Lake Perris
Lake Perris | |
---|---|
Reservoir | |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. depth | 100 ft (30 m) |
Surface elevation | 1,595 ft (486 m) |
Islands | Alessandro Island |
References | U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Perris Reservoir |
Lake Perris is an
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a safe eating advisory for any fish caught in the Lake Perris due to elevated levels of mercury and PCBs.[2]
Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum
The Ya'i Heki' Regional Indian Museum tells the story of the monumental
Geography
Lake Perris is 1,560 feet (480 m) above sea level and is ringed by hills and small mountains. It impounds 131,400 acre-feet (162,100,000 m3) of water behind a 2-mile (3 km) long, 128 foot (39 m) tall, chevron-shaped earthfill dam. The untended areas of Lake Perris are somewhat rocky and barren.
An artificial reef exists on the lake floor made of old tires. The reef was created to provide a habitat for fish.[1]
Flora and fauna
The predominant plant community,
The coastal sage scrub community is predominant on the south-facing slopes of the Russell mountains and
Remnants of the original
More than a hundred species of birds have been spotted at Lake Perris. Many are migratory, and stop at the park briefly during their travels, while others make their permanent residence here.
The lake has become a hotspot for freshwater game fishing.
- Alabama spotted bass – 9 pounds, 6 ounces
- Florida largemouth bass – 17 pounds, 6 ounces
- Bluegill – 3 pounds, 15 ounces
- Rainbow trout – 7 pounds
- Channel catfish – 30 pounds
Largemouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, channel catfish, black crappie, redear sunfish tend to be the primary focus of anglers. The trout usually only bite in the cooler months after the DFG plants.
Day and night, hawks and owls are frequently seen hunting for prey. The bike trail offers an easy and convenient way to see some of the birds and other wildlife of Lake Perris. Early morning or dusk are the best times. Ranger-led hikes are conducted during the spring and early summer months.
Most plants and animals at Lake Perris are well adapted to the
The plants and animals of Perris Valley have changed considerably over the last two hundred years due to human activity, but its natural history can be intriguing.
Recreation
There are many recreational activities allowed on, in, and around Lake Perris and in the State Recreation Park. Guided hikes are offered on the trail around the lake, and several camping sites are located near the lake side. The lake is open for boating from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily during the summer. Other activities include
A nine-mile (14 km) paved road loops around the lake which is used to access the different areas of the lake (although the portion that runs along the top of the Perris Dam is unavailable for vehicles) and is also used by hikers, runners, and cyclists. The northwest side of the lake has beaches and swimming areas, picnic grounds with tables and grills, camp grounds including RV camp grounds, a launch ramp, a marina, a small pier, and various peninsulas. The southwest side is the Perris Dam, and allows for rock fishing. The southeast side has picnic grounds, camp grounds, and a rock climbing area. The northeast side is largely left undeveloped in order to preserve the natural flora and fauna, although it is accessible to the public. Furthermore, the paved road strays away from the lake shore thus discouraging people to disturb this section of the lake. Fishing is allowed almost anywhere. Lake Perris has one lake island called Alessandro Island, and it has picnic grounds with tables, grills, and permanent restroom facilities. The island also has a trail that goes halfway around it. The island can only be reached by boat. There are various hiking trails to be found in the park such as those that lead to Terri Peak, the highest point in the park accessible by trail at 2,569 ft.[5] The highest point in the park is Mt. Russell at 2,704 ft., but no trail leads to the mountain or to its summit.[6]
Weather
Lake Perris and the surrounding area has hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. Rain is almost limited to the six months between November and April. The area lies at a crossroads of
Lake Perris water withdrawal
For several months following July 2005, the water in Lake Perris was drawn down by about 20 percent (about 24 feet) due to safety concerns with the
The Perris Dam Remediation Project was completed in April 2018. The project included a strengthened dam foundation with 320,000 cubic yards (about 245,000 cubic meters) of cement deep soil mixing and 1.4 million cubic yards added to support the downstream of the dam. After completion, the dam control refilled, finishing July 2019.
The Outlet Tower Improvements Project includes the tower bridge seismic retrofit project and the Outlet Works Modification project. The aim of the project is to provide the safe release of water during normal and emergency operations and is expected to be completed in 2026. Parts of the project completed include:
- The tower gantry crane and fish screens repair was completed in 2018. Workers upgraded components of the crane controls and cleaned and repaired fish screens.
- The tower bridge retrofit project was completed in 2020 with modifications to bridge supports that provides access to the tower for operations
- The tower penstock liner repair was completed in 2021 which included in an inspection of damage to the penstock liner and repairs.
"Future work planned for the outlet tower and the downstream release and delivery facilities includes the installation of a new automated flow control gate, hydraulic controls equipment, seismic and security monitoring equipment, and the construction of a control building and an energy dissipation structure."
The Emergency Release Facility Project started in 2023 and is planned to be completed by 2026. This project will route water in the event of an earthquake away from a community of over 6,000 residents. The project will include new roadside construction, levees, bridges, and relocation of utilities.[7]
2028 Summer Olympics proposal
The Los Angeles Olympic Bid for the
See also
- List of dams and reservoirs in California
- List of lakes in California
References
- ^ a b Zimmerman, Janet (February 8, 2015). "Sunken Surprises". The Orange County Register. p. News 3.
- ^ OEHHA, Admin (July 11, 2019). "Lake Perris". oehha.ca.gov. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
- ^ "Big Rock Triathlon | Perris, California 92571 | Saturday, April 16, 2011 @ 7:30 AM". Archived from the original on August 23, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
- ^ "Lake Perris SRA".
- ^ "Lake Perris State Recreation Area". Retrieved May 19, 2021.
- ^ "Terri Peak". SummitPost.org. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
- ^ "Perris Dam Modernization Project". water.ca.gov. April 25, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "World Rowing confirms LA 2028 racing on shortest course in Olympic history". September 2022.