Lake Pillsbury

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lake Pillsbury
image_lake = DSC01187.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Lake County, California
coords = coord|39|24|26|N|122|57|27|W|region:US-CA_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow =
outflow = Eel River
catchment = convert|289|sqmi|km2|-1|abbr=on|lk=on
basin_countries = United States
length =
width =
area = convert|2000|acre|km2|0|abbr=on
depth =
max-depth =
volume = convert|73000|acre.ft|m3|-6|abbr=on|lk=on
residence_time =
shore = convert|65|mi|km|-1|abbr=on
elevation = convert|1818|ft|m|abbr=on
islands =
cities =
frozen =
reference = cite web|url=http://damsafety.water.ca.gov/docs/Juris%20(N-S)10-07.pdf|accessdate=2008-03-23|title=Dams Within the Jurisdiction of the State of California]

Lake Pillsbury is a reservoir located convert|147|mi|km|0 north of San Francisco in the Mendocino National Forest, California, USA. It is on the South Fork Eel River with recreational facilities for camping and boating. Elevation is convert|1818|ft|m|0 with convert|65|mi|km|0 of shoreline and convert|2003|acre|km2|0 of water surface. [ Dirkson, Diane "Recreation Lakes of California", Recreation Sales Publishing, 1999 ] Activities in the Lake Pillsbury Recreation Area include powerboating, fishing, swimming, sailing, picnicking, hiking and hang gliding. There are two main access roads to the lake. At the north end of the lake is a small gravel airstrip.

History

In 1906, W.W. Van Arsdale formed the Eel River Power and Irrigation Company and contracted with the city of Ukiah for a hydroelectric generating station to increase electricity supply for the city. A diversion dam was built on the Eel River and a mile-long tunnel was constructed to divert water into the Russian River. A powerhouse was constructed in Potter Valley. It was called the Eel River Project.

Later that year, the Snow Mountain Water and Power Company incorporated and took over the project from Van Arsdale's company. By 1908 water was being diverted to the power plant and then to the Russian River.Part two of the project was building the dam which created Lake Pillsbury, located 12 miles upstream. It was completed in 1922 and maintains water flow to the hydroelectric plant during times of low water runoff. Pacific, Gas and Electric Company acquired the project in 1933, and maintains the facilities today. The lake is named for one of the founders of Snow Mountain Water and Power Company.The Pillsbury hydroelectric plant is the only one in the north coast region of California. [Baxter, Don J. "Lakes of California", Compiled from P.G. & E.'s newsletter "Progress", 1972, pp.33-34]

The Eel River Project is now known as the Potter Valley Project.

Recreation

There are five campgrounds, two group campgrounds, two paved boat ramps and a resort at the lake. The Lake Pillsbury Resort operates a marina with rentals, boat slips and supplies.All types of boating are allowed including boat camping.

California Department of Fish and Game stock the lake with trout annually. Other fish include black bass,
steelhead, and pikeminnow.

Health Advisory-Date: September 2000 -see footnote [Because of elevated levels of mercury in fish, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant within a year, nursing mothers, and children under age six should not eat fish from Lake Pillsbury in Lake County. Other adults and children age six and older may eat fish on an occasional but not regular, basis. California Environmental Protective Agency Office of Environmental Health Hazard AssessmentFact Sheet. Website:http://www.oehha.ca.gov/fish/pdf/lpfacts.pdf accessed Jan. 23, 2008] Hiking trails at the lake include an interpretive nature trail at Sunset Campground and the four mile Lake Shore Loop Trail. Other nearby recreational opportunities include the Snow Mountain Wilderness located east of Lake Pillsbury. The Bloody Rock historic area is located within the wildlife refuge north of the lake as well as the Eel River and the Wild and Scenic Black Butte River.

References

ee also

* List of lakes in California
* List of reservoirs and dams in California

External links

* [http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino/recreation/fishing/lk-pills|Mendocino National Forest/Lake Pillsbury webpage ]
* [http://www.eelriver.org|The Friends of the Eel River]