Madera County: Bass Lake Water Levels to Remain at About Current Elevation

Levels About 5 Feet Higher than Last Summer  

Bass Lake’s water levels are projected to remain at current levels for most of summer, PG&E announced today. 

PG&E manages water at Bass Lake to balance the needs of recreation, the environment, power generation and downstream water users. Bass Lake water levels are projected to be about 5 feet higher than last summer, with Bass Lake peaking at about 96% of capacity in July and remaining around 91% of capacity by Labor Day. 

PG&E recognizes the importance of higher lake levels during the recreation season for Bass Lake and Madera County. Bass Lake is expected to top-off within 3 feet of its normal maximum water surface elevation. 

Little to no significant impacts are anticipated for the lake’s two public concrete boat ramps and commercial marinas.  

PG&E performs periodic inspections of all dam and spillway features. During a recent inspection, PG&E identified a component of the spillway boards that has degraded over time. PG&E is making progress towards a repair to safely operate the spillway at full pool.   

Out of an abundance of caution, PG&E will continue to implement a target water surface elevation 3 feet below the normal maximum pool until the repair is implemented. PG&E expects repairs to be complete in 2025. As such, PG&E anticipates similar maximum summer reservoir levels next year and in 2025.

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.