The weather conditions at this widespread California reservoir are characterised by scorching, dry summers and funky, moist winters. Temperatures can fluctuate considerably all year long, and precipitation varies seasonally. Guests can count on sunny skies and excessive temperatures in the course of the summer season months, whereas winter usually brings rain and occasional snow at increased elevations. Actual-time knowledge and historic averages present an in depth understanding of those patterns.
Correct and up-to-date details about the prevailing atmospheric situations on the reservoir is essential for each leisure planning and water useful resource administration. Boaters, swimmers, and anglers profit from realizing the forecast to make sure secure and fulfilling experiences. Likewise, understanding long-term tendencies and seasonal differences is crucial for efficient reservoir administration, together with flood management and water allocation. This knowledge performs an important function in sustaining the ecological steadiness of the encircling space and guaranteeing the sustainable use of this essential water useful resource.
This understanding of the world’s typical local weather informs discussions on subjects starting from present situations and security precautions to long-term local weather tendencies and their influence on the area. Additional exploration will delve into particular facets of the native local weather, offering detailed info to assist guests put together for his or her journey and contribute to a deeper understanding of this very important ecosystem.
1. Summer season Temperatures
Summer season temperatures at New Melones Lake considerably affect leisure actions and ecological situations. Understanding these patterns is crucial for customer security and efficient useful resource administration.
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Excessive Warmth
Air temperatures usually exceed 100F (38C) throughout summer season months. This excessive warmth can result in heatstroke and different heat-related diseases. Guests ought to take precautions equivalent to staying hydrated, looking for shade throughout peak hours, and sporting applicable clothes. Excessive temperatures additionally have an effect on water high quality, probably resulting in algal blooms.
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Diurnal Temperature Variation
Important temperature fluctuations happen between day and evening. Whereas daytime temperatures soar, nights might be significantly cooler. This variation necessitates versatile clothes decisions for guests. The diurnal shift additionally influences fish conduct and different wildlife exercise.
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Affect on Water Recreation
Excessive temperatures make water actions widespread, however security concerns change into paramount. Elevated boat site visitors requires vigilance, and swimmers ought to concentrate on potential hazards. The hotter water temperatures additionally affect fishing patterns, as fish search cooler, deeper waters.
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Wildfire Danger
Mixed with dry situations, excessive summer season temperatures considerably enhance the danger of wildfires. Guests ought to train warning with campfires and different potential ignition sources. Consciousness of fireplace hazard ranges and adherence to fireplace restrictions is essential.
Cautious consideration of summer season temperatures is significant for anybody planning to go to New Melones Lake. Understanding the potential impacts of utmost warmth on each human well being and the encircling atmosphere ensures a safer and extra fulfilling expertise whereas contributing to the preservation of this invaluable useful resource.
2. Winter Precipitation
Winter precipitation considerably influences New Melones Lake’s water ranges, ecosystem well being, and leisure alternatives. Understanding its patterns and impacts is essential for efficient reservoir administration and customer planning. The next sides discover the multifaceted function of winter precipitation in shaping the lake’s atmosphere.
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Rainfall Accumulation
Nearly all of annual precipitation at New Melones Lake happens in the course of the winter months, primarily as rainfall. The quantity of rainfall immediately impacts lake ranges, influencing water availability for downstream customers and leisure actions. Years with below-average rainfall can result in decrease lake ranges, impacting boating entry and water storage capability.
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Snowpack Contribution
Whereas much less frequent than rainfall, snowfall at increased elevations throughout the watershed contributes considerably to the lake’s water provide. The gradual melting of the snowpack all through the spring and early summer season replenishes the reservoir, offering a sustained supply of water. Monitoring snowpack ranges is crucial for predicting water availability in the course of the drier months.
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Runoff and Erosion
Heavy rainfall occasions can result in elevated runoff into the lake, carrying sediment and particles. This runoff can influence water high quality and create turbidity, affecting aquatic life and leisure actions. Understanding runoff patterns is crucial for managing erosion and sustaining water readability.
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Affect on Ecosystem
Winter precipitation performs an important function in sustaining the well being of the lake’s ecosystem. Satisfactory rainfall and snowpack guarantee ample water for aquatic life, riparian vegetation, and wildlife depending on the lake. Variations in precipitation can considerably influence these populations, influencing their distribution and abundance.
The interaction of those sides highlights the essential function of winter precipitation in shaping the general atmosphere of New Melones Lake. From influencing water availability and leisure alternatives to impacting ecosystem well being, a complete understanding of winter precipitation is crucial for sustainable administration and appreciation of this invaluable useful resource.
