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The Lake Berryessa News
The long spell of nice weather has ended. It's getting a bit late in the season for an exciting end to Glory Hole Watch 2026, but this may be the week it gets close!
Lake Berryessa Statistics (2/16/26)
Lake Berryessa has risen about an inch to 437.03 feet, 2.97 feet below Glory Hole, on 1.2 inches at Monticello Dam yesterday (2/16/26)
Rainfall at Monticello Dam reached 19.36 inches for the rain year.
The watershed is saturated, and the lake should rise more rapidly during the next few days - about 7 inches of level increase per inch of rain. Approximately 5 more inches of rain will be needed to overflow Glory Hole. That would bring the rainfall total to nearly 26 inches, which is about the historical average.
The lake output dropped to 90 cfs, 178 A-F per day, probably due to the rain.
When full (Glory Hole level) the lake contains 1,551,292 Acre-Feet of water.
Lake capacity is now at 1,495,657 Acre-Feet or 96.4%.
Water temperatures are fluctuating at the shallower levels. It's interesting to see how the upper level temperature varies with the sunny warm days, but the temperature below 40 feet remains constant at 52.5 degrees.
The skies are gray at Lake Berryessa now, with light rain continuing. Stay tuned to The Lake Berryessa News website (www.LakeBerryessaNews.com) and The Lake Berryessa News Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064928340101#) for regular updates.
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Putah Creek Inflow Metering Station
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Although Happy Valentine's Day was Saturday, but the humor goes on forever.
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Here are a few nice photos from Associate Editor, Evan Kilkus, on Friday, February 13, 2026 at about 11 AM.
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Lake Berryessa Visitation History
(Peter Kilkus, 2/10/26)
Although the total number of visitors to Lake Berryessa in many past years are available from Bureau of Reclamation traffic studies, I am not aware of any available reports that provide the number of actual visitors at any given resort.
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2005 Future Recreation Use and Operations at Lake Berryessa
Final Environmental Impact Statement
Solano Project, Napa, California, Mid-Pacific Region (October 2005)
Current and Predicted Visitation Numbers
As Table V-1 and Figure 9 illustrate, visitation at Lake Berryessa does not climb steadily, but instead goes through a cyclical pattern of rising and falling visitation numbers. Since Reclamation began keeping visitation statistics in 1981, the greatest increase in the number of visitors over the period of a year occurred in 1982. Visitation climbed by 634,850 persons, an increase of nearly 40% over the 1981 baseline total. The trend did not continue, however, but declined over the next two years. By 1984, visitation had dropped back to the 1981 level. The next three years saw a steep and steady increase, peaking in 1987 with a total 1,852,584 visitors.
Visitation began declining again in 1988, and finally bottomed out in 1994 with 1,231,162 visitors. That year was the final season of a lengthy drought, which left the lake at the 63 feet below crest on Labor Day weekend. Low lake levels combined with an economic recession at that time may have discouraged visitation. Visitor numbers rose steeply again in 1995, presumably corresponding with increased lake levels and an improved economy, and reached an all-time high in 1996 when 1,854,996 persons visited the reservoir. Between 1997 and 2001, visitation numbers continued to fluctuate, with the greatest percent change occurring in 1999, which had a 34 % drop in visitation.
While numbers steadily increased the following two years, 2002 saw the greatest decline in visitation ever recorded in a single year at Lake Berryessa, as the total plunged to 1,079,466, a drop of more than 56% from the previous year. Severe drought conditions throughout the West, a sagging national economy, and preoccupation with the possibilities of war and terrorist strikes against the U.S. crippled recreation and hospitality providers nationwide. Those factors probably were responsible for the dramatic decline of visitation numbers at Lake Berryessa.
The BOR only required the resort operators to report annual gross revenues for the calculation of the resort concession fee to be paid to the BOR. The resort operators thus had an incentive to keep those gross revenues as low as possible. Therefore, the reporting accuracy was generally questionable, especially since these businesses had a large cash input. Also, the BOR had only a minor financial audit process. The last reported financial data from the BOR is given below for Steel Park, Spanish Flat and Rancho Monticello.
One way to estimate "customers at the gate" would be to compare revenue items such as gate revenue divided by gate entry fees and launch fees - a relatively speculative approach. A large percentage of the resort revenue was from mobile home leasing charges. I developed the following tables during our decades-long opposition the BOR's misguided Visitor Services Plan (VSP). The column titled "Appraised Value" was very controversial since the resort owners thought they would be paid fair market value for their property and did their own appraisal which was much higher than that of the BOR and included things like the original earth moving costs.
