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Topic: Shasta Dam

Overview April 24, 2014

Shasta Dam

Shasta Dam creates the largest storage reservoir in the state, Shasta Lake. In years of normal precipitation, the Shasta system stores and distributes about 20 percent of the state’s developed water — about 7 million acre-feet —through its massive system of reservoirs and canals.

Located 12 miles north of Redding, Shasta traps the cold waters of the Pit and McCloud rivers and the headwaters of the Sacramento River behind its 602-foot curved, concrete face.

Water is transported 450 miles from Lake Shasta in Northern California to the San Joaquin Valley.  Along the way, the Central Valley Project has long-term agreements with more than 250 contractors in 29 of California’s total 58 counties.

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Aquafornia news May 23, 2025 KQED (San Francisco)

California’s snowpack shrinks, igniting concerns of early wildfires

California’s snowpack is dwindling, and climate scientists believe another record-breaking hot summer could be in the cards, ramping up the possibility of an early fire season. The state’s snowpack is at 14% of average peak snowpack, down from 96% on April 1 — the date snow scientists consider the height of the snowpack, according to the state. The snowpack is melting a little faster than usual, but state scientists said the rate of snowmelt isn’t entirely abnormal. However, climate scientists believe early snowmelt this year could be partly due to human-caused climate change. Andy Reising, manager of the California Department of Water Resources’ snow surveys and water supply forecasting unit, said it’s important to understand that snow is not melting uniformly across all watersheds.

Other California water supply and snowpack news:

  • Newsweek: California reservoir update as lake nears new milestone
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Aquafornia news May 20, 2025 KRCR (Redding, Calif.)

Shasta Dam heightening debate reignites amid funding discussions

The long-standing debate over raising the height of Shasta Dam has resurfaced as Republican lawmakers continue to advocate for the project, arguing it would provide essential water resources for California farmers. However, opponents contend that the environmental and cultural repercussions would outweigh the benefits. The House Committee on Natural Resources’ budget reconciliation bill could potentially allocate $2 billion to expand capacity at the Bureau of Reclamation’s water facilities. Although Shasta Dam is not specifically mentioned in the bill, experts suggest the legislation could support a project to raise the dam by 18 feet. Proponents claim this would supply an additional 51,000 acre-feet of water annually to farmers, a less than 1% increase over current allocations. … The initiative is supported by Northstate Congressman Doug LaMalfa but faces opposition from environmental groups and the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. 

  • Read more
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Aquafornia news May 13, 2025 Public Policy Institute of California

Blog: Uniting the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project would benefit all water users

An accident of history has left California with two massive, overlapping water projects: the federally operated Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP) operated by the California Department of Water Resources. Maintaining and operating two projects that serve the same purpose is inefficient. Moreover, the projects are often beset by controversy and conflict when state and federal administrations change. … To cope with a changing climate and declining reliability of water supply, California and the federal government need to consider fully integrating the two projects. This would allow for more efficient water storage and distribution, improved water markets, increased groundwater banking and recharge, and better and more consistent environmental protection.

Other California dam and reservoir news:

  • Record Searchlight (Redding, Calif.): Aerial views of Lake Shasta in lean, bountiful water years: Look back
  • MendoFever (Mendocino, Calif.): Mendocino Water leaders clash over future of Scott Dam
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Aquafornia news May 12, 2025 CalMatters

Monday Top of the Scroll: Why a contentious project to raise California’s Shasta Dam could move forward under Trump

… Contemplated for decades and gaining traction among Republican lawmakers, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s proposed Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project would boost the capacity of California’s largest reservoir. Since President Donald Trump took office for his second term, the federal government has not mounted any public effort to raise the dam. But Trump has taken several steps in that direction, including signing executive orders instructing federal officials to waive environmental rules and deliver more water to California growers. Last week, the dam project appeared to get a push in the House Natural Resources Committee’s budget reconciliation bill, with a designation of $2 billion “for construction and associated activities that increase the capacity of existing Bureau of Reclamation surface water storage facilities.” Though the budget language does not name Shasta Dam, experts say it’s precisely crafted to facilitate the project. 