3. Sudden Storms
Sudden storms characterize a big side of climate patterns at New Melones Lake, posing challenges for leisure actions and impacting the broader atmosphere. Understanding their traits and potential penalties is crucial for customer security and efficient useful resource administration.
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Fast Improvement
Storms at New Melones Lake can develop rapidly, transitioning from clear skies to extreme situations inside minutes. This speedy improvement necessitates fixed climate consciousness and preparedness for altering situations. Boaters, particularly, ought to monitor climate forecasts carefully and be ready to hunt shelter promptly.
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Sturdy Winds and Waves
Sudden storms often carry sturdy winds, creating hazardous situations for boaters and different watercraft customers. Excessive winds can generate giant waves, rising the danger of capsizing. Guests ought to concentrate on wind advisories and train warning on the water, significantly in uncovered areas.
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Heavy Precipitation
Intense rainfall usually accompanies these storms, resulting in lowered visibility and probably hazardous driving situations. Localized flooding can happen in low-lying areas, and trails might change into impassable. Guests needs to be ready for sudden downpours and alter their plans accordingly.
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Lightning Strikes
Lightning poses a critical risk throughout thunderstorms. Open areas across the lake supply little safety, making it important to hunt shelter instantly upon listening to thunder. Guests ought to keep away from tall objects and our bodies of water throughout lightning storms.
The unpredictability and depth of sudden storms underscore the significance of vigilance and preparedness when visiting New Melones Lake. By understanding the potential risks and taking applicable precautions, guests can mitigate dangers and guarantee a secure and fulfilling expertise, even within the face of quickly altering climate situations.
4. Wind Circumstances
Wind situations characterize a vital factor of New Melones Lake climate, considerably influencing leisure actions and general security. Understanding these patterns is crucial for anybody planning to go to or make the most of the lake, significantly these participating in water-based recreation. The next sides discover the multifaceted influence of wind on the lake atmosphere.
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Wind Velocity and Course
Wind velocity and path considerably affect boating security and luxury. Sturdy winds can create uneven water situations, making navigation difficult, particularly for smaller vessels. Sudden shifts in wind path may influence crusing and windsurfing actions. Information of prevailing wind patterns and real-time wind forecasts is essential for secure navigation.
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Gusts and Microbursts
Sudden, sturdy gusts and microbursts pose important hazards on the lake. These unpredictable bursts of wind can capsize boats and create harmful situations for swimmers and kayakers. Guests ought to stay vigilant for indicators of fixing wind situations and search shelter when obligatory.
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Affect on Fishing
Wind influences fishing situations by affecting water temperature and oxygen ranges. Floor winds can create currents and blend hotter floor water with cooler deeper water, impacting fish conduct and distribution. Anglers usually alter their methods and goal places primarily based on wind situations.
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Wind-Pushed Waves
Sturdy winds generate waves, which might influence shoreline erosion and create hazardous situations for swimming and different near-shore actions. Bigger waves may make docking and launching boats difficult. Understanding the connection between wind velocity and wave top is significant for secure navigation and leisure planning.
The affect of wind on New Melones Lake climate extends past leisure concerns. Wind patterns play a task in influencing microclimates, evaporation charges, and even the distribution of airborne pollution. A complete understanding of those dynamic interactions gives a deeper appreciation for the advanced interaction of things shaping the lake’s atmosphere and underscores the significance of contemplating wind situations when planning any actions at New Melones Lake.
5. Water Temperature
Water temperature at New Melones Lake is an integral element of the general climate system, considerably influencing each the aquatic ecosystem and leisure alternatives. Fluctuations in water temperature, pushed by atmospheric situations, seasonal adjustments, and water influx, have cascading results on the lake’s atmosphere. Understanding these dynamics is essential for efficient useful resource administration and knowledgeable leisure planning.
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Seasonal Variations
Water temperature experiences important seasonal differences, starting from cooler temperatures in winter to hotter temperatures in summer season. These fluctuations are primarily pushed by air temperature and photo voltaic radiation. Seasonal temperature adjustments affect the stratification of the lake, affecting oxygen ranges and nutrient distribution, which in flip influence aquatic life.
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Affect on Aquatic Life
Water temperature immediately impacts the metabolism, development, and replica of aquatic organisms. Totally different species thrive inside particular temperature ranges. Modifications in water temperature can alter the distribution of fish populations and affect the timing of spawning occasions. Sustained excessive temperatures may result in decreased oxygen ranges, stressing fish and different aquatic life.
