Northern California Lake Levels are Currently Historically High

I was lucky enough to drive across Shasta Lake along Interstate 5 this week and I could not believe what I was seeing. It was the most full I’ve seen the lake in years and the usually visible dirt shoreline had all but disappeared.

So when I arrived home, I was able to confirm my suspicions – Shasta Lake is historically high.

Fortunately, Shasta’s not the only lake with a lot of water. Trinity, Oroville and Folsom Lakes are also packing historical water levels following the massive precipitation we saw this winter. Each lake is over 90 percent full, with forecasters predicting they will reach full capacity in the next 30 days.

Shasta Lake is currently 94 percent full, which is 109 percent its historical average. Oroville is also 94 percent full, which is 115 percent its historical average. Trinity Lake is also sitting pretty at 92 percent full – 111 percent its historic average. And Folsom Lake has seen a full revival, sitting at 91 percent full at an astounding 120 percent historical average.

The water revival in California is nothing short of spectacular. The state has seen a number of serious issues arise from its 7-year drought, with water storage coming second to wildfires. The NorCal lakes currently full to the brim and water storage shouldn’t be an issue in 2019.

Lake Oroville Houseboats

This water storage will bring back much needed tourism to these reservoirs during the summer months. Specifically Shasta Lake, which saw devastating wildfires surround the lake in 2018, is set to see tremendous boating tourism in 2019. The increased water levels will create more spots for boats, easier launches and a much larger lake to enjoy.

Zach O'Brien

Zach O'Brien is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Active NorCal

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