Other California dam and reservoir news:

  • KQED (San Francisco): California farmers, hit hard by Trump’s trade war, haven’t turned against him yet
  • California Department of Water Resources: News release: Lake Oroville update
  • Chico Enterprise-Record (Calif.): Supervisors to hear presentation on water control (Oroville Dam)
  • Marin Independent Journal (Calif.): MMWD begins environmental review of Nicasio Reservoir project
  • KSBW (Salinas, Calif.): Los Padres Dam future debated: fish passage, sediment solutions proposed
  • California WaterBlog: Trade-offs in California water discussions
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Aquafornia news May 9, 2025 San Francisco Chronicle

California weather whiplash: Hottest days of the year so far could give way to rain

Friday and Saturday are shaping up to be the hottest days so far this year across much of Northern California. Just two days later, valley and coastal rain and Sierra Nevada snow could be back in the forecast. It’s part of an unsettled spring weather pattern that continues across the West Coast. … Rainfall totals will depend on the trajectory of the storm. If it moves inland quickly, little to no precipitation will fall in the Bay Area. If the storm remains over the ocean, it will pick up more moisture and could deposit a tenth to a half-inch of rain in parts of the Bay Area. This wet scenario may also yield a half-foot of snow in the northern Sierra.

Other California water supply news:

  • KRCR (Redding, Calif.): Shasta Lake nears full capacity for third year, boosting local businesses this summer​
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Aquafornia news May 2, 2025 San Francisco Chronicle

California’s biggest reservoir reaches capacity for third straight year

California’s largest reservoir, Lake Shasta, reached capacity this week, marking the third straight year it has filled or nearly filled with water. The run of big water years at the reservoir reflects the unusual string of wet winters the state has experienced, and it bodes well for water supplies this year across California. The lake, which stretches across an extraordinary 35 miles in the southern Cascades north of Redding near Mount Shasta, is the cornerstone of the federally run Central Valley Project. Its supplies are sent to cities and farms hundreds of miles away, including the Bay Area. The San Joaquin Valley’s booming agricultural industry is the primary beneficiary.

Other California water supply news:

  • Courthouse News Service: California marks third year of decent Sierra snowpack
  • Visalia Times-Delta (Calif.): After Trump order, more water shipped south to San Joaquin Valley, Here’s what to know​
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Aquafornia news May 1, 2025 Bay City News Service

Wet winter, full reservoirs lead to increased water deliveries from state, federal governments

Water agencies up and down California will be getting larger allocations from the state and federal delivery systems this year, water managers announced this week. On Tuesday, the California Department of Water Resources announced it would be increasing deliveries to 50 percent of requested supplies from the State Water Project — that’s up from 40 percent in March. Also, officials with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced that deliveries to irrigation systems and other water contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta are being increased from 40 percent of requested supplies to 50 percent. Meanwhile, farms north of the Delta, and within the Delta itself, will receive 100 percent of their requested supplies from the federal Central Valley Project.

Other California water supply news:

  • Newsweek: Millions in California to get more water
  • Newsweek: California reservoirs surge past normal water levels: ‘great news’
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Aquafornia news April 16, 2025 Fox Weather

California reservoirs near capacity amid peak snowmelt season

A barrage of atmospheric river events that swept across California during the winter and spring has left the state well-positioned when it comes to water storage. As the peak of the snowmelt season begins to slow down, the majority of California’s major reservoirs are at least 90% full – a promising sign for a state that frequently battles drought and associated wildfires. Shasta Lake, California’s largest reservoir, was last reported to be at around 95% capacity, surpassing its historical average by 117%. The reservoir affects 35 California counties and plays a crucial role in managing water for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River watersheds. … Just as notable is Diamond Valley Lake, located about 80 miles southeast of Los Angeles in Southern California. According to data from the California Department of Water Resources, the water basin was at 97% of capacity and 128% above its historical average.  

Other water supply and snowmelt news around the West:

  • Newsweek: How California reservoir water levels compare to historic lows​
  • The Nevada Appeal (Carson City): Early spring water totals look good
  • Wet Mountain Tribune (Westcliffe, Colo.): Record-setting April heat melts Sangre snowpack by 15% in four days
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Tour October 22, 2025 - 7:30am - October 24, 2025 - 6:30pm Become a Tour Sponsor! Nick Gray

Northern California Tour 2025
Field Trip - October 22-24

Registration Opens May 28!

Explore the Sacramento River and its tributaries through a scenic landscape while learning about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply.

All together, the river and its tributaries supply 35 percent of California’s water and feed into two major projects: the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.