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Affect on Leisure Actions
Water temperature performs a big function in figuring out the suitability of the lake for varied leisure actions. Swimming, boating, and water snowboarding are extra widespread throughout hotter months when water temperatures are comfy. Cooler water temperatures in winter and spring affect fishing patterns and should necessitate particular gear and methods.
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Interplay with Climate Patterns
Water temperature interacts dynamically with prevailing climate patterns. Wind can combine floor water, influencing temperature distribution throughout the lake. Evaporation charges are additionally affected by water temperature, contributing to humidity ranges and influencing native microclimates. Moreover, hotter water temperatures can contribute to the event of thunderstorms.
The interaction between water temperature and different climate parts highlights the advanced dynamics throughout the New Melones Lake ecosystem. Understanding these relationships is essential for appreciating the intricate net of things that form the lake’s atmosphere and for making knowledgeable selections concerning leisure actions and useful resource administration methods.
6. Fog Potential
Fog formation at New Melones Lake represents a definite attribute of the native climate system, impacting visibility and influencing leisure actions. Understanding the situations conducive to fog improvement is essential for customer security and efficient planning. The next sides discover the interaction of atmospheric elements contributing to fog potential on the lake.
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Radiation Fog
Radiation fog, frequent throughout cooler months, varieties in a single day as the bottom cools and the air close to the floor reaches its dew level. Clear skies and calm winds promote the formation of this sort of fog, which frequently dissipates because the solar rises and warms the air. Boaters ought to train warning throughout early morning hours when radiation fog can considerably cut back visibility.
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Evaporation Fog
Evaporation fog, typically known as steam fog, happens when cool air strikes over hotter water. The nice and cozy water evaporates into the cooler air, saturating it and resulting in fog formation. Such a fog can happen at New Melones Lake, significantly in the course of the transition seasons when air temperatures are cooler than the comparatively hotter lake water. Visibility might be considerably lowered, impacting boating and different leisure actions.
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Valley Fog
New Melones Lake’s location inside a valley contributes to the potential for valley fog. Cool, dense air settles within the valley backside, significantly in the course of the winter months, resulting in persistent fog that may linger for prolonged durations. Such a fog can create hazardous driving situations on roads surrounding the lake and influence visibility for leisure actions.
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Affect on Recreation and Security
Fog considerably impacts visibility, creating hazardous situations for boating, fishing, and different leisure actions. Diminished visibility will increase the danger of collisions and disorientation. Guests ought to train excessive warning throughout foggy situations, using navigation lights and decreasing velocity. Fog may influence air journey, probably delaying flights at close by airports.
The varied sorts of fog that may happen at New Melones Lake underscore the significance of monitoring climate forecasts and adapting leisure plans accordingly. Consciousness of the situations conducive to fog formation, coupled with applicable security precautions, ensures a safer and extra fulfilling expertise for guests whereas minimizing potential dangers related to lowered visibility.
7. UV Index
The UV index at New Melones Lake is a essential element of climate concerns, immediately impacting customer well being and security. Elevated UV ranges, influenced by altitude, latitude, and prevailing atmospheric situations, necessitate protecting measures. Understanding the dynamics of the UV index is essential for mitigating potential hurt related to solar publicity.
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Altitude and Latitude
New Melones Lake’s comparatively excessive elevation and latitude contribute to elevated UV radiation ranges. Greater altitudes expertise much less atmospheric filtering of UV radiation. Guests needs to be conscious that even on cloudy days, important UV radiation can attain the floor. Protecting measures, equivalent to sunscreen and protecting clothes, are important no matter cloud cowl.
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Time of Day and Seasonality
UV radiation depth fluctuates all through the day and throughout seasons. Peak UV ranges usually happen throughout noon hours, significantly throughout summer season months. Guests participating in out of doors actions throughout these durations ought to take further precautions. Understanding these temporal variations permits for strategic planning of out of doors actions to reduce publicity throughout peak UV durations.
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Reflection from Water Floor
The water floor at New Melones Lake displays UV radiation, intensifying publicity for boaters and people close to the water. This reflection amplifies the potential for sunburn and different sun-related harm. Guests ought to think about the reflective properties of the water and take applicable precautions, together with sporting polarized sun shades and making use of water resistant sunscreen.
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Well being Implications
Extended publicity to excessive UV radiation can result in sunburn, untimely pores and skin ageing, and elevated danger of pores and skin most cancers. Defending eyes from UV radiation can be essential to forestall cataracts and different eye harm. Guests ought to prioritize solar security practices, together with looking for shade throughout peak hours, sporting protecting clothes, and utilizing sunscreen with a excessive SPF.
