California’s Second Biggest Reservoir is Losing Water

This significant change was uncovered with the latest in terrain-mapping technologies, providing a fresh perspective on the reservoir’s volume.

As detailed on the DWR webpage, this led to the creation of “highly detailed 3D topographic terrain models of the bottom of the lake,” essential for reassessing the reservoir’s current capacity.

These unique weather phenomena, described by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as “long, narrow regions in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky,” are crucial for transporting water vapor from the tropics.

These rivers in the sky are critical for moving vast amounts of water vapor, directly impacting the state’s water resources and climate.

This decline in storage capacity prompts a reevaluation of long-term water management and storage strategies.

The DWR notes the lake’s shrinkage results from “weather swings and almost six decades of service,” demonstrating the environmental and temporal challenges it faces.

Sadly, 13 homes were destroyed, five damaged, 13 other minor structures destroyed, with a further three damaged in a Northern California fiery that burned across more than 3,700 acres.

A state of emergency was declared by California Gov. Gavin Newsom shortly after the fire began, and local emergencies were also declared as the fires threatened critical infrastructure like the Oroville area water and power supply.

Infrastructure was also affected. The fire impacted operations at the Oroville Dam, and Pacific Gas & Electric were forced to de-energize high-voltage powerlines, meaning the Hyatt Powerplant went offline.

Oroville cancelled its aways popular Fourth of July fireworks show as the city enforced a temporary ban on fireworks.

It still holds the position as the state’s second-largest reservoir, essential for meeting the water needs of millions.

This information is crucial for refining how the reservoir is managed.

Yarbrough highlights, “It ensures we are providing adequate flood storage protection during winter months and accurately accounts for the state’s water supply.”

In the wetter months, officials release water to reduce flood risks, while in the dry season, efforts shift towards maximizing water retention.

Lake Casitas, in Ventura County, is another reservoir that has struggled with water levels after 25 years of drought.

The Lake received 20 inches of water in less than a week in 1960, but then did not fill again until 1978, 20 years after its construction, due to infrastructure damage following a series of storms.

Over two decades of drought saw to this, though things have been improving recently. Storms from last year pushed water levels in the lake up to 70%. Further intense weather conditions this year pushed the lake further.

The Casitas Municipal Water District reported that water had reached the spillway’s elevation at 567 feet, and a steady stream of water began to trickle down the spillway once again.

Bergen attributes the filling to “two very good rain years”, and the fact that this year’s rainfall was particularly consistent.  It typically takes about five or six inches of rain before runoff starts reaching the lake.

With the Lake impacted by droughts over the last few decades, residents were forced to curb their water use or risk being fined. Lake Casitas’ filling will obviously be welcome news to all.

Yet, as summer approaches, a natural decline begins, reflective of California’s seasonal water patterns.

California was continually being drenched by “Pineapple express” storms. While there are positives, like the reversal of fortunes of Lake Casitas, there have also been drawbacks, like flash flooding.

The state experienced one of the wettest Februarys on record earlier this year. Residents experienced drastic flooding in February as atmospheric storms moved through the region and deluged the coast.

The latest measurements show the water level at 887 feet—only 12 feet shy of its full capacity of 900 feet, a significant rise from the lows of 750 feet seen during the previous summer’s drought conditions.