Local lake news

This is where we'll post updates of happenings around the lake.  Check here first for weather, lake level and snow information.  For detailed weather information go to http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/plotReal?staid=HNT an automated weather station located by dam number 1.

May 13

Lake level came up a foot last night alone!  Currently is about 4-5  feet from full.  Given the projected 100 degree plus highs projected for Fresno for this weekend, the lake should be full in only a few days.  Boat launching over Memorial Day will definitely be possible.  However, be forewarned, the lake is cold.  Today it measured 51 degrees F at the surface.  This is 3 degrees colder than the water in Monterey Bay!

Drove all tracts today.  All tracts are open with the only issues in Huckleberry and Home Creek.  The west entrance to Huckleberry had a tree fall down across the road.  The tree has had a section removed to allow vehicles to pass, but a jeep just barely fits through.  Full sized vehicles and Fire Trucks will not be able to get through.  Roughly two thirds of the way round in Huckleberry the trees are encroaching so badly that that would impede our trucks from getting in.  The same is true for the far end of Home Creek Lane.  Both tracts need to quickly get these encroachments trimmed back.

Road to Rancheria Falls is not officially open yet because there are still a few impassable snow drifts across the road.  Best guess for clearance is one week.  Path in to Indian Pools has some snow patches but can be navigated on foot.

May 12

Road was officially opened by Fresno County on Monday.  Water is coming up quickly.  As of today (Tuesday) three sections of the Lakeshore launch ramp dock are floating.  Air temperature at 0730 was 37 degrees F and warmed to high of 72 during the day.  The hosts from CLM are already in residence in Deer Creek and  Billy Creek campgrounds and we saw one camper already in Upper Billy Creek.  Still have snow in China Bowl on Sierra Summit.

May 8

We drove the entire lake today. No snow from Deer Creek to the gate beyond the Lakeview Cottages. All roads clear, but not officially open because Fresno County has not run their sweeper through to get rid of the dirt and rocks from snowmelt.  The lake is filling at the rate of 12-18 inches per day.  Today the water was at the bottom of the Lakeshore launch ramp docks.  This makes the level 15 vertical below full.  So at the rate of 12 inches per day, the lake will be full in two weeks! All fire permits will expire on May 20, so if you plan to have a burn fire, get it done in the next 12 days!

May 1

Well, that did not last long!  The Redbud bloom is over, snow is melting very fast.  Fresno County still stands by their projection of about May 10 to have the road around the lake open.  The last week in April found a very smoky lake area because so many people are taking advantage of the ideal condition for burning trash piles.  Lakeshore Resort is closed until Memorial Day weekend so bring all the food you will need when coming up before that time.

Spring 2009 (April)

The snow is melting fast with warm weather we have been receiving.  Areas with direct sun exposure on North side of the lake are melted clear.  While the road has not been opened around the lake yet, we expect Fresno County to be up here soon doing that.  This all suggests a very dry summer ahead so we all need to be particularly careful about clearing out combustible materials around our residences as soon as possible.  You should NOT plan on being able to burn brush after June 15.  Personnel in the condos have already started their annual spring clearing and burning.  When you can get into your unit, you should plan on doing the same.

Fishing has been very productive according to the reports we got today.  The surface of the lake is essentially ice free, so the slumbering trout are now starting to move around in response to the sunlight.

As a special treat, if you can arrange to go up to the Lake fairly soon (early to mid-April) you will get a treat along the way.  On the four-lane leading up to Cressman's you will get to see the native California Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis or Western Redbud, if you must) in full bloom.  It is present roughly between 2,000 and 4,000 feet elevation (you can see the elevation sign on the left of one of the pictures below.  It can also be seen on the road into Yosemite from Merced this time of year.  Additionally, there are stalk Lupin in full bloom.  If you stop to look closely, please be careful about where you park your car.

One other interesting phenomenon we observed this week was the effect of contrails over Sierra Summit at dusk.  Look at the following picture.  It almost looks as if the ski area is setting of rockets from the top of the hill.

We are taking delivery of our new Water Tender (thank you in advance, Southern California Edison), so we thought we should show you the full fleet of equipment we now operate.  Click here to go to the Equipment summary page.

Look for more detailed information in our Spring 2009 newsletter due out before the end of April.

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Last modified: 07/10/09