Integrating UV index consciousness into planning for out of doors actions at New Melones Lake contributes considerably to customer well being and security. Understanding the interaction between UV radiation, climate patterns, and particular person publicity permits for knowledgeable decision-making and mitigates potential dangers related to extended solar publicity, guaranteeing a safer and extra fulfilling expertise.
8. Seasonal Variations
Differences due to the season exert a profound affect on New Melones Lake’s climate, shaping its leisure alternatives, ecosystem dynamics, and general character. Understanding these cyclical patterns is essential for appreciating the advanced interaction of environmental elements on the lake and for making knowledgeable selections concerning visitation and useful resource administration. The next sides discover the important thing manifestations of seasonal change at New Melones Lake.
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Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature represents a main driver of seasonal differences on the lake. Summers are characterised by scorching warmth, usually exceeding 100F (38C), whereas winters carry cooler temperatures, often dipping under freezing. These temperature extremes affect water temperature, impacting aquatic life and leisure actions. The transitional seasons, spring and fall, supply average temperatures, offering nice situations for a wider vary of out of doors pursuits.
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Precipitation Patterns
Precipitation reveals distinct seasonal patterns, with nearly all of rainfall concentrated in the course of the winter months. This winter precipitation, essential for replenishing the reservoir, usually arrives as snow at increased elevations, contributing to the snowpack that progressively melts all through the spring and summer season, sustaining water ranges. Summer season months are usually dry, rising hearth danger and necessitating water conservation measures.
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Wind Regime Shifts
Wind patterns additionally endure seasonal shifts. Stronger winds are prevalent throughout spring and fall, influencing boating situations and contributing to wave motion. Summer season winds are usually milder, offering favorable situations for crusing and different water sports activities. Winter winds might be variable, often bringing chilly fronts and impacting air temperature.
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Affect on Ecosystem Dynamics
Differences due to the season drive important adjustments throughout the lake’s ecosystem. Water temperature fluctuations affect fish conduct and spawning patterns. Altering water ranges have an effect on shoreline habitats and the provision of meals sources for varied species. Differences due to the season additionally influence the expansion and distribution of plants across the lake, shaping the general panorama and offering habitat for wildlife.
The interaction of those seasonal differences creates a dynamic atmosphere at New Melones Lake, influencing every little thing from leisure alternatives to the fragile steadiness of the ecosystem. Recognizing these cyclical patterns gives a deeper understanding of the lake’s intricate workings and highlights the interconnectedness of climate, local weather, and the pure world. This consciousness fosters accountable interplay with the atmosphere and enhances the customer expertise by enabling knowledgeable planning and selling a better appreciation for the lake’s distinctive seasonal character.
9. Microclimates
Microclimates characterize localized variations throughout the broader climate system of New Melones Lake, creating distinct environmental pockets with distinctive temperature, humidity, and wind patterns. These microclimates, influenced by topography, vegetation, and proximity to the water, play a big function in shaping the distribution of plant and animal life across the lake and influence customer experiences. Steep canyons can lure cool air, creating cooler, shadier situations in comparison with uncovered hillsides that obtain direct daylight. Areas close to the water’s edge usually expertise increased humidity and moderated temperature swings as a result of water’s thermal inertia. Dense vegetation can additional modify microclimates by decreasing wind velocity and creating pockets of cooler, extra humid air.
The varied topography surrounding New Melones Lake, starting from steep canyons to rolling hills and open grasslands, contributes to a mosaic of microclimates. North-facing slopes, receiving much less direct daylight, assist completely different plant communities in comparison with south-facing slopes, which expertise hotter, drier situations. These variations affect habitat suitability for varied wildlife species, creating distinct ecological niches. Guests climbing or tenting across the lake might encounter noticeable temperature and humidity shifts as they transfer between completely different microclimatic zones. Understanding these localized variations is essential for deciphering the distribution of plant and animal life and for choosing applicable clothes and equipment for out of doors actions. For instance, hikers venturing into shaded canyons ought to anticipate cooler temperatures, whereas these exploring uncovered ridges needs to be ready for intense solar and warmth.
Recognizing the affect of microclimates gives a extra nuanced understanding of New Melones Lake’s advanced climate system. These localized variations contribute to the general biodiversity of the area and affect the suitability of various areas for particular leisure actions. Consciousness of microclimatic situations enhances customer security and luxury by enabling knowledgeable selections concerning clothes, gear, and exercise planning. Moreover, understanding microclimates is crucial for efficient useful resource administration, informing methods for habitat preservation and selling the long-term well being and resilience of the lake’s various ecosystem.