Water Education Foundation
2151 River Plaza Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
View map
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Aquafornia news February 5, 2024 KRCR - Redding, Calif.

Shasta Lake jumps 1 foot in 24 hours, 5 feet in 7 days as rainstorms continue

The continued wet weather in the Northstate has left quite an impact at Shasta Lake. California’s largest reservoir rose a foot from Thursday to Friday, and 5 feet from January 26 to February 2. Currently, Shasta Lake sits at 1,035 feet, roughly 30 feet from capacity. That’s an increase of 47 feet from this date last year. … Overall, the weather station at Shasta Dam has reported 36.56 inches of rain since the water year began on October 1. 

Related articles: 

  • Yahoo News: California’s Lake Shasta rising from severe-drought levels in stunning before and after images
  • Action News Now – Chico, Calif.: Water releases continue to flow through Oroville Dam spillway
  • Read more
  • View Original Article
Tour October 16, 2024 - 7:30am - October 18, 2024 - 6:30pm Nick Gray

Northern California Tour 2024
Field Trip - October 16-18

This tour explored the Sacramento River and its tributaries through a scenic landscape while learning about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply.

All together, the river and its tributaries supply 35 percent of California’s water and feed into two major projects: the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.

Water Education Foundation
2151 River Plaza Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
View map
  • Read more
Tour October 18, 2023 - 7:30am - October 20, 2023 - 6:30pm Nick Gray Northern California Tour Explores Water Resources Across Sacramento Valley to Shasta Dam

Northern California Tour 2023
Field Trip - October 18-20

This tour explored the Sacramento River and its tributaries through a scenic landscape while learning about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply.

All together, the river and its tributaries supply 35 percent of California’s water and feed into two major projects: the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.

Water Education Foundation
2151 River Plaza Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
View map
  • Read more
Tour October 12, 2022 - 7:30am - October 14, 2022 - 6:30pm Nick Gray Northern California Tour Explores Water Resources Across Sacramento Valley to Shasta Dam

Northern California Tour 2022
Field Trip - October 12-14

This tour explored the Sacramento River and its tributaries through a scenic landscape while learning about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply.

All together, the river and its tributaries supply 35 percent of California’s water and feed into two major projects: the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.

Water Education Foundation
2151 River Plaza Drive, Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
View map
  • Read more
Tour October 14, 2021 - 2:30pm - 5:30pm Nick Gray Jenn Bowles

Northern California Tour 2021
A Virtual Journey - October 14

This tour guided participants on a virtual exploration of the Sacramento River and its tributaries and learn about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply.

All together, the river and its tributaries supply 35 percent of California’s water and feed into two major projects: the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project.

  • Read more
Announcement September 11, 2019

Northern California Tour to Include Update on Camp Fire Impacts to Paradise Water System
Paradise Irrigation District general manager will discuss the challenges to recovery on Oct. 2-4 tour

The deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history had a severe impact on the water system in the town of Paradise. Participants on our Oct. 2-4 Northern California Tour will hear from Kevin Phillips, general manager of Paradise Irrigation District, on the scope of the damages, the obstacles to recovery and the future of the water district.

The Camp Fire destroyed 90 percent of the structures in Paradise, and 90 percent of the irrigation district’s ratepayer base. The fire did not destroy the irrigation district’s water storage or treatment facilities, but it did melt plastic pipes, releasing contaminants into parts of the system and prompting do-not-drink advisories to water customers.

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Western Water April 25, 2019 California Water Map Gary Pitzer

California’s New Natural Resources Secretary Takes on Challenge of Implementing Gov. Newsom’s Ambitious Water Agenda
WESTERN WATER Q&A: Wade Crowfoot addresses Delta tunnel shift, Salton Sea plan and managing water amid a legacy of conflict

Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Secretary.One of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first actions after taking office was to appoint Wade Crowfoot as Natural Resources Agency secretary. Then, within weeks, the governor laid out an ambitious water agenda that Crowfoot, 45, is now charged with executing.

That agenda includes the governor’s desire for a “fresh approach” on water, scaling back the conveyance plan in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and calling for more water recycling, expanded floodplains in the Central Valley and more groundwater recharge.

