Pacific Gas and Electric Company said it expects no major changes to the water levels of Lake Almanor, Butt Valley Reservoir and Bucks Lake compared to last year.
Water levels on all three will be below historical averages this summer due to continued drought conditions.
All three man-made lakes are carefully managed for hydropower generation. They also serve recreational purposes and provide wildlife habitat.
Although total precipitation in the Almanor basin this year is running nearly three quarters of normal, most of that fell as rain, not snow. PG&E expects the scant snow to deliver just a quarter of the usual amount of runoff. That means far less water replenishing the lake once summer arrives.
Company hydrologists expect water levels at Almanor three to five feet lower than last year, while Bucks Lake will be about seven feet higher than last year. Butt Valley Reservoir’s water level is expected to remain close to normal.