SCE Sabrina Lake Dam Project Advisory 8/21/20

SCE to Begin Concrete Pumping Operations in Ongoing Upgrades at Lake Sabrina Dam

WHAT: To maintain the safe operation of Lake Sabrina Dam, Southern California Edison will begin concrete pumping operations as part of its ongoing construction to modify the dam that began in early July. SCE knows that Lake Sabrina is a popular outdoor area and SCE will do its best to minimize impacts to the community and visitors. To complete this important dam safety work, there will be periodic impacts to the trails and boat launch in addition to impacts to fishing atop the dam and the parking lot.

This concrete work is expected to take nine days

WHEN: Aug. 28, Sept. 8, 15, 23-24, 25, 28 and Oct. 1, 8, with the initial overall project scheduled for completion on Nov. 30. Please note that dates are subject to change due to unforeseen factors.

WHERE: Lake Sabrina is southwest of Bishop on State Route 168 in the Inyo National Forest.

BACKGROUND: To minimize disruptions to hikers and Bishop Pack Outfitters, SCE will pump concrete across Sabrina Dam instead of along Sabrina Trail in this part of the project between sunrise and sunset, Monday through Friday. This work supports the continued safe operation of the dam by upgrading the auxiliary spillway. The work on Aug. 28 and Sept. 8 and 15 will use the currently closed three parking spaces near the trailhead and is expected to close the trail periodically for no more than 30 minutes at a time.

Two trail monitors will be on hand to assist hikers. On the remaining work dates, six additional spaces near the permanent bathrooms in the Marina parking lot will be closed from 5 a.m.-1 p.m. and signs will be set to alert the public. For safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians, flaggers will also be stationed in the parking area and at the boat launch, which will be blocked intermittently for about five minutes at a time to allow concrete trucks to back up to a pump. The trail will still be closed periodically for 30-minute intervals, and two monitors will still be available to assist hikers. Dam access will be closed because of the pumping operations, though a monitor will walk the dam and spillway to ensure all hoses are working safely and properly. SCE appreciates the community’s patience during this work to ensure the safety of the public and its infrastructure. When completed, all evidence of the project will be removed.

To ensure public and worker safety during COVID-19, workers will use Porta-Johns already installed in the parking lot. Additionally, crew members will be required to wear all appropriate personal protective equipment, including face coverings, while also practicing physical distancing and observing other COVID-19 precautions.