Regularly Requested Questions
This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries concerning climate patterns at New Melones Lake, offering concise and informative responses to boost customer preparedness and understanding.
Query 1: What are the standard summer season temperatures at New Melones Lake?
Summer season temperatures often exceed 100F (38C), necessitating precautions towards heat-related diseases.
Query 2: How does winter precipitation have an effect on lake ranges?
Winter precipitation, primarily rain and snowfall at increased elevations, considerably impacts lake ranges, influencing water availability for recreation and downstream use.
Query 3: Are sudden storms frequent on the lake?
Sudden storms can develop quickly, bringing sturdy winds, heavy rain, and lightning. Monitoring climate forecasts is essential for boater security.
Query 4: How does wind have an effect on leisure actions?
Wind situations affect boating, crusing, and different water sports activities. Sturdy winds can create hazardous wave situations.
Query 5: What’s the significance of the lake’s UV index?
The excessive elevation and latitude contribute to elevated UV radiation ranges, rising the danger of sunburn. Protecting measures are important.
Query 6: How do seasonal differences influence the lake atmosphere?
Seasonal adjustments in temperature, precipitation, and wind create distinct environmental situations, influencing leisure alternatives and ecosystem dynamics all year long.
Cautious consideration of those elements ensures customer security and promotes accountable enjoyment of the lake’s sources.
Additional exploration of particular weather-related subjects and detailed forecasts can be found by linked sources.
Suggestions for Navigating New Melones Lake Climate
Cautious planning and consciousness of prevailing climate situations are essential for guaranteeing secure and fulfilling experiences at New Melones Lake. The next ideas present sensible steering for guests.
Tip 1: Monitor Forecasts: Consulting dependable climate forecasts earlier than and through visits is paramount. Climate situations can change quickly, necessitating consciousness of potential hazards.
Tip 2: Pack Layers: Temperatures can fluctuate considerably all through the day, particularly throughout transitional seasons. Layered clothes permits for adaptable consolation in various situations.
Tip 3: Solar Safety is Important: Excessive elevation and intense daylight necessitate solar safety measures. Sunscreen, hats, and protecting clothes mitigate the danger of sunburn and long-term solar harm.
Tip 4: Hydration is Key: Sustaining sufficient hydration, particularly throughout summer season months, is significant for stopping heat-related diseases. Carrying ample water and consuming it repeatedly are important precautions.
Tip 5: Be Ready for Sudden Storms: Storms can develop rapidly. Having a plan for looking for shelter, securing belongings, and adjusting actions is essential for security.
Tip 6: Wind Consciousness for Water Actions: Wind situations considerably influence boating and different water sports activities. Checking wind forecasts and exercising warning in open water areas guarantee secure navigation.
Tip 7: Respect Hearth Restrictions: Dry situations, significantly throughout summer season, elevate hearth danger. Adhering to fireplace restrictions and exercising warning with potential ignition sources shield the atmosphere and forestall wildfires.
Tip 8: Test Water Temperature: Water temperature influences swimming consolation and suitability for sure actions. Confirming water temperature beforehand ensures an fulfilling and secure expertise.
Adherence to those pointers contributes considerably to customer security and delight, selling accountable engagement with the pure atmosphere. These sensible measures enable people to totally recognize the leisure alternatives provided by New Melones Lake whereas minimizing potential weather-related dangers.
By understanding and respecting the dynamic climate patterns at New Melones Lake, guests contribute to a tradition of security and environmental stewardship, guaranteeing the preservation of this invaluable useful resource for future generations.
New Melones Lake Climate
New Melones Lake climate reveals dynamic variability, impacting leisure actions and the encircling ecosystem. Temperature fluctuations, precipitation patterns, wind situations, and UV radiation ranges necessitate cautious consideration. Understanding seasonal differences, microclimates, and potential hazards, together with sudden storms and fog, is essential for customer security and knowledgeable decision-making. Preparedness and adherence to security pointers contribute considerably to accountable enjoyment of the lake’s sources.
The dynamic interaction of atmospheric and environmental elements at New Melones Lake underscores the significance of knowledgeable engagement with the pure world. Continued monitoring of climate patterns, coupled with accountable customer conduct, ensures the preservation of this invaluable useful resource for future generations. Adaptability and respect for the facility of nature stay important parts of a secure and enriching expertise at New Melones Lake.