Sadly, this turned out to be a moot point since the BOR, at the request of David Ffinch, president of Pensus, simply declared all the property as worthless and asked the BOR to demolish all the resorts. I documented this tragedy in my book in Chapter VIII. The “Big Betrayal”: Perversion of Public Law 96-375.
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Philosophical Aging
As we age we usually become more philosophical. Many of the great physicists (Albert Einstein, Erwin Schrödinger, Werner Heisenberg, Richard Feynman) who developed the basics of quantum mechanics, wrote books of their personal philosophies in their later years. I found this exchange in a very good book I'm reading.
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"Tempus edax rerum: time, devourer of all things. Time is our deadliest enemy. But also our fast friend.
The past is immutable and the future unknown. This moment - now - is the only reality. It is our challenge to accept the rule of time - which is to say that we accept the past for what it is, and cease worrying about the future and what it might bring.
"You mean, enjoy the present."
"Not enjoy - Live. There lies the difference."
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This brought back memories of my high school Latin courses. Of course, so does every Super Bowl!
Super Bowl LX in 2026, represented the 60th championship using Roman numerals to denote the game's grandeur and avoid confusion with the calendar year. Introduced with Super Bowl V (5), these numerals are standard, with a notable exception for Super Bowl 50 (instead of L).
The system is credited to Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt to add prestige and clarity to the championship game's numbering. At let no one can complain about them using "Arabic Numerals".
Key Roman Numeral Breakdown
I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100
Subtractive Notation: Smaller symbols before larger ones are subtracted (e.g., IV = 4, IX = 9, XL = 40, XC = 90).
Example: LVIII = 50 + 5 + 3 = 58.
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The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program Explained
by Peter Kilkus
I have referred to the Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program for several years. I have been criticized that, "The "Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" is not any recognized County process. It is your own invention, and does not exist beyond yourself." This statement is simply wrong, irrelevant, aimed at delaying the "Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program", and a bit mean-spirited.
The official name for Napa County's "The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" process is:
Managing Agreement Number 20-LC-20-2623 : Managing Agreement Between the United States of America and Napa County for the Administration, Operation, Maintenance and Development of Recreation Uses and Facilities at Lake Berryessa Area Project Lands.
For simplicity of understanding I refer to it as "The Lake Berryssa Revitalization Program". Read it and see.
The second element of "The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" is the county-funded 2017 Ragatz Report, the most detailed report about the value of Lake Berryessa to Napa County ever produced, including an extensive public survey. Read it and see.
Ragatz Report Full
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/References-PDFs/2017-Ragatz-Report-Full.pdf,
The third element of "The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program" is actually the
Napa County General Plan
https://www.countyofnapa.org/DocumentCenter/View/3334/Napa-County-General-Plan---Complete-Document-PDF
Hopefully the Board of Supervisors will live up to its public statement that:
"The County hopes that the private investment associated with a long-term concession agreement will improve recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, provide new employment opportunities, and possibly become an anchor for revitalization of the Lake Berryessa community."
The primary refutation of every negative attack on the Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program is the Ragatz Report funded by Napa County. It includes comprehensive analysis of Lake Berryessa's potential as an asset to Napa County and a detailed survey of several thousand lake users, including Napa County residents.
After false statements that the Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program might violate the Napa County General Plan or that it didn’t include "nature-based recreation", I wrote several reports refuting those allegations. I analyzed the General Plan and wrote a detailed report on the many ways the General Plan supports The Lake Berryessa Revitalization Program. These reports are available on my website at:
Lake Berryessa and the Napa General Plan,
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Past-Stories-&-Reports/Lake-Berryessa-and-the-Napa-General-Plan.pdf
Environmental Management at Lake Berryessa
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Past-Stories-&-Reports/Environmental-Management-at-Lake-Berryessa.pdf
Nature Based Recreation at Lake Berryessa
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Past-Stories-&-Reports/Nature-Based-Recreation-at-Lake-Berryessa.pdf
Rancho Monticello Environmental Management System
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/resources/Lake-Berryessa-Support-Documentation/RM-001-Rancho-EMS-Manual.2.pdf
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The 26 for 26 Program Continues!
My sincere thanks to those of you who have donated to The Lake Berryessa News in the past. Due to your support, the Lake Berryessa News has been able to continue publishing as costs continued to rise. Our social media presence and our email newsletters will provide the news you need and more...
https://www.lakeberryessanews.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064928340101
If you wish to receive our email newsletter, please send your email address to pkilkus@gmail.com.
Remember, without The Lake Berryessa News there would be no Lake Berryessa news. I challenge you to find any reporting like the stories you find on our social media sites and in our email newsletters.
