Lake Shasta Low Water

I visited Lake Shasta in Oct 2008 to check out the historic low waters, which were at 29% of full, or about 130 feet below normal. It was a great chance to get a fish-eye view of the lake bed.

Launch ramp under the Highway 5 Bridge

You can see the launch ramp here on the lower left (currently closed).

Highway 5 Bridge

Here's the full view under the bridge.

Looking over 100 foot drop

Usually the river comes only feet below where I am standing. You can just see the running water in the distance.

Under the Highway 5 Bridge

High water lines on the supports.

Old Creek Crossing Bridge

Usually about 65-70 feet under water.

A Bend in the River

. . .which is normally the lake. You can see where people were driving all the way down to the lake bed.

Dry Dry Dry

Dried silt cracks open in the sun.

Rock Formation

Here's an example of a typical rock formation low in the lake.

Tunnel Cave-In

This may not be the safest place to go exploring, after all. This tunnel is normally hidden by about 100 feet of water. There was graffitti inside from the last time the lake was this low.

View from a Cave-In

Watching a train pass overhead from the inside of the tunnel.

Active Railway Tressle

Note the water lines on the supports.

Looking Over the Highway 99 Bridge

Just for reference, the place we are standing is normally the middle of the lake. We were able to drive out there on roads that have been under water for years.

Old Highway 99 Bridge

Looking more like a launch ramp right now, this used to cross the Sacramento River.

View from the Lake's Edge (usually)

Normally, this would be about 10 feet from the water line.

Old Rail Tressle Across from Lake Head Camping Grounds

You can just make out the opening of one of the old railway tunnels at the end of this bridge