Lake levels are about 3 feet lower than they were last year at 4'5" from full. This is the lowest water levels have been since 2009 at this time of year. Although tributaries to the lake are still running strong, it is difficult to predict how long the lake can retain its current water level before we see the water levels begin to drop throughout the summer months.
As noted in a previous blog post on Big Bear Lake water levels, the lake will typically drop about 3 feet from its springtime high until the following wet and snowy winter season refills the lake. It is typical for the lake to lose 1"-2" a week over the hot summer months due to evaporation and water release from the Big Bear dam. I predict we will see a repeat of 2009 and see water levels drop to about 7' 6" from full by December.
It is not too unusual historically for lake levels to fluctuate between 5 to 10 feet down. Although the more shallow water lakefront homes may have to push their docks out to greater depths, shallower water will reveal some great sandy beaches that otherwise would be underwater in years in which the lake was more full. (Check out Old Ski Beach just east of China Islands this summer. You can drive your boat right up on the sand and relax lakeside on National Forest beaches!)
Keeping things in perspective, Mother Nature works in cycles. We have been blessed with a near full lake the last few years and water levels eventually dropping was to be expected. Our beautiful Big Bear Lake will be in full use in just a few months with swimmers, kayakers, sailboaters, waterskiers, wakeboarders, parasailers, and rock jumpers enjoying their days in and on "Our Blue Jewel that is a mile closer to heaven".