Lake Level of Big Bear Lake
If you’re in the market for a lakefront home, it’s important to understand that Big Bear’s lake level is going to fluctuate from year to year. Over the past 5 years I’ve seen the lake completely full at 72′ 4″ (measured at Big Bear Dam) and I’ve also seen it down over 17 feet.
The chart above shows the water depth of Big Bear Lake in decimal feet over the past 5 years. The only way for the lake to fill up is through precipitation. When we have a heavy wet winter, the lake rises. And when we go through a drought like we did in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004, it recedes.
So, how does this pertain to buying a lakefront home in Big Bear Lake?
Imagine you bought a lakefront home in 1999 over in Grout Bay. When you walk out your back door you see San Gorgonio Mountain, a boat dock and the lake is right at your door step.
Grout Bay in 1999
Fast forward 5 years. It’s 2004 now. We’re in a 4 year drought and this is what you see out your back door.
Grout Bay 2004
Same view of San Gorgonio Mountain….but the lake isn’t necessarily at your back door anymore, is it?
Most of the value in lakefront property is in the land. Location, views, lake frontage, and how deep the water level is helps determine land value. So if you’re looking at a property over in a shallow water area, with a view of a Marina, it will command a lower value than a property near the point on Round Drive overlooking the center of Big Bear Lake with deep water.
Below are links to water levels throughout the years provided by the Municipal Water District.
2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985
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