News Release Archive

Reclamation Schedules Early Opening of Red Bluff Diversion Dam Gates

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, (916) 978-5100, plucero@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: August 27, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation will, consistent with the direction of the Federal District Court order, begin lowering Lake Red Bluff on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.  Based on typical operations, the lake generally remains until about September 15 of each year, but this year, an earlier lowering is warranted given lower than usual irrigation demands and the presence of a significant number of outmigrating winter-run Chinook salmon.

The lake level is expected to decrease approximately 3 to 4 feet the first day, with lake level adjustments continuing every day until the lake is reduced back into the river channel.  All boats affected by the changing levels should be relocated or removed from the lake prior to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.

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, which serve approximately 150,000 irrigated acres south of Red Bluff.

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

# # #

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.