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Western Water April 11, 2019 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Map Gary Pitzer

Bruce Babbitt Urges Creation of Bay-Delta Compact as Way to End ‘Culture of Conflict’ in California’s Key Water Hub
WESTERN WATER NOTEBOOK: Former Interior secretary says Colorado River Compact is a model for achieving peace and addressing environmental and water needs in the Delta

Former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt gives the Anne J. Schneider Lecture April 3 at Sacramento's Crocker Art Museum.  Bruce Babbitt, the former Arizona governor and secretary of the Interior, has been a thoughtful, provocative and sometimes forceful voice in some of the most high-profile water conflicts over the last 40 years, including groundwater management in Arizona and the reduction of California’s take of the Colorado River. In 2016, former California Gov. Jerry Brown named Babbitt as a special adviser to work on matters relating to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Delta tunnels plan.

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Western Water January 4, 2019 Douglas E. Beeman

Women Leading in Water, Colorado River Drought and Promising Solutions — Western Water Year in Review

Dear Western Water readers:

Women named in the last year to water leadership roles (clockwise, from top left): Karla Nemeth, director, California Department of Water Resources; Gloria Gray,  chair, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; Brenda Burman, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner; Jayne Harkins,  commissioner, International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. and Mexico; Amy Haas, executive director, Upper Colorado River Commission.The growing leadership of women in water. The Colorado River’s persistent drought and efforts to sign off on a plan to avert worse shortfalls of water from the river. And in California’s Central Valley, promising solutions to vexing water resource challenges.

These were among the topics that Western Water news explored in 2018.

We’re already planning a full slate of stories for 2019. You can sign up here to be alerted when new stories are published. In the meantime, take a look at what we dove into in 2018:

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Tour October 2, 2019 - 7:30am - October 4, 2019 - 6:30pm Nick Gray Northern California Tour Explores Water Resources Across Sacramento Valley to Shasta Dam

Northern California Tour 2019
Field Trip - October 2-4

This tour explored the Sacramento River and its tributaries through a scenic landscape as participants learned about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply.

All together, the river and its tributaries supply 35 percent of California’s water and feed into two major projects: the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project. Tour participants got an on-site update of Oroville Dam spillway repairs.

  • David Guy Presentation
  • Willie Whittlesey Presentation
  • Kevin Phillips Presentation
  • Mark Oliver Presentation
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Western Water September 21, 2018 Colorado River Basin Map California Water Map Gary Pitzer

Despite Risk of Unprecedented Shortage on the Colorado River, Reclamation Commissioner Sees Room for Optimism
WESTERN WATER NOTEBOOK: Commissioner Brenda Burman, in address at Foundation’s Water Summit, also highlights Shasta Dam plan

Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda BurmanThe Colorado River Basin is more than likely headed to unprecedented shortage in 2020 that could force supply cuts to some states, but work is “furiously” underway to reduce the risk and avert a crisis, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman told an audience of California water industry people.

During a keynote address at the Water Education Foundation’s Sept. 20 Water Summit in Sacramento, Burman said there is opportunity for Colorado River Basin states to control their destiny, but acknowledged that in water, there are no guarantees that agreement can be reached.

  • Read more
Tour October 10, 2018 - October 12, 2018 New Stop Announced for Northern California Tour: Salmon Rearing Structures in the Sacramento River

Northern California Tour 2018

This tour explored the Sacramento River and its tributaries through a scenic landscape as participants learned about the issues associated with a key source for the state’s water supply.

All together, the river and its tributaries supply 35 percent of California’s water and feed into two major projects: the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project. Tour participants got an on-site update of repair efforts on the Oroville Dam spillway. 

  • David Guy
  • Christopher Williams
  • Carson Jeffres
  • Curt Aikens
  • Kelly Peterson
  • Mark Oliver
  • Read more
Tour October 21, 2015 - October 23, 2015 Images from the Northern California Tour

Northern California Tour 2015
Field Trip (past)

This 3-day, 2-night tour traveled the length of the Sacramento Valley, a major source of water for California.

  • Draft Itinerary
  • Tour Brochure - Learn More
  • Presentation: Butte County and SGMA
  • Presentation: Iron Mountain. Superfund Site
  • Presentation: Sacramento Valley
  • Read more
Publication May 20, 2014 California Water Map

Layperson’s Guide to California Water
Updated 2021

The 24-page Layperson’s Guide to California Water provides an excellent overview of the history of water development and use in California. It includes sections on flood management; the state, federal and Colorado River delivery systems; Delta issues; water rights; environmental issues; water quality; and options for stretching the water supply such as water marketing and conjunctive use. New in this 10th edition of the guide is a section on the human need for water. 