If you love Lake Berryessa and the Lake Berryessa News in all its forms and want to support the Lake Berryessa community as it is revitalized, please send a donation check of $26 (or more if you feel so inclined) made out to Peter Kilkus (not the Lake Berryessa News) and mail it to Peter Kilkus, 1515 Headlands Drive, Napa, CA 94558. You can stick crinkly old bills in an envelope with your contact information and send it to the same address. You can also use Venmo (@Peter-Kilkus) or Paypal (Peter Kilkus) if you wish. (Note: Your donation is NOT tax deductible)
Your decision to support the Lake Berryessa News will show your vote of confidence in the future of the Lake Berryessa community. Hopefully, 2026 will be a positive year in the revitalization process for the lake. I’ll continue to do my best to keep you informed about every detail affecting Lake Berryessa.
Thanks, Peter
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Glory Hole Watch 2026 has slowed. For historical perspective, watch Evan Kilkus' Lake Berryessa News drone videos of the dramatic rise of Lake Berryessa as it finally spilled over Glory Hole on 2/16/17 after an 11-year drought at:
https://youtu.be/bGJvofIyTwQ
1/11/17: 10"+ of Rain Takes Its Toll, But Lake Berryessa is Rising
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https://youtu.be/PRWAfVw9DBU
2/10/17: Lake Berryessa Is Almost Full
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https://youtu.be/8pIPsgLFggk
2/12/17: Lake Berryessa Splashes Over Glory Hole -With a Little Help
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https://youtu.be/EH0LQW7iduY
2/12/17: Breathtakingly Beautiful Drone Tour of Lake Berryessa
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https://youtu.be/cB0BKIm1EzM
2/16/17: Lake Berryessa Is Full &Splashing Over the Spillway
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https://youtu.be/uQp0QConILY
2/18/17: Lake Berryessa Is Spilling 1 Foot Over Glory Hole
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Original ACDC version of:
2/18/17: Lake Berryessa Is Spilling 1 Foot Over Glory Hole
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https://youtu.be/-iHAjOrrU4k
2/21/17: Lake Berryessa is 3.5' OVER the Glory Hole Spillway
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https://youtu.be/qhPzR2Gqzs0
2/24/17: Another Breathtaking Drone Tour of a Full Lake Berryessa
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Jet Skis Rock: A Video History of Jet Ski Racing
by Peter Kilkus
Full Jet Skis Rock Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Bt3jedg7wO7FVqZnOyzZE2x3Tb1cgLP
Jet Skis Rock 1, Introduction
https://youtu.be/j_nLtRl_fzc
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Track the real-time Lake Berryessa weather at:
Skiers Cove (Below the Berryessa Highlands)
Skier Cove - KCANAPA228
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCANAPA228
East Side Road (Across from Big Island)
East Side Road, Lake Berryessa - KCALAKEB2
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCALAKEB2
Spanish Flat (Near the Spanish Flat Recreation Area)
Roger - KCASPANI1
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCASPANI1
Berryessa Pines
KCANAPA461
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCANAPA461
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Lake Berryessa Fire Watch Cameras
This site covers the whole Lake Berryessa Region.
http://www.rntl.net/lake-berryessa-cams/
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Free Book Chapters Available For Download
My sincere thanks to those of you who contributed to the future of the Lake Berryessa News. I challenge you to find any Lake Berryessa news anywhere. Hopefully, the many years of our intensive reporting about the latest Lake Berryessa issues will convince you of the truth of our motto, "Without The Lake Berryessa News there would be no Lake Berryessa news".
Here's a gift from The Lake Berryessa News to my readers - Free downloadable chapters from my books:
The Death of a Valley
Why Does Lake Berryessa Exist?
The Lake Berryessa Watershed
Rainfall and Lake Level History
How High Is Lake Berryessa?
How Deep is Lake Berryessa?
How Much Water Does Lake Berryessa Hold?
Mean Sea Level: Is There Such A Thing As Accurate Height?
Water In, Water Out, But From Where?
Does the WALROS Like Lake Berryessa?
Why is Lake Berryessa Not a Part of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument?
East Side Story
Hiking and Wildlife Viewing
Are There Quail on Quail Ridge?
Why Does A Hiker Cross The Road? To Get To Stebbins Cold Canyon!
Private Houseboats - Yes; Private RVs & Trailers - No: Why?
Motorized Boats Banned From Big Island Lagoon! Why!
Archeologists Can't Dunk But Can Dig
What Can't You Do At Lake Berryessa?
