Ted Fay Report May 15, 2023
Rick Cox
South Fork USac
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
Lake Siskiyou spilling over the dam
USac is BIG
McCloud River before the dam spill
Retention work done on the Ash Camp slope