May 25, 2022 - FRESNO, Calif. — Bass Lake water levels are projected to be lower than normal this summer due to the critically dry year.

PG&E is managing water at Bass Lake to balance the needs of recreation, the environment, power generation and downstream water users. Despite below-average precipitation and well-below-average snowpack, Bass Lake will peak at about 90% of capacity in June and remain around 80% of capacity by Labor Day.

PG&E recognizes the importance of higher lake levels during the recreation season for Bass Lake and Madera County. Despite the third consecutive dry year, Bass Lake is expected to top-off within 3 feet of normal.

Little to no significant impacts are anticipated for the lake’s two public concrete boat ramps and commercial marinas.

PG&E urges boaters to be vigilant, exercise caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from other watercraft as lower elevation means:

• less water surface area to share with other boaters
• submerged objects are closer to the surface than in higher water level years.

Total precipitation for the season to date in the San Joaquin Basin is 65% of average, and the spring runoff is forecast to be 46% of average due to the dry and warm conditions.

This year, PG&E projects Bass Lake levels will reach approximately 3,369 feet elevation by July 1, and approximately 3,368 feet by Labor Day. PG&E works to maintain water levels through Labor Day so more water is available for recreation.

PG&E encourages the public to take appropriate safety precautions when recreating in and near water:

• Obey all warning signs and restrictive buoys while swimming or boating.
• Use the “buddy system.” Never fish, swim, boat or raft alone.
• Don’t dive or jump into unfamiliar water. Shallow water or submerged trees or rocks could cause serious injury.

About PG&E

PG&E, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
Source: PG&E