Tioga Lake to be Drained Early for Necessary Maintenance

Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Inyo National Forest announce that Tioga Lake, located in upper Lee Vining Canyon, will be drained one month earlier this year to allow placement of a geomembrane liner on both the main and auxiliary dams. This liner helps prevent current and future leaks on the dams. SCE operates the Tioga Lake dams as part of their Lee Vining hydroelectric system.

SCE plans to begin draining the lake on September 2, 2014; SCE also plans start mobilization of equipment and materials at the same time. Draining of the lake is expected to take two to three weeks. Although the much smaller natural lake will remain, recreationists should be aware that access to the lake will be difficult and water recreation will be very limited.

The Inyo National Forest and Southern California Edison appreciate the public’s cooperation while this necessary work progresses. For more information please contact Sheila Irons, Inyo National Forest Lands Specialist, at 760-924-5534.

Is there more than one Tioga Lake?

Underneath the dammed SCE Tioga Lake we see from Hwy 120 at the top of Lee Vining Canyon lies the much smaller, original, natural glacial Tioga Lake. So I guess there IS more than one Tioga Lake. One on top of the other!