Elderberry Forebay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elderberry Forebay |
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 Elderberry Forebay
Location in California
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| Location | Los Angeles County, California |
| Coordinates | 34°34′19″N 118°38′16″W / 34.5719°N 118.6379°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | West Branch California Aqueduct |
| Primary outflows | Castaic Creek |
| Catchment area | 81.6 square miles (211 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 450 acres (180 ha) |
| Water volume | 28,400 acre⋅ft (35.0×106 m3) |
| Surface elevation | 1,519 feet (463 m) |
Elderberry Forebay is a special kind of reservoir located in Los Angeles County, California. It acts like a holding tank for the Castaic Power Plant. This plant uses water to create electricity.
The forebay is found at the top end of the much larger Castaic Lake. A dam called Elderberry Forebay Dam separates it from the main lake. Water flows into Elderberry Forebay from the West Branch California Aqueduct. This aqueduct connects it to another lake, Pyramid Lake, through a long tunnel called the Angeles Tunnel.
Contents
What is Elderberry Forebay?
Elderberry Forebay is a relatively small body of water. It covers about 450 acres (180 ha). This is roughly the size of 340 football fields. It was created in 1974. Its main job is to store water for making electricity.
How Does Elderberry Forebay Work?
Elderberry Forebay is a key part of the California State Water Project. This project helps move water all over California. The forebay's special role is in something called pumped-storage hydroelectricity. This is a clever way to make and store energy.
Making Electricity: On-Peak Hours
During times when many people need electricity, called on-peak hours, water is released. This is usually during the day when homes and businesses are using a lot of power. The water travels about 7.5 miles (12.1 km) from Pyramid Lake. It flows through the Angeles Tunnel. Then, it rushes into the turbines at the Castaic Power Plant. The force of the water spinning the turbines creates electricity. After making power, this water flows into Elderberry Forebay.
Storing Energy: Off-Peak Hours
When fewer people need electricity, like at night or on Sundays, it's called off-peak hours. During these times, the power plant uses extra electricity from the grid. It uses this power to pump the water back. The water is pumped from Elderberry Forebay. It goes back up through the Angeles Tunnel. Then, it returns to Pyramid Lake. This process stores energy. It's like recharging a giant battery. The water is now ready to be used again to make electricity when demand is high.
This system helps keep our electricity supply steady. It makes sure there's enough power when we need it most.
