PG&E Expects Above-Normal Summer Water Levels at Lake Almanor, Bucks Lake

By Paul Moreno

CHESTER, Calif. — 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 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 so far this year 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 two 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 Project No. 2105, the license number for PG&E’s Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project and includes Lake Almanor.