Upgrade to Saddlebag Lake Reservoir to Commence

Upgrade to Saddlebag Lake Reservoir to Commence
Release Date: Sep 2, 2011 Bishop, CA
Contact(s): Nancy Upham, Susan Joyce

Southern California Edison (SCE) has announced that work to upgrade the dam face at Saddlebag Lake Reservoir is expected to commence on September 12, 2011, weather conditions permitting. The Saddlebag 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.

SCE will begin the upgrade by moving needed equipment and materials to the work site. Installation of the geomembrane is expected to begin approximately one week later and will require approximately eight weeks to complete. The work site, including storage of all equipment or materials, is limited to the area immediately adjacent to the dam.

The dam face upgrade is being conducted during late summer and fall months to minimize impacts to visitors. To accommodate this important infrastructure upgrade project, the water level in Saddlebag Lake will be held at a reduced level until it is refilled next spring. The Saddlebag Lake Resort will continue to operate and provide services during the upgrade, including the water taxi. SCE plans to stock Saddlebag Lake with trophy-size Alpers trout next year.

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.

This explains why the lake was down so much compared to the same time last year. I was shocked to see how low the water was on 8/26. The folks running the snack bar thought it was because the Lee Vining area needed more water this year.

September 4th:


http://yosemitephotos.net/main.php/v/lee-vining/cm-dsc_2125.jpg.html