Lake Yosemite

Infobox_lake
lake_name = Lake Yosemite
image_lake = Lake Yosemite Merced California.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
coords =coord|37.3764|120.4292|type:waterbody_region:US_source:enwiki|display=inline,title
type = Reservoir
inflow = Main Canal
outflow = Fairfield Canal, Le Grand Canal
catchment =
basin_countries = United States
location = California
length = convert|0.899|mi|km|abbr=on
width =
area = convert|0.78125|sqmi|km2|abbr=on
depth = convert|53|ft|m|abbr=on
max-depth =
volume = convert|7425|acre.ft|km3|abbr=on|lk=on
residence_time = 120 years
shore =
elevation = convert|253|ft|m|abbr=on
islands =
cities =

Lake Yosemite is a freshwater lake located approximately five miles (8 km) east of Merced, California in the rolling Sierra Foothills. UC Merced is situated approximately 900 yards (823 m) south of Lake Yosemite. The university is bounded by the lake on one side and two canals (Fairfield Canal and Le Grand Canal) run through the campus.

In 2007, a myth featured in the Mythbusters' James Bond Special 1 episode was filmed and tested at Lake Yosemite. The experiment consisted of a speed boat making a jump over an obstacle and continuing to operate safely.

Operation

Lake Yosemite is a reservoir built in 1888 for irrigation purposes. It is currently owned and operated by Merced Irrigation District, which supplies irrigation water to farms in Merced County. [ [http://findlakes.com/lake_yosemite_california~ca00241.htm Find Lakes - Lake Yosemite] ]

Recreation

All boating is permitted, including jet skis and water skiing. The lake is equipped with boat launches, full service marina, and boat rentals (paddle boats, kayaks, and jet skis). Swimming is allowed only in certain designated areas where life guards are present. Swimming outside of these areas is strictly prohibited and could result in a citation.

Onshore, shaded picnic areas are available which feature picnic tables, barbecue pits, restrooms, and a small playground.

Lake Yosemite Sailing Association

The lake is home to the Lake Yosemite Sailing Association (LYSA), which was founded in 1988 and currently has more than 90 members. The LYSA hosts sailboat races at Lake Yosemite every Thursday evening during the months of May through September and also organizes sailing trips to nearby lakes and bays in California. [ [http://www.lakeyosemitesailing.org/history.htm LYSA History] ] [ [http://www.lakeyosemitesailing.org/activities.htm LYSA Activities and Events] ]

Paranormal Phenomena

The lake's tower is said to be haunted by the "lady in white". According to the horror stories, the ghost has long flowing white hair and wears a long white gown. She walks around the tower cat walk and on the dam looking for her lost child or lover. The ghost has also been reported to walk along Old Lake Road, occasionally stepping into the path of oncoming traffic. [ [http://users.mercednet.com/ly/photos.html MercedNet - Lake Yosemite (Untitled Document)] ] [http://www.ghostsofamerica.com/9/California_Merced_ghost_sightings.html Ghosts of America - Merced, California Ghost Sightings] ]

Other stories, although not as common as the "lady in white", include the ghost of a jet pilot heaving boulders into the lake at the stroke of midnight, and the spirit of a tough lumberjack holding a big axe at Rotary Cove and looking down into the water.

ee also

* Lake McClure

References

* [http://www.fishersnet.com/fishmap.html#C270 FishersNet Fishin' Maps - Lake Yosemite]
* [http://www.mercedid.org/irrigation Merced Irrigation District - Irrigation Facts]
* [http://www.mercedid.org/_images/watershed_map.pdf Merced Irrigation District - Water Shed Map]
* [http://www.topozone.com/states/California.asp?county=Merced&feature=Reservoir USGS/Trails.com - Topographic Map Reservoir Features in Merced County, California]

External links

* [http://lakeyosemite.com/ Lake Yosemite Home Page]
* [http://www.lakeyosemitesailing.org/ Lake Yosemite Sailing Association Home Page]
* [http://www.mercedid.org/ Merced Irrigation District Home Page]