Three Dams and Two Lakes and One Mighty River
As many of you may know, we experienced significant rainfall last week. I compiled information from various photo sources, including X, the local news, and my own observations. Here is a photo of the swollen Sacramento River at Lake Redding Park. The gentleman sitting on the bench is actually a statue.
Did it fool you?
The Salmon Fish Ladder is covered...
Just a little swampy!
For safety reasons, it is advised to refrain from walking by the river until conditions are deemed safe.
The water level of the Sacramento River is high at the Sundial Bridge with just a few feet to spare
During periods of heavy rainfall or increased water flow, the dams located upstream operate their release valves to let out excess water. This process is crucial for managing water levels and preventing potential flooding. The sheer volume and power of water being released can be quite significant, highlighting the importance of proper dam management in ensuring safety and stability in downstream areas.
This is for you Ginny
I always think of you when there is a sunset! 💖
The above photos took place on Saturday night.
After Sunday services at church, I found myself curious about the events happening upstream and felt compelled to investigate further. With my trusty magnifying glass in one hand and a pipe in my mouth, I donned my sleuth hat and headed upriver to confront the main culprit behind these occurrences: Ah HA!
The Shasta Dam!
Turn your speakers up to hear that power -
I drove up to Whiskeytown Lake to explore a different kind of dam: an earth-filled dam located on Clear Creek, a significant tributary of the Sacramento River. This area is part of the larger Trinity River system, highlighting the diverse engineering approaches used in water management in the region.
I should have taken a video - no spillway on this Dam - just a Glory Hole.
Not just any Glory Hole - President JFK dedicated the Dam in Sept 1963.
The Glory Hole appears significantly large when compared to the surrounding individuals. In the image, you can see President Kennedy addressing the crowd from the podium. I was living in San Francisco at the time and was unaware of this event until we moved to the area 17 years ago.
Today, the Kennedy Memorial Plaque commemorates a significant moment in local history. Additionally, we have a recording of his complete speech, providing a valuable resource for everyone, particularly younger generations who can hear his words on this area.
A Memorial Plaque
Then we drove on to yet another Dam - Keswick, which is part of the watershed area that feeds water to our farmers and provides hydroelectricity.
We have a lot of water up here!
When there are significant water releases, minor flooding can occur downstream. It's important to trust that those in control understand the complexities of the system. Water is being managed for hydroelectric power in the far northern part of the Sacramento Valley, while also being distributed to the farmlands to the south.
We are sunny and drying out. The snow on the mountains makes it colder. Another big rain system is on its way—possibly for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday!
Thank you, God, for the abundant rain you have bestowed upon us. We trust in your divine design of seasons and weather. Though we may not always express our gratitude for the conditions you provide, we seek your forgiveness. Help us recognize the blessings in every season, cultivating a deeper appreciation for your bountiful gifts.
Lord willing, I will see you all tomorrow.
Debby
What does that glory hole do? Never seen something like this. They release water every month from March thru December from Lake Superior to Lake Huron here in Michigan. Janie
ReplyDeleteIt goes into the hole and comes out to Clear Creek which eventually drains into the Sacramento River.
DeleteYou all in the Great Lakes region have plenty of water either those lakes! I find it all really interesting.
Well, the statue on the bench did indeed fool me! The lake has such gorgeous water. But I have never in my life seen a big hole like this in a lake!! I was totally stunned! Thanks for the beautiful sunset photo! The buildings look flooded, yet the sky is such a beautiful peach color!!
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DeleteThere’s a buffer between the buildings and the river. It looks worse than it really is plus the buildings are higher up. After the next storms I may drive over to get a closer ( but safe) look. 👀
Wow! You've really gotten some water there! I love your pics. The statue did fool me and I really like it!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a glory hole before. It's so cool, but I sure wouldn't want to go near it!
There is another Lake here in area that has one. It's like a big drain plug.
