Bucks Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bucks Lake |
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![]() Bucks Lake from above south shore
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Location | Plumas County, California |
Coordinates | 39°53′05″N 121°09′42″W / 39.88472°N 121.16167°W |
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 |
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.
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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.
- Location: Plumas County, California
- Type: Reservoir (man-made lake)
- Created: 1928
- Managed by: Pacific Gas and Electric Company
- Size: About 1,827 acres
- Elevation: 5,161 feet above sea level