Ted Fay Report May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023Rick Cox

REDDING, Calif. — Flows may soon be about a foot and a half higher on the lower McCloud River in Shasta County through May while the snowmelt increases and Pacific Gas and Electric Company performs planned maintenance on the James B. Black Powerhouse.

Flows in the lower McCloud River from the McCloud Dam are about 400-450 cubic feet per second, but once the dam begins to spill Monday night, flows are expected to increase to about 900 to 1,000 cfs.

Those recreating in or near this part of the river are urged to use extra caution during the increased flows.

Only one of two generators is operating at the J.B. Black Powerhouse, so less water than usual is being diverted from the McCloud Reservoir to Iron Canyon Reservoir and then to the powerhouse on the Pit River near Big Bend.

As a result, the McCloud Reservoir is expected to soon fill and excess water will come over the spillway and into the lower McCloud River, which is that portion of the river between the McCloud Dam and Lake Shasta.

The powerhouse is scheduled to return to service on May 31. Once the powerhouse is online, PG&E will gradually reduce flows back down to the seasonal normal flow release of around 200 cfs from the dam, a process that is estimated to take several days to a week, depending on actual conditions at time of drawdown.

Once the maintenance is complete all flows and water levels are expected to return within permitted ranges of PG&E’s McCloud-Pit Project license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

To view the flow data on the McCloud River visit the McCloud River at Ah-Di-Na gage

PG&E offers the following water safety tips:

Stay out of cold water. Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.

Here’s an update on the road to Ah Di Nah and the Conservancy. Snow and a lot of blowdowns plus the road has not been cleared. Hopefully the Forest Service gets on it soon.

The USac is a raging beast right now and will probably be that way for a few weeks more. All its tributaries are pumping out lots of water and unless you have some high water spots my recommendation is stay away from it.

If you have any further questions give Bob a shout at the shop or just stop in and bug him next time in the area.

Cheers

Rick Cox Fly Fishing - offering 40 years of fly fishing experience for half day lessons for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com

Retention work done on the Ash Camp slope

Ted Fay Report : May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023Rick Cox

Just in from the US Forest Service and PG&E…..

Due to the increase in inflows from snow melt and a current maintenance outage occurring at James B. Black Powerhouse, PG&E will be initiating a spill at McCloud Dam. Flows downstream of McCloud Dam are approximately 420 cfs as measured at Ah-Di- Na (MC-1.) During the spill, flows are expected to rise to approximately 1,000- 1,200 cfs.

Ted Fay Report : April 22, 2023

April 22, 2023Rick Cox

Kids, it’s been a very, very long winter. Dogpatch is starting to shake off the snow/ice and now segwaying into a true spring. The forecast below shows a welcomed warm spell. I am so happy because this ole body is still trying to thaw out. It will however induce a rise in the rivers and streams here so what has been a difficult winter and spring to fish high flows will return (USac is currently at 2.5k and rising) due to the impending snow melt that will ensue. Reason for no reports since February is access at best has been limited in getting to the river due to all the snow. Of course I’m not trying to discourage any of y’all but it’s going to remain high for at least another 4-6 weeks but for those who are familiar with high water conditions there are definitely spots to get your butt into but best be careful, the water is very cold and very swift. We don’t need anyone calling 911 for a rescue. I really don’t know how long these conditions will persist but I do remember in 1997 I couldn’t start guiding either the McCloud or USac rivers until the end of June and into July. The charts and pictures below are showing an extraordinary snowpack and filling reservoirs so buckle down, it’s going to be a hell of a ride.

Over on the McCloud River I’ve received this disturbing word that the access to the dam and Ash Camp will be closed in May until December. Just another dagger in everyones heart who love fishing it. As far as access to Ah Di Nah I haven’t received word if the road is open. Generally in years like this the road can still have drifts that you may get stuck in. I’m sure it’s better once you get to the summit but blow downs and slides may be another issue. Best check in with the McCloud Forest Service station in McCloud before venturing out. Read it and weep below from the email the forest service sent out ……….

I was just made aware that PG&E will be conducting repairs on the McCloud Dam starting this May and will have the road blocked for access right after the turnoff for Ah-Di-Na. It sounds like the road will be closed for access through December at least. This will cutoff access to Ash Camp on the McCloud River.

If you have any further questions give Bob a shout at the shop or just stop in and bug him next time in the area.

Cheers

Rick Cox Fly Fishing - offering 40 years of fly fishing experience for half day lessons for beginners to ole dawgs. Checkout my Instagram post at rick_fly

530-925-0446

ricmcfly@gmail.com