Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced that water levels for Lake Almanor are projected to be higher than normal this summer due to high carryover storage combined with average precipitation this season. Meanwhile, Bucks Lake summer levels are forecasted to be slightly lower than normal due to early loss of snowpack.
PG&E plans its operations to balance recreation, the environment, electric power generation and other needs. With high carryover storage from 2025 plus average precipitation, Lake Almanor is expected to be about 3 feet above normal this summer. This is despite minimal April 1st snowpack for the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade mountain ranges.
Total precipitation (rain and snow) for the season to date in the Lake Almanor basin is at 108% of average, and the spring runoff is forecast to be 69% percent of average, PG&E reported. The March 1st North Fork Feather River basin snowpack was 45% of average, but melted off quickly, leaving the April 1st snowpack at just 5% of average.
Lake Almanor reached top-off in early June, peaking around 4,491.5 feet. Based on current data, historical modeling and planned operations, PG&E projects Lake Almanor levels will draw down to around 4,491 feet elevation by July 4, and reach approximately 4,486 feet by Labor Day.
Bucks Lake topped off higher and much earlier than normal as a result of rapid snowmelt in early spring, followed by a wet mid-spring. With the early loss of snowpack, Bucks Lake drawdown started earlier than usual and is expected to result in below average lake levels through the summer, followed by rapid drawdown in the fall for dam and boat ramp work.
Due to rapid snowmelt in March followed by a wet April, Bucks Lake reached top-off in early May, two months earlier than normal, and reached levels 2 feet higher than average. Without late spring and early summer snowmelt to sustain inflows, the lake level is expected to decrease to around 5,150 feet by July 4, drawing down to 5,140 feet elevation by Labor Day. These summer levels are about two or three feet lower than average.
PG&E expects Butt Valley Reservoir to be within its normal operating range this summer