  • Read more
Tour October 22, 2014 Images from the Northern California Tour

Northern California Tour 2014
Field Trip (past)

The 2014 tour took place October 22-24.

This 3-day, 2-night tour travels the length of the Sacramento Valley, a major source of water for California.

  • Curt Aikens, Yuba County Water Agency
  • Curtis Anderson, DWR, maps
  • Curtis Anderson, DWR, Integrating Water Management
  • Thad Bettner, Glenn Colusa ID
  • Peter Buck, SAFCA, Habitat Mitigation
  • Peter Buck, SAFCA
  • Jeff Davids Sac Valley Groundwater
  • Michelle Dooley, DWR, Groundwater
  • Steve Emmons, USFWS
  • Ron Ganzfried, USBR, Shasta Enlargement
  • David Guy, NCWA, Overview
  • David Guy, NCWA, Informational Posters
  • Diana Jacobs, Sacramento River Preservation Trust
  • Kisanuki and Brown, Clear Creek
  • David Vogel, Natural Resources Scientists Inc.
  • Read more
Western Water Magazine November 1, 2008

Dealing with the ‘D’ Word: The Response to Drought
November/December 2008

This printed copy of Western Water examines California’s drought – its impact on water users in the urban and agricultural sector and the steps being taken to prepare for another dry year should it arrive.

  • Read more
Video May 27, 2014

A Climate of Change: Water Adaptation Strategies

This 25-minute documentary-style DVD, developed in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources, provides an excellent overview of climate change and how it is already affecting California. The DVD also explains what scientists anticipate in the future related to sea level rise and precipitation/runoff changes and explores the efforts that are underway to plan and adapt to climate.

  • Read more
Maps & Posters May 20, 2014

Water Cycle Poster

Water as a renewable resource is depicted in this 18×24 inch poster. Water is renewed again and again by the natural hydrologic cycle where water evaporates, transpires from plants, rises to form clouds, and returns to the earth as precipitation. Excellent for elementary school classroom use.

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Maps & Posters May 20, 2014

California Water Map, Spanish

Spanish language version of our California Water Map

Versión en español de nuestro mapa de agua de California

  • Read more
Publication May 20, 2014

Layperson’s Guide to the Central Valley Project
Updated 2021

The 24-page Layperson’s Guide to the Central Valley Project explores the history and development of the federal Central Valley Project (CVP), California’s largest surface water delivery system. In addition to the project’s history, the guide describes the various facilities, operations and benefits the water project brings to the state along with the CVP Improvement Act (CVPIA).

  • Read more
Photo gallery May 16, 2014

Images from the Northern California Tour

Shasta Dam
  • Read more
Publication April 17, 2014 Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Map

Layperson’s Guide to the Delta
Updated 2020

The 24-page Layperson’s Guide to the Delta explores the competing uses and demands on California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Included in the guide are sections on the history of the Delta, its role in the state’s water system, and its many complex issues with sections on water quality, levees, salinity and agricultural drainage, fish and wildlife, and water distribution.

  • Read more
Maps & Posters April 17, 2014 California Water Bundle

California Water Map
Updated December 2016

A new look for our most popular product! And it’s the perfect gift for the water wonk in your life.

Our 24×36-inch California Water Map is widely known for being the definitive poster that shows the integral role water plays in the state. On this updated version, it is easier to see California’s natural waterways and man-made reservoirs and aqueducts – including federally, state and locally funded projects – the wild and scenic rivers system, and natural lakes. The map features beautiful photos of California’s natural environment, rivers, water projects, wildlife, and urban and agricultural uses and the text focuses on key issues: water supply, water use, water projects, the Delta, wild and scenic rivers and the Colorado River.

  • Read more
Aquapedia background February 11, 2014 Dams Layperson's Guide to the Central Valley Project California Water Map

Shasta Dam

Image shows Shasta Dam from a distance, with the reservoir largely filled.Shasta Dam forms California’s largest storage reservoir, Shasta Lake, which can hold about 4.5 million acre-feet.

As the keystone of the federal Central Valley Project, Shasta stands among the world’s largest dams. Construction on the dam began in 1938 and was completed in 1945, with flood control as the highest priority.

  • Read more

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