By Peter Stanton
Walker Basin Conservancy
Walker Lake has reached an elevation of 3,923 feet, its highest level since 2012 and a significant step in its historic recovery. Last year’s record winter fueled a 16-foot rise in the Lake’s level and was supported by water rights owned by the Walker Basin Conservancy for the benefit of Walker Lake. According to Peter Stanton, CEO of the Walker Basin Conservancy, “Last year’s winter was a tremendous outcome and just what Walker Lake needs,” as the Conservancy focuses on restoring Walker Lake’s fishery for the benefit of communities in the Walker Basin.
The Walker Basin Conservancy reported that due in part to last year’s record winter, Walker Lake has reached an elevation of 3,923 feet.
In addition to increased snowfall, during the last irrigation season the Walker Basin Conservancy and Walker River Irrigation District sent a record amount of water to Walker Lake. Recently finalized data shows that the partnership sent 34,023.7 acre-feet to Walker Lake, the equivalent of about 17,000 Olympic-size swimming pools or enough water to cover an average residential lot in water 25 miles deep. Stanton credits their market-based approach in dealing with over-allocated water resources, citing successful collaborations with 156 ranchers and farmers in the Walker Basin.
These positive outcomes and the enhanced condition of the lake have given rise to the revival of community events at Walker Lake. Last summer saw the community-led Walker Lake Rehydration Celebration as well as kayak races hosted by Mineral County. This year, a new event, Walker Lake Days, is scheduled for June 29th, featuring boat races, kayaking events, and activities on the shore.
Stanton expresses excitement about the future of Walker Lake and surrounding communities. “It’s wonderful to see a rising Walker Lake and the community events that are returning. We cannot be more excited about the prospects of reestablishing Walker Lake as a major fishery and the positive impacts that will have on the economies, culture, and recreation for local communities” says Stanton.
The recent snowstorm that blanketed the Sierra Nevada mountains further boosted local water supply, which transitioned from below average water content to just above the annual average.
