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Big Bear Lake before and after a 15-foot increase in water depth thanks to winter storms

May 4, 2024

After hitting record lows two years ago due to drought, Big Bear Lake reported a 10-foot increase in its water level in December 2023 and new data shows it’s risen even higher the first four months of 2024.

In December 2022, the water level at Big Bear Lake was just below 55 feet, officials said. Two consecutive winters brought heavy storms in early 2023 and 2024, resulting in significant rainfall and snowpack that have helped restore the lake after water levels hit a record low in late 2022.

As of Tuesday, April 30, the lake depth was 68 feet, still about 4 feet below its capacity, data shows. The lake hasn’t been full since 2011, according to Brittany Lamson, interim general manager of the administration department at Big Bear Municipal Water District, which manages the lake.

Over the past two years, the lake depth has increased a total of 15 feet, Lamson said.

Water levels affect recreation, wildlife and the local economy in the area. According to Lamson, the lake was still getting inflow this week. Any inflow after April 1 is good news for Big Bear, she said.

“This level of the lake is great for us,” she added. “We can utilize our east public launch ramp, which has our full operations.”

With the ramp open, lake visitors with boats can access inspection and decontamination services and buy permits. The launch ramp is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

The deeper lake also supports fish spawning, producing a better ecosystem all around, Lamson said.

The images below show the lake in August 2022 compared to March 2024, amid the second snowiest winter season reported in the San Bernardino Mountains in the past 25 years.

The Big Bear Solar Observatory sits on a peninsula on the north shore:

Big Bear Lake looking south from the Stanfield Cutoff:

A dock floats near the Stanfield Cutoff:

Boulder Bay in Big Bear Lake:

Bear Valley Dam holds back Big Bear Lake:

Homes sit atop Treasure Island/Garstin Island in Big Bear Lake:

Docks sit in the water east of Big Bear Marina in Big Bear Lake:

The Big Bear Solar Observatory sits on a peninsula on the north shore:

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Big Bear Lake before and after a 15-foot increase in water depth thanks to winter storms

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