Upgrade to South Lake Reservoir to Commence

Upgrade to South Lake Reservoir to Commence
Release Date: Apr 10, 2011 Bishop, CA
Contact(s): Nancy Upham

Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced that work to upgrade the dam face at South Lake Reservoir is expected to commence on April 15, 2011, weather conditions permitting. At this time, SCE will clear snow from access roads to the dam and mobilize equipment and materials needed at the work site. The South Lake Reservoir upgrade involves the installation of a new geomembrane liner to protect the dam face from current and future leaks. The liner is expected to extend the life span of the dam by up to thirty years.

To accommodate this important infrastructure upgrade project, the water level in South Lake will be held at a reduced level beginning mid April through July. SCE anticipates the reservoir will be completely full by July 31 of this year. Crew and equipment will be transported to the work area using existing public roads and trails to minimize potential impacts to the area. Foot trails to access the reservoir are estimated to be re-opened to the public around the end of June. Depending on snow conditions, access may be sonner. At that time, SCE will be stocking the natural lake with approximately 600 trophy size Alpers trout.

Work on the reservoir’s dam face can only be conducted during the spring and summer months due to access issues caused by snow during the fall and winter. The Inyo National Forest and Southern California Edison appreciate the public’s cooperation while this work progresses.

For more information please contact Sheila Irons, Lands and Special Uses, at 760-924-5534.

South Lake Dam Work and Access Clarified
Release Date: Apr 14, 2011 Bishop, CA
Contact(s): Nancy Upham

Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Forest Service would like to take this opportunity to clarify issues of access to South Lake while the upgrade work to the dam is occurring this spring and summer.

On April 15th SCE will begin to clear snow from access roads to the dam. When conditions allow, the road closure will be moved to just past Parcher’s Resort where limited parking will be available. Vehicle access all the way to South Lake will be available by Memorial Day weekend.

Although a crew will be working on the dam installing a new geomembrane liner, access to the lake will be allowed via foot trails as soon as snow conditions allow. Although the water level in South Lake will be held to a reduced level through July, fishing will be allowed while the dam maintenance work is being accomplished.

For more information please contact Sheila Irons, Lands and Special Uses, at 760-924-5534.