The Bureau of Reclamation will, consistent with the direction of the Federal District Court order, begin lowering Lake Red Bluff on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.  Based on typical operations, the lake generally remains until about September 15 of each year, but this year, an earlier lowering is warranted given lower than usual irrigation demands and the presence of a significant number of outmigrating winter-run Chinook salmon.

The lake level is expected to decrease approximately 3 to 4 feet the first day, with lake level adjustments continuing every day until the lake is reduced back into the river channel.  All boats affected by the changing levels should be relocated or removed from the lake prior to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.

Red Bluff Diversion Dam, on the Sacramento River about 2 miles southeast of Red Bluff, California, diverts water from the Sacramento River to the Corning and Tehama-Colusa Canals, which serve approximately 150,000 irrigated acres south of Red Bluff.

For more information, please contact Mr. Paul Freeman, Reclamations Northern California Area Office, at 530-529-3890 or e-mail pfreeman@mp.usbr.gov.