Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that after Labor Day, Bucks Lake will be drawn down below typical levels for project work. The lake level target is 5,132 feet for early October, about 7 to 8 feet below average seasonal levels. PG&E is drawing down the lake so it can repair the liner on the upstream side of the dam.
PG&E will also repair the Haskins Bay Campground boat ramp while levels are low. PG&E needs to do both projects before snowy weather. Crews will start work on the boat ramp after Labor Day, working daylight hours on weekdays and possibly on weekends.
The drawdown means that the four boat ramps on the lake will become inaccessible in short succession during the second and third weeks of September. The boat ramps at Bucks Lake Marina, Lakeshore Resort, and Haskins Valley Campground are expected to become inaccessible during the week following Labor Day. As water levels go lower, the Sandy Point boat ramp is expected to become inaccessible around mid-September.
PG&E scheduled the drawdown as late in the season as weather allows to reduce impacts on recreation. Activity around the lake typically decreases after Labor Day. PG&E is in communication with the Plumas National Forest, Plumas County, emergency responders, cabin owners, and businesses on the lake about the projects.
Work on the exposed portions of the liner are planned to start in early August, and will take place weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All work will be off public roadways, so no traffic controls are needed.
After repairs are completed, water levels are expected to rise back to normal levels during the rainy season.
Water levels at Lake Almanor, Lower Bucks Lake and Butt Valley Reservoir are expected to remain within normal ranges after Labor Day.
