Little Grass Valley Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Grass Valley Reservoir |
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The reservoir in 2004, viewed from Bald Mountain.
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 Little Grass Valley Reservoir
Location in California
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| Location | Plumas County, California |
| Coordinates | 39°43′45″N 120°59′25″W / 39.72917°N 120.99028°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | South Fork Feather River, Black Rock Creek, Ice Creek, Pancake Ravine, Kenzie Ravine |
| Primary outflows | South Fork Feather River |
| Catchment area | 25.9 square miles (67 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
| Max. width | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
| Surface area | 1,433 acres (580 ha) |
| Average depth | 65 feet (20 m) |
| Water volume | 93,010 acre-feet (114,730,000 m3) |
| Shore length1 | 14.5 miles (23.3 km) |
| Surface elevation | 5,036 feet (1,535 m) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a beautiful artificial lake in Plumas County, California. It is found within the huge Plumas National Forest, not far from the famous Pacific Crest Trail. This lake was created when the Little Grass Valley Dam was finished in 1961. It's a popular spot for outdoor adventures and a great place to visit!
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What is Little Grass Valley Reservoir?
Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a man-made lake. It was built to store water. The lake gets its water from several streams. These include the South Fork Feather River, Black Rock Creek, and Ice Creek. The water from the lake then flows out into the South Fork Feather River.
All About Little Grass Valley Dam
| Little Grass Valley Dam | |
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Plumas County, California |
| Coordinates | 39°43′18″N 121°01′22″W / 39.72167°N 121.02278°W |
| Opening date | 1961 |
| Owner(s) | South Feather Water and Power Agency |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Rockfill |
| Impounds | South Fork Feather River |
| Height | 210 feet (64 m) |
| Length | 840 feet (260 m) |
| Elevation at crest | 5,052 feet (1,540 m) |
| Width (crest) | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Dam volume | 834,000 cubic yards (638,000 m3) |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Little Grass Valley Reservoir |
| Total capacity | 93,010 acre-feet (114,730,000 m3) |
| Catchment area | 25.9 square miles (67 km2) |
| Maximum length | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
| Maximum width | 1 mile (1.6 km) |
The Little Grass Valley Dam is a very strong structure. It is made of rock-fill. The dam is about 840 feet (260 m) long. It stands about 210 feet (64 m) high. This dam helps to hold back the water, creating the reservoir. The South Feather Water and Power Agency owns and takes care of the dam. It was completed in 1961.
Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a fantastic place for recreation. It is part of the Little Grass Valley Recreation Area. This area is managed by the Feather River Ranger District. There are many activities you can enjoy here.
Outdoor Activities
- Boating: You can go boating on the lake.
- Camping: There are places to set up your tent and camp.
- Fishing: Many people enjoy fishing in the reservoir.
- Swimming: On warm days, you can go for a swim.
- Picnicking: Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic by the water.
- Horseback Riding: Explore the trails on horseback.
- Mountain Biking: Ride your bike on the mountain paths.
- Wildlife Viewing: Look for animals and birds in their natural home.
- Hiking: Walk along the many trails around the lake.
How to Get There
Getting to Little Grass Valley Reservoir is quite easy.
Driving Directions
If you are driving from Yuba City, California, the lake is about a ninety-minute drive.
Pacific Crest Trail Access
The famous Pacific Crest Trail passes just north of the lake. You can reach this trail from the Bald Mountain Trail. This trail starts at a place called Horse Camp. It's a great way to explore the area on foot.
