California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
Winter’s atmospheric streams have produced abundant rain in Northern California and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has announced that Lake Berryessa behind Monticello Dam has exceeded the Morning Glory Spillway crest of 440 feet of elevation. Due to the high water levels, some recreation services are currently limited or not available at Lake Berryessa.
Specifically, Putah Canyon Recreation Area and Steele Canyon Recreation Area courtesy docks have been removed due to high water and will be positioned again once water levels recede. Capell Cove Boat Launch is currently closed and will reopen once water levels recede to allow for safe launching. Boat launching is currently available at all concession sites but it is recommended that visitors call ahead for current information and conditions. Most concession areas and recreation areas are experiencing some reduction in services related to the high water. Visitors are encouraged to contact concession operators or the Lake Berryessa Field Office for up-to-date information before visiting the lake. Concession area sites can be contacted as follows:
- Markley Cove, 707-966-2134, markleycoveresort.com
- Pleasure Cove Marina, 707-966-9600, goberryessa.com
- Steele Canyon Recreation Area, 707-966-9179, lakeberryessacampgrounds.com/steelecanyon/
- Spanish Flat Recreation Area, 707-966-0200, spanishflatcamping.com
- Putah Canyon Recreation Area, 707-966-9051, royalelkparkmanagement.com
Most importantly, Reclamation and Lake Berryessa personnel encourage visitors to use caution in and around the reservoir during this time and to think “SAFETY FIRST.” An increased interest in the Morning Glory Spillway has generated additional traffic congestion along State Route 128 in the vicinity of Monticello Dam. Visitors are advised to use caution when approaching Monticello Dam and on roadways around the reservoir. Boaters and water enthusiasts should use caution as floating and subsurface hazards exist throughout the reservoir.
For up-to-date information, contact the Lake Berryessa Field Office at 707-966-2111 ext. 0 or visit the Lake Berryessa website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/.
