South Lake Reservoir Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

California

Nearby: Sabrina Big Pine Creek

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Lake Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

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Summary

It was built in the early 1900s to provide water to the city of Los Angeles. The lake is fed by South Fork Bishop Creek and several smaller tributaries, as well as snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. The water is then transported through a series of aqueducts and pipelines to the city. The reservoir also serves as a source of irrigation for nearby farmland and supports recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The lake's water level is heavily influenced by the snowpack in the surrounding mountains, which typically reaches its peak in April and May. In recent years, the lake has suffered from drought conditions, leading to concerns about its long-term sustainability.

Reservoir Details

24hr Change	None%
Percent of Normal	None%
Minimum
Maximum
Average

Seasonal Comparison

Storage Levels

Pool Elevation Levels

Top Conserv Storage Levels

Inflow Levels

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Hot C A Flume Nr Mammoth Lakes Ca 36.4cfs	36cfs
Marble Fork Kaweah R Ab Horse C Nr Lodgepole Ca 0.01cfs	0cfs
Mf San Joaquin R Nr Mammoth Lakes Ca 34.4cfs	34cfs
Deadman C A Big Springs Nr Crestview Ca 18.5cfs	19cfs
Nf Willow C Nr Sugar Pine Ca 416cfs	416cfs
Big C Div Nr Fish Camp Ca 0.00cfs	0cfs

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.