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McCloud Reservoir Spilling Into Lower McCloud; Running High

By Tom Chandler 5/19/2008

This just received from PG&E (via CalTrout):


The hot weather has caused inflow to exceed storage capacity in McCloud and Iron Canyon reservoirs and outflow through James B. Black Powerhouse.#160; As a result, starting early this morning, McCloud Dam is spilling with MC-1 gage (Ah-Di-Na) at approximately 1,350 cfs and MC-5 gage (MSS) at approximately 1,650 cfs.#160;

Depending on weather conditions, we are hoping to be able to reduce flows as temperatures are predicted to cool through the week and end the spill by Friday, 5/23.#160;

Spill flows from McCloud Dam are not unusual this time of year, typically occurring about 4 to 5 out of every 10 years; however, this spill event is directly related to the flow studies.#160;

To provide the target flows required for FA-S8 (Instream Flow Evaluation on the Lower McCloud River) both McCloud and Iron Canyon reservoirs needed to be near capacity.#160; As a result, there was very little storage capacity left in the reservoir and the hot weather significantly increased inflow to McCloud Reservoir, exceeding the capacity to either store the water or move it through the powerhouse.

The McCloud's likely out reach for a little while, and the Upper Sac continues to move a ton of water. A weekend reconnaissance of the South Fork revealed one long whitewater cataract, unsuited for man or Wonderdog.

Right now, the local lakes are looking like the best bet. More on fishing conditions as it happens.

The good news? The runoff will be damned short this year, and cooling temperatures will slow it a little.

See you on lake, Tom Chandler.

AuthorPicture

Tom Chandler

As the author of the decade leading fly fishing blog Trout Underground, Tom believes that fishing is not about measuring the experience but instead of about having fun. As a staunch environmentalist, he brings to the Yobi Community thought leadership on environmental and access issues facing us today.

4 comments
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Might also want to take a look at the Pit, though I haven't checked flows there recently. The Upper Sac's flow gauges have been blotto for several days, but then again, you don't need a finely tuned scientific instrument to tell you when a river's over its banks. Right now -- off to the north -- it looks like rain...
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I'm going to go on Tuesday now... so hopefully things will get better. I'll try to send out a report or two. Unless of course its crystal clear and we're knocking 'em dead.
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Loon: OK, I made it all up. But sadly, I'm lying, and the McCloud's probably in pretty sad shape right now. Next weekend? Might not be the end of the world, though even if the water's good, it's anyone's guess as to how the trout might react. Can I interest you in a blue collar lake overrun with boats? No? Damn.
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Ouch Tom. Say it isn't so! I'm planning on heading up there around that time... I've fished it before when this is happening, and as a local friend said once "Its one big mud-creek" for a few days.
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