How are California's reservoirs?

Sunset, June, 1993 by Jeff Phillips, Dale Conour

After six years of drought, most of our popular manmade lakes are "full." But check before you go

BANNER HEADLINES last February 24 trumpeted the news: California's longest drought in recorded history was officially, well, history. On that date, Sierra snowpack contained enough water to hold out the possibility that many of the state's 1,336 reservoirs might, for the first time in years, be full again.

But before you toss the skis in the boat and head for your favorite lake, you should know that "full" is a relative term, a measure of historical averages as opposed to observed phenomena. Water level is not constant. Between flood control and water delivery commitments, most reservoirs never reach their maximum storage capacity. Even now, levels in many reservoirs are dropping as water is delivered to federal, state, and private users.

Although this year's snowpack is a given, one of the biggest factors determining summer reservoir levels is still an unknown--late-spring rainfall in the mountains. Gentle, cool rains leave the snowpack relatively intact, stretching mountain runoff well into summer. But a warm gully washer can cause rapid snowpack meltdown, resulting in serious flooding and, in the Sierra, the flushing of much of our most important water bank account out through the Golden Gate.

Still, by June, most of the major reservoirs supplied by Sierra runoff (such as Pine Flat Lake and Lake Oroville) will be as full as they ever get. (Most of the state's major natural lakes are full. Even Lake Tahoe was expected to reach its natural outflow into the Truckee River by May.) But west of the Central Valley, it's another story. Larger reservoirs (such as Lake Berryessa and Lake San Antonio) that depend solely on rainfall are likely to remain below average.

Water levels of reservoirs farther inland look better. For example, reservoirs on the Colorado River, which are managed by different agencies from those in California, are on the rise. Lake Powell, most of which is in Utah, is gaining storage for the first time since 1987. Lake Mead, in Nevada, is expected to remain only about 15 feet below its spillway through the summer. And as in years past, lakes Mojave (on the Arizona-Nevada border) and Havasu (on the Arizona-California border) are both expected to be within normal summer ranges.

12 CALIFORNIA FAVORITES

Following are fullness forecasts (water officials' estimates based on historic averages on June 1) and summer recreation conditions on a dozen of California's most popular reservoirs. Lakes are listed north to south and numbered to correspond to the map on page 32; for scale, surface area at capacity has been noted. For trip-planning information, up-to-the-minute lake levels, and reservations, call ahead.

1. Clair Eagle Lake

Surface area: 16,400 acres.

Fullness forecast: 85 percent.

Recreation: The lake, also called Trinity, will be fuller this summer than it has been in seven years. All five marinas, its houseboat rental facilities, and six boat ramps will be open, as will 12 Forest Service and 3 private campgrounds (Alpine View, however, will be closed). Nearby Lewiston Reservoir (one marina, four campgrounds) will stay full for good fishing.

Where to call: For lake level, call U.S. Forest Service Weaverville Ranger District, (916) 623-2121. For a visitor's guide and houseboat listings, call Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association, 243-2643. For more information, cal Trinity County Chamber of Commerce, (916) 623-6101.

2. Shasta Lake

Surface area: 29,500 acres on four main arms.

Fullness forecast: Full.

Recreation: Perhaps California's most popular boating lake, Shasta has 11 marinas and 17 Forest Service and 5 private campgrounds. At least eight companies rent houseboats (most are booked by now for weekends, but check for cancellations).

Where to call: For lake level, camping information, and maps, call Shasta Lake Visitor Information Center, (916) 275-1589. For a visitor's guide and houseboat listings, call Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association, (916) 243-2643.

3. Lake Oroville

Surface area: 15,800 acres.

Fullness forecast: 95 to 100 percent.

Recreation: Two marinas service fishermen and water-skiers alike. Houseboats are available (check for cancellations), as are campsites for tents, RVs, groups, and boaters. The north end of Thermalito Forebay (600 surface acres) offers a swimming beach, picnic tables, and ramadas, and is open to nonpowerboats only.

Where to call: For lake level and general information, call Lake Oroville State Recreation Area, (916) 538-2219. For boating and fishing information and rentals, call Lime Saddle Marina, 877-2414; or Bidwell Canyon Marina, 589-3165 or (800) 637-1767. For Loafer Creek Campground information, call (916) 538-2217. For reservations at Bidwell Canyon RV site and South Bloomer group campground, call Mistix, (800) 444-7275.

4. Folsom Lake

Surface area: 11,930 acres.

Fullness forecast: Full.

Recreation: One of the most popular lakes in the state, Folsom is likely to draw 3 million visitors this summer. It's open to all types of boating and features a full-service marina. You can rent horses, canoes, sailboats, sailboards, and, new this year, water scooters. Swimming beaches and hiking and equestrian trails abound. A 32-mile paved bicycle path leads to Old Sacramento, and there's a new 8-mile advanced mountain-bike trail.