We have been getting many phone calls from people who are concerned
with the draw down on Melones. We have not had good snowpack for the
last couple of years, so water levels are indeed lower than they have
been for a while. But the lake has been much lower.
Here is a graph showing water levels from 1986 to present:
As you can see, the lowest levels were in 1992. Highest levels were in 2006 and again in 2010- leaving the high-water "bathtub ring" that makes it look like the lake is very empty. But actually, Melones rarely reaches full capacity. The last boat ramp at Glory Hole Recreation area comes out of the water when the lake drops to 760 elevation. In 1992 it was as low as 720 ft, and at that time, volunteers build a gravel boat ramp below that. I don't think we will see that this year, but lets hope for a wet winter!
