New Melones 48% Down From Last Year
Sonora, CA — New Melones Reservoir, the state’s fifth largest, is currently down 48% from the same time last year.
According to the latest California Water Reclamation Bureau figures (see graph in slide show for details) the lake, now at 508,075 acre-feet, is at 23% of its capacity and at 40% of its historical average. The difference from last year’s figure, at 1,049,283 acre-feet, is 48%.
Images of the lake taken by myMotherLode.com January 1, 2015 capture the marked contrast of the current level from previous tide marks. Due to a six-foot rise in the water level this past month, Glory Hole Point boat launch and dock are now partially open. Â
Only two other of the state’s reservoirs, Exchequer and Pine Flat, are at lower percent capacities, at 7% and 13% respectively; and only one, Pyramid Lake, at 93%, is near its capacity.