February 14, 2019 - Good afternoon,

Wind speeds have increased in Fresno since before noon today, causing moderate outage activity throughout the area.

The Yosemite Division currently has 2,589 customers out due to weather related outages.

The Fresno Division has 4,317 customers out.

In both Divisions wind damage from branches and tree falling into equipment is the primary source of outages.

We continue to monitor conditions at Crane Valley Dam and Bass Lake.

As of 2:55 pm. the lake level was at 3,365.44 feet of elevation and slowly rising. The spillway is at 3,365.7 feet of elevation.  We expect spills at the lake to begin sometime this evening. We’ve notified local law enforcement and the Forest Service.

It’s not unusual for PG&E ‘s reservoirs to spill during the wettest parts of normal winters, because they tend to have less storage and are located at much higher elevations than state and federal multi-year water storage reservoirs like Millerton Lake and Pine Flat. PG&E’s reservoirs are designed to capture rain and snowmelt runoff in winter, spring and early summer to generate clean, renewable hydroelectric power.

  

Water Safety Tips

• Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.
• Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.
• Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay out of canals and flumes, which are very dangerous due to slippery sides and fast moving water.
  Source: PG&E
  
  Related Information: Pacific Gas and Electric Company Urges Caution as Local Reservoirs Spill and Rivers Run High - Bass Lake in Eastern Madera County Could Reach Spill Levels on Wednesday