| Bass Lake | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Basslake_goatmountain.jpg) | |
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Relief_map_of_California.png)  Bass Lake &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Usa_edcp_relief_location_map.png) Bass Lake | |
| Location | Sierra National Forest Madera County, California |
| Coordinates | 37°17′27″N 119°31′30″W / 37.29077°N 119.52513°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Willow Creek Browns Creek Ditch |
| Primary outflows | Willow Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 6.7 km (4.2 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.64 km (0.40 mi) |
| Surface area | 472 ha (1,170 acres) |
| Max. depth | 30 m (98 ft) |
| Water volume | 56,100 dam3 (45,500 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface elevation | 1,027 m (3,369 ft) |
| Settlements | Bass Lake, California |
| Website | https://www.basslake.com/ |
| References | [1][2] |
Bass Lake, situated in Madera County, California, within the Sierra National Forest and approximately 14 mi (23 km) south of Yosemite National Park, is a popular recreational area. The lake, formed by the Crane Valley Dam on Willow Creek, a tributary to the San Joaquin River, spans about four miles (6.4 km) in length and one-half mile (0.80 km) in width.[3][4] Constructed in 1910 by Pacific Gas and Electric, the 145 ft (44 m) concrete gravity dam generates hydro-electric power through controlled releases.[5] The lake supports a diverse ecosystem, including species such as black bears, mule deer, bald eagles, and Great blue herons, along with a variety of fish species.
Historically, the Mono Native Americans inhabited Bass Lake until the California Gold Rush. It later became significant to the logging industry. The town of Wishon, established on the lake's southern shore, served as a central point for the Sugar Pine Lumber Company.
On the lake's south shore, the U.S. Forest Service has developed campgrounds and picnic areas, while the north shore features private cabins and homes. The unincorporated community of Bass Lake, California, maintains a year-round population of 575 residents.[6]
Bass Lake serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Additionally, it serves as a launch point for excursions into Yosemite National Park and hosts an annual Independence Day fireworks display.
Over the years, Bass Lake has been a backdrop for various Hollywood films, including Carnival Boat (1931), Leave Her to Heaven (1945), and The Great Outdoors (1987). In the past, Bass Lake was an annual gathering place for the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, a tradition that dwindled by the late 1980s. It has experienced environmental challenges such as beetle infestations, droughts, and wildfires, which have substantially affected its local pine forests.
- ^ "Bass Lake Dam". BassLakeCA.com. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey (2009). "Feature Detail Report: Bass Lake". Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
- ^ Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams (2009). "Listing of Dams". California Data Exchange Center. State of California. Archived from the original on 2009-04-11. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
- ^ "Bass Lake History". BassLakeCA.com. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
- ^ "Bass Lake". Archived from the original on 2010-11-23.
- ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 17, 2022.