Low water levels at Diamond Valley Lake
Dan Moreno, right, of Moreno Valley and D.J. Ciletti of Palm Springs take advantage of the final days they can fish from their boat at Diamond Valley Lake in Riverside County. With the water level down to only 60% of capacity, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California plans to close the 11-lane boat ramp Monday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Clint Sumner, 41, of Escondido points out a good spot to fish for bass at Diamond Valley Lake, which was built in 2003 to be the major drinking-water storage facility for thirsty Southern California, as well as an insurance policy against natural disasters or cutoffs of water from Northern California. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A fisherman pulls in a catch near some exposed rocks at Diamond Valley. In June 2006, the lake was full, with 810,000 acre-feet of water. This week, the figure was at 485,236 and dropping. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Moreno and Ciletti cast out their lines near the inlet-outlet tower, which has exposed valves due to low water levels. Last year, 13,000 launches were made from the 11-lane ramp at Diamond Valley Lake. That ramp will close Monday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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As water levels at Diamond Valley Lake have dropped, the likelihood of boats getting stuck in the mud has increased. MWD board members have considered moving the dock further into the lake bed, but that could cost $1.7 million and is likely to be considered a lower priority at a time of financial crisis and ongoing draught. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
