Water in Big Bear

Drought in Big Bear

Big Bear drought lasted over 6 years. The water level of Big Bear Lake was the lowest since 1977. However, between October 2004 and April 2005, Big Bear had more rain than it has had for a long time. Big Bear Lake gained 13 feet of lake level.

Big Bear Lake water level

Big Bear Lake conditions have never been better. Since the heavy rain from October 2004 and April 2005, Big Bear and Big Bear Lake recovered from the drought and Big Bear Lake is now almost full.

When it began raining in October 2004 no one in Big Bear imagined there would be enough rainfall in Big Bear Lake in the next few months to nearly fill the Big Bear Lake. The old Big bear valley dam was barely visible, and it appeared it might soon be totally exposed. However the heavy rain in Big Bear late in 2004 and early in 2005 changed everything.

Boating and fishing seasons

The boating and fishing seasons in Big Bear and Big Bear Lake are outstanding. In fact January's total of 32" was the forth highest for that month since 1884. The combined total rainfall for January and February 2005 was 137% of annual average rainfall. Consequently at the end of April the Big Bear lake was only about 3 feet below full.