Napa Opposes Building the Monticello Dam
Monticello Dam Construction
Raise Monticello Dam
Power Generation at Monticello Dam
Monticello Dam Failure Analysis
Predicting the Future & Glory Hole Drone Videos
As Lake Berryessa Turns!
The Ins and Outs & Ups and Downs of Lake Berryessa
Does Lake Berryessa Sweat in the Summer?
Glory Hole Introduction
How Does Glory Hole Work?
Glory Hole: Awesome, Frightening, But Dangerous?
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Lake Berryessa Political History (Free Downloads of Book Chapters)
Policy And Politics Betray The People: The Lake Berryessa Saga: 1958 - 2020, By Peter Kilkus
I. The Five Tragedies Of The Berryessa Valley: A History Of Heartbreak
II. Lake Berryessa Political History Timeline
III. The “Big Lie”: How It All Began
IV. The “Big Fail”: Napa Abandons Lake Berryessa (1975)
V. The “Big Picture”: Lake Berryessa Issues: 1957 - 2012
VI. The “Big Illusion”: Notice Of Intent
VII. The “Big Fight”: Facts Do Matter
VIII. The “Big Betrayal”: Perversion Of Public Law 96-375
IX. The “Big Mistake”: Pensus - The Beginning Was The End!
X. The “Big Hole In History”: Post-Pensus Blues
XI. The “Big Boondoggle”: Creation Of A Phony National Monument
Addendum 1. Dueling Napa Register Letters To The Editor
Addendum 2. The Napa Register View
Index Of Primary Documents
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Lake Berryessa Technical Manual: The Science, Engineering, History, and Humor of a Major Unnatural Resource
https://www.amazon.com/Lake-Berryessa-Technical-Manual-Engineering-ebook/dp/B0C21DZ9M9/ref=sr_1_3?
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Policy and Politics Betray the People: The Lake Berryessa Saga: 1958 - 2020
https://www.amazon.com/Policy-Politics-Betray-People-Berryessa-ebook/dp/B08MFSQDBR/ref=sr_1_1?
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Conspiracy Theory or Automatic Pilot: The Economic Roots of Environmental Destruction
https://www.amazon.com/Conspiracy-Theory-Automatic-Pilot-Environmental/dp/1676368302/ref=sr_1_3?
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The KPIX Eye on the Bay interview below is one I did in 2010 and a relevant introduction to the substance of the book. I did it after Pensus had been given the contract for 5 resorts. As we all know Pensus was subsequently kicked out in 2012.
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Lake Berryessa Data Sources
There are many sources of Lake Berryessa water and weather conditions available. The Solano County Water Agency site is good for real-time graphs of level, capacity, and water temperature. The California Data Exchange Center has data going back decades for level, capacity, capacity change, dam outflow, dam inflow, and rainfall. Anyone can research their own data and create custom charts. This is the source of many of the charts on the Lake Berryessa News website.
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An upgraded wildfire alert camera system will be keeping watch on Napa County day and night and notifying Cal Fire crews of potential fires. Twenty cameras will be part of a system that will use artificial intelligence and other technologies to identify fire and smoke. If they detect something, an alert will sound in the Cal Fire emergency command center near St. Helena.
Cal Fire has made a large investment into the ALERTCalifornia system, partnering with UC San Diego. There are 1,000 cameras across the state and Napa County is one of the test models. Cameras can see 60 miles during the day, and this can increase to 120 miles on clear nights, with the changes in the air. The system can differentiate among smoke, clouds and dust. A link to this camera system and other relevant weather data is available on the Lake Berryessa News website at: http://www.rntl.net/lake-berryessa-cams/
This website was created by Doug Kunst. It is an amazing resource for Lake Berryessa fire cameras and weather. His business website is http://www.rntl.net/
Lake Berryessa Fire Alert Cameras
http://www.rntl.net/lake-berryessa-cams/
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Real-Time Lake Level, Lake Capacity, Water Temperature
Solano County Water Agency
https://www.scwamonitoring.com/LakeBerryessa/
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Lake Detailed Historical Data
California Data Exchange Center
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/
Research historical data and create custom plots
Lake Berryessa Code: BER
https://cdec.water.ca.gov/dynamicapp/sensorplots?staid=ber&dur_code=D
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Local Weather Stations (Weather Underground Network)
Skiers Cove (Below the Berryessa Highlands)
Skier Cove - KCANAPA228
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCANAPA228
East Side Road (Across from Big Island)
East Side Road, Lake Berryessa - KCALAKEB2
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCALAKEB2
Spanish Flat (Near the Spanish Flat Recreation Area)
Roger - KCASPANI1
https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KCASPANI1