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Limnological study of Shasta Lake, Shasta County, California, with emphasis on the effects of the 1977 drought

Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-4081
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri824081

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Abstract

An intensive limnological study of Shasta Lake was made in conjunction with the California Department of Water Resources during the 1977 drought. Water-quality data were collected from March 1977 through September 1978 at six lake stations and four lake tributary stations. Data collected during and after the drought were compared. Lake water quality is described as a function of lake morphometry, climate, hydrology, and reservoir hydraulics. Results indicate Shasta Lake is a warm monomictic lake. Tributary inflow to the lake and outflow through the dam generate density currents which promote mixing at depth and the development of an extensive metalimnion. During the drought, record low lake levels resulted in the exposure of an extensive nearshore sediment zone. Resuspended sediments caused a deterioration of water quality. The most notable effects, in comparison with post-drought conditions, were decreased light penetration, increased dissolved-solids concentration and specific conductance, decreased dissolved-oxygen concentrations, and elevated nutrient levels. A hypolimnetic anoxic condition was observed at the upstream stations of the lake. (USGS)

Suggested Citation

Rettig, S., Bortleson, G.C., 1983, Limnological study of Shasta Lake, Shasta County, California, with emphasis on the effects of the 1977 drought: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 82-4081, vii, 66 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri824081.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Limnological study of Shasta Lake, Shasta County, California, with emphasis on the effects of the 1977 drought
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 82-4081
DOI 10.3133/wri824081
Year Published 1983
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description vii, 66 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details