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Bucks Lake facts for kids

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Bucks Lake
A large lake under blue skies surrounded by forested hills with steep slopes under a clear blue sky
Bucks Lake from above south shore
Location of Bucks Lake in California, USA.
Location of Bucks Lake in California, USA.
Bucks Lake
Location in California
Location of Bucks Lake in California, USA.
Location of Bucks Lake in California, USA.
Bucks Lake
Location in the United States
Location Plumas County, California
Coordinates 39°53′05″N 121°09′42″W / 39.88472°N 121.16167°W / 39.88472; -121.16167
Type reservoir
Primary inflows Bucks Creek
Primary outflows Bucks Creek
Catchment area 29.5 square miles (76 km2)
Basin countries United States
Managing agency Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Built 1928 (1928)
Surface area 1,827 acres (739 ha)
Surface elevation 5,161 feet (1,573 m)

Bucks Lake is a beautiful reservoir located in Plumas County, California. It was made in 1928 when the Bucks Storage Dam was built across Bucks Creek. This creek is a smaller stream that flows into the larger Feather River. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company takes care of the dam and the lake.

Discover Bucks Lake

Bucks Lake is a special place in Northern California. It is not a natural lake. Instead, it is a "reservoir," which means it's a large, artificial lake. People create reservoirs to store water for different uses.

What is a Reservoir?

A reservoir is like a giant bathtub for water. It is usually formed by building a large wall, called a dam, across a river or stream. This dam stops the water from flowing freely. The water then backs up and fills the area behind the dam, creating a lake.

Why are Reservoirs Built?

Reservoirs are very important for many reasons. They can store water for drinking. They also help generate electricity. Sometimes, they control floods by holding back extra water during heavy rains. Bucks Lake helps with these important jobs.

Building the Bucks Storage Dam

The Bucks Storage Dam was built in 1928. This was a big project that changed the landscape of the area. The dam was constructed on Bucks Creek. This creek is a small stream that eventually flows into the much larger Feather River.

Who Manages the Dam?

The Bucks Storage Dam is managed by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. This company is often called PG&E. They are responsible for making sure the dam works correctly. They also manage the water levels in Bucks Lake.

Facts About Bucks Lake

Bucks Lake is quite large. It covers an area of about 1,827 acres. That's like more than 1,300 football fields! The lake is also located at a high elevation. It sits about 5,161 feet above sea level. This makes it a cool place to visit, especially in the summer.

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