September 19, 2022 - PG&E is increasing flows on the North Fork Willow Creek below the Crane Valley Powerhouse to Manzanita Lake in Madera County near the town of North Fork.

Those recreating near the creek are advised to exercise caution and be aware of the increased flows, which will continue through early November.

Starting at noon Monday, flows start at 8 cubic feet per second (cfs) and will gradually increase to 100 cfs, then to 120 cfs on Tuesday. 

On Wednesday, PG&E will begin diverting 120 cfs from the Manzanita Dam and into San Joaquin Canal 2, then through San Joaquin Canal 1 and discharging into Kerckhoff Reservoir on the San Joaquin River in Fresno County. The canals are starting off as dry. PG&E reminds the public to never enter canals.

The increased flows are done each fall as part of PG&E’s normal and historical operations. Bass Lake’s water levels are generally held steady until after Labor Day, then PG&E makes downstream water deliveries and also makes room in Bass Lake so storm water runoff can be safely captured to avoid downstream flooding.
Source: PG&E