Crane Valley Seismic Retrofit Project
A seismic retrofit project for the Crane Valley Dam at Bass Lake is underway to improve the dam’s ability to safely withstand seismic events. This website will provide the public with up to date information on the progress of the Crane Valley Seismic Retrofit Project and the Bass Lake Level Reduction. Click on the update buttons for the latest information.
PG&E worked with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) over the past few years to assess the seismic vulnerability of the Crane Valley Dam and to develop a retrofit project to strengthen the dam to meet state and federal dam safety standards. The dam seismic retrofit design will involve constructing large rock buttresses on both the upstream and downstream sides of the dam along sections susceptible to significant slumping in an earthquake.
Start Date
Environmental Review of the project began in 2009 and current estimates anticipate retrofit construction to be completed in 2012.
Public Safety is PG&E's Top Priority
Bass Lake will remain open for all recreational uses throughout all months of the year during the seismic retrofit project. However, until the retrofit construction is completed in 2012, Bass Lake’s water level will remain reduced and maintained at a lower level in order to reduce the risk of downstream flooding by a seismic event.
Retrofit Project Status
The Crane Valley Seismic Retrofit Project requires review under both the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the state California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental review processes. Under NEPA, the project's lead regulatory agency is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which issued a final Environmental Assessment (EA) on February 19, 2010. Click here to download the final Environmental Assessment.
The USFS is using the FERC Environmental Assessment to evaluate establishing a new quarry near the old Wishon Quarry to provide rock needed for the Crane Valley Seismic Retrofit Project. The quarry project would require quarry operations to generate up to 300,000 cubic yards of rock and necessitate timber removal, road improvements and water diversion during the retrofit construction. Click here to view or download the USFS Public Notice.
The lead agency for the state CEQA process is the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD). On Monday, June 21, 2010, DWR issued a Notice of Availability for Public Review/EIR Information on the Crane Valley Dam Seismic Retrofit Project Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The public may review and comment on the DEIR from June 21, 2010 through August 4, 2010. Click here to download the DEIR.
Comments on the DEIR should be sent to:
Mr. Philip Lee
California Department of Water Resources
Division of Safety of Dams
2200 X Street
Sacramento, California 95818
(916) 227-4633
Questions about the DEIR or to request a CD or printed EIR copy contact:
Mrs. Charyce Hatler
California Department of Water Resources
3374 E. Shields Avenue
Fresno, CA 93726
(559) 230-3323
Recent News / Updates
June 22nd, 2010
Draft Environmental Impact Report Available
The Crane Valley Dam Seismic Retrofit Project cleared another milestone today. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) issued a Notice of Availability for Public Review of the Crane Valley Dam Seismic Retrofit Project Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). DWR is the lead governmental agency responsible for ensuring environmental review of the project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The DEIR will be available for public comment from June 21, 2010 through August 4, 2010. DWR will collect, review and respond to public comments on the project.
April 30th, 2010
April 7, 2010 Public Meeting – Meeting Summary
PG&E held a public meeting at The Pines Resort to update the community on the status of the Seismic Retrofit Project for the Crane Valley Dam. Representatives from the USDA – Forest Service (USFS) were also in attendance to present information regarding four proposed actions under consideration by the USFS Bass Lake Ranger District. Approximately 90 people attended the public meeting. The following summarizes the events of the meeting and the questions asked by the public.