately 4,487 feet by Labor Day.
Due to a significant storm followed by rapid snowmelt in May, Bucks Lake is projected to top-off about a month earlier than normal as well as 2 feet higher than average, similar to 2023. The lake level is expected to be around 5,154 to 5,153 feet through July 4, and drawing down by 8 to 9 feet to 5,146 to 5,145 feet elevation by Labor Day.
PG&E expects Butt Valley Reservoir to be within its normal operating range this summer.
The 2105 Lake Level Committee meeting’s name refers to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Project No. 2105, which is the license number for PG&E’s Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project and includes Lake Almanor.
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.
Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
For more water safety tips, visit www.pge.com/watersafety
PG&E’s vast hydropower system is built along 16 river basins stretching nearly 500 miles. The system uses water from more than 100 reservoirs, mostly located in higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. PG&E’s 63 powerhouses produce nearly 3,900 megawatts (MW) of power.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
