Shaver Dam
| Industry | Electric utility |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1917 |
| Headquarters | Rosemead , United States |
| Products | Hydroelectric power |
| Website | www |
Shaver Lake is a man-made lake located on Stevenson Creek within the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County, California. Positioned at an altitude of , it is fed by smaller tributaries and tunnels connected to the Southern California Edison's Big Creek Hydroelectric Project. The community of Shaver Lake is situated along its southwestern shoreline.
Background
The lake was purchased in 1917 by Southern California Edison from the Fresno Flume and Lumber Company, which previously utilized it for transporting timber to the San Joaquin Valley. The creation of the lake involved building the Shaver Lake Dam, finalized in , under Southern California Edison's direction. This dam, constructed in sections with copper sheeting to ensure impermeability, holds up to of water. A portion of this water is released into Stevenson Creek to sustain local ecosystems, while the remainder is channeled to Big Creek for generating hydroelectric power.
Prior to the dam's establishment, the region was extensively logged, supported by a lengthy log flume system spanning several miles. The town maintains its logging roots, with former sawmill structures repurposed for other uses. Adjacent to the lake lies Camp Edison, which is managed by Southern California Edison.
Shaver Lake has also been utilized as a backdrop for various reality television productions, including Endurance: High Sierras (2006–07), Capture (2013), and HBO Max's Karma (2019).
The Shaver Lake Trophy Trout Project focuses on fishing education and strives to position the lake as a premier angling destination.
Close by, Camp Chawanakee, a Boy Scout camp located on a peninsula along the southern shore, draws BSA troops from across the state each summer. Its amenities encompass canoeing, sailing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, shooting sports, horseback riding, rock climbing, zip lining, fishing, and crafting activities.
See also
- List of dams and reservoirs in California
- List of lakes in California
- Shaver Lake, California
- Huntington Lake