News Release Archive

Reclamation Lowers Lake Red Bluff

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: September 13, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation began lowering Lake Red Bluff on Thursday, September 13, 2007, as part of its annual operations.  This is 2 days earlier than the usual September 15 gate operations.  All boats affected by the changing levels should be relocated or removed from the lake prior to 6 p.m. on September 13, 2007.

Red Bluff Diversion Dam, on the Sacramento River about 2 miles southeast of Red Bluff, California, diverts water from the Sacramento River to the Corning and Tehama-Colusa Canals.  The gates are closed on the diversion dam approximately 4 months every year for agricultural purposes and open the remainder of the time to provide fish unimpeded passage.

The lake level is expected to decrease about 4 feet the first day, with lake level adjustments continuing every day until the lake is reduced back into the river channel.  

The Red Bluff Diversion Dam gates will be fully open on Sunday, September 16, 2007.  Three or four gates will remain near the river surface to anchor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fish traps.  Lake Red Bluff is expected to return next year on Thursday, May 15, 2008.

For more information, please contact Mr. Paul Freeman, Reclamations Northern California Area Office, at 530-529-3890 or e-mail pfreeman@mp.usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.