News Release Archive

Reclamation Closing Red Bluff Diversion Dam Gates

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916 978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: June 13, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation will begin closing the Red Bluff Diversion Dam gates at midnight on June 14 allowing Lake Red Bluff to fill by noon on June 15.

Red Bluff Diversion Dam, on the Sacramento River about 2 miles southeast of Red Bluff, diverts water from the Sacramento River to the Corning and Tehama-Colusa canals. The gates are currently scheduled to be closed on the diversion dam about 2 1/2 months this year for agricultural purposes and then open the remainder of the year to provide unimpeded fish passage for salmon, steelhead and sturgeon.

It is anticipated that this will be the last year for filling Lake Red Bluff. The new Red Bluff Pumping Plant is expected to supply the needed diversions after May 2012. Also, for construction purposes, Lake Red Bluff will operate one foot lower than past years.

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

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.