Small Town News

Low water levels reported at Eagle Lake marina

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Eagle Lake is a natural lake and its water level changes in response to seasonality and long term climate changes. Current trends suggest that even with spring runoff, water levels will be below normal. The major factors that contribute to Eagle Lake's water levels are the watershed area, rainfall, snow pack melt, diversions, evaporations rates, and spring runoff.

As shown in the graph, there has been a general downward trend in water levels since 1999. During that period, there was only one year in which the water level increased from the previous year. The 2009 minimum water level is the lowest water level on record since the Bly Tunnel was dammed in 1935.

The Eagle Lake Gallatin Marina was rebuilt to its current design during the early 1990s, with an expectation that the lake level would rise and stay within the operational range of the ramp. The ramp was engineered and built to be operational for lake levels between 5,099 to 5,120 feet. The lake has been below or near minimum design levels since 2003. The October 2009 lake level is about two feet below the minimum operational design level for the boat launch.

Because the lake is currently at its lowest level since 1935 and could drop further, the Forest Service is actively pursuing an alternate site to

facilitate public access to the lake during periods of low lake levels.

"Existing plans call for the construction of a low-water launching facility adjacent to the Gallatin Marina during 2010," said Terri Frolli, Eagle Lake district ranger. "The Lassen National Forest is actively working with our agency partners, such as CalBoating, California Department of Fish and Game, Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, and California State Lands Commission to meet all requirements to achieve this goal," said Frolli.

The launch ramp dock in the Gallatin Marina has been extended out more than 250 feet, to facilitate the launch of some smaller boats at the beginning of the season. For more information, contact Eagle Lake Marina Manager Grace McCullough at 825-3454 or see the website: eagle lakerecreationarea.com

Launching at this facility is always done at the user's own risk. With the current lake level being well below the optimum launch level for the marina ramp, boaters should contact the marina for up-to-date information before bringing larger boats this year. The Forest Service reminds boaters to be safe and considerate of other water users, and to remember to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.



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© 2010 The Chester Progressive Chester, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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