03/05/14 -- Recreationists are being advised to use extra caution during increased flows below Lake Britton from March 16 to May 9.Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) will increase flows on the Pit 3 Reach of the Pit River from during that time while planned maintenance occurs at the Pit 3 powerhouse electric switchyard.

PG&E encourages people recreating in or near this portion of the river to use extra caution during the increased flows.

The Pit 3 Reach is the five-mile portion of the Pit River between the Lake Britton Dam and the Pit 3 powerhouse. Normal flows this time of year along this portion of the river are about 300 cubic feet per second (cfs).

During the planned maintenance, PG&E will be unable to divert water from Lake Britton through a tunnel to the Pit 3 powerhouse. With no diversion, flows in the Pit 3 reach will be about 2,000 cfs, with water flowing over the Lake Britton dam spillway.

Flows will be maintained at about 2,000 cfs until April 5, when the planned maintenance is scheduled to be completed. Flows will be reduced to about 450 cfs by April 6, then gradually reduced further until reaching about 300 cfs on May 9.