State May Allow Pinecrest To Drop Lower

Pinecrest, CA — The California State Water Resources Control Board is moving towards allowing Pinecrest Lake to dip down further during the summer months.

Currently, PG&E must keep Pinecrest Lake at an elevation of 5,608 ft. prior to Labor Day.  The company filed a request in 2011 asking that the lake be allowed to be drawn down between 5,600 – 5,606 ft., annually, depending upon what type of a water year it is.

PG&E’s proposed Pinecrest Lake Level Modification Project also includes the removal of underwater boating hazards, such as some tree stumps, and boulders, at the lower lake levels. Since PG&E provides water to the Tuolumne Utilities District, the plan would increase the water supply available to many Tuolumne County residents. In accordance with CEQA, the State Water Board is proposing to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project. Comments will be accepted by the state agency up until April 15.