DeleteMay these rains bless California and reach those who truly need the rain at this point. I've been so saddened by the state of the state when it comes to how water is mismanaged, but I know you are so aware of this. Just wishing you all blessings and love, Debby!
ReplyDeleteIt's not quite as bad as the media makes it plus our Dam has nothing to do with the empty reservoirs.
DeleteThe statue fooled me for sure. My goodness you had a great deal of water. Hopefully things dry out quickly.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Ha ha. Yes and more on the way!
Deleteyou might want to add to your see you tomorrow, good Lord willing, the words and the creek don't rise anymore than it already has. Yes, I thought the man on the bench was a total idiot... ha ha.... we need rain, we have had less than 1 inch of rain since Milton slammed us, and we have two trees that might be dying. feast or famine, flood or drought. God is in control.
ReplyDeleteLOL, that's funny. Hey anything for a photo!
DeleteYes God is in control so why worry? Just TRUST HIM.
So beautiful. I love it.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Thanks
DeleteMark me totally fooled by that statue!
ReplyDeleteWow, the power of moving water never fails to move me. Until we lived in the Phoenix metro and were witness to the necessity of the "Stupid Motorist Law" (ie, rescues taking place during monsoon season) I underestimated the force. That glory hole is new to me ... breathtaking!
The Glory Hole is freaky - like a big drain plug.
DeleteGorgeous views of the lake and Dam. I could hear the power in the release of the water and it really it powerful. The glory hole makes me nervous just looking at it. can you imagine anything or anyone accidentally being swept over into that. You live in such a Beautiful area and the blue of that lake is stunning. Lots and lots of rain for you guys, but it sure will make a difference as Summer approaches.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard that happening. They have buoys out there with warnings so boaters and swimmers (it's off limits there) can see the danger.
DeleteWe have some beautiful deep blue lakes here.
Ohh...and the Statue on the bench..I though was a man!
ReplyDeleteLOL - you and everyone else
DeleteHaHa, I was fooled too by the statue..terrific shot Debbie.
ReplyDeleteThe power of water...wow, I hadn't realized that JFK dedicated the Glory Hole. We will have to see that sometime. I can't believe that I have lived in Northern CA all of my life and have never seen a lot of this area.
Really not looking forward to the next rain destined for our area. We did get the lawn cut yesterday so that was good. At least a bit of our energy has returned.
Sue
I heard recently that most Californians don't come up this way - they stop at Sacramento which we're all fine with up here. Plus our extreme summer heat, turns many away.
DeleteI say rain rain rain for at least up here. It makes everything so beautiful. Will it stop the forest fires? Probably not just because of our dry climate but it should help.
Wow, that is a lot of water filling up! That's a great photo of Whiskeytown Lake. You did a lot of research on all of this, Debby. It must be a topic you are greatly interested in. And Yes, I thought that man sitting there on the bench watching the view was real. What a neat statue. : ) I'm glad we are getting the rain we need. I'm not concerned about the lakes filling with too much water. Nature has a way of making all things right.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Yeah I like to research things and yes it is a topic I enjoy. I'm a major NERD!
DeleteYou are so right Sheri about not being concerned about the lakes filling up. What would be worse if the dam took on too much pressure. Which I am sure would not happen but the farmers need that water so we can enjoy almonds and all of our California fruit and vegetables. I do wish the southern part of our state would get some rain. I feel for them.
That's a lot of water where you've taking photos of. I hope it goes down soon. My husband and I were at the Bonneville dam in October. Looks interesting and as it's been years since we've been there. It's still cold outdoors but possibly snow ❄️ two nights. Will see if it actually happens. Have a good day and thanks for the prayer. ❤️ Becky
ReplyDeleteThe email for this post went to my junk folder for some reason, thus I am later getting here. At first glance I thought it was a real man on the bench but didn't take long to realise it wasn't. Amazing photos, I have never heard of a glory hole
ReplyDeleteI love water. I love the sounds of the dams. I wasn't old enough to vote for Kennedy, but I hate he got assassinated. What is the Glory Hole? I always say if God Willing.
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