Big Sage Reservoir, body of water
Big Sage Reservoir is an artificial lake in Modoc County, northern California, created by a dam completed in 1921. The body of water stretches several miles across the landscape and is surrounded by pine trees and open spaces, with a modest campground and boat launch nearby.
The reservoir was created in 1921 when the Hot Springs Valley Irrigation District built an earthen dam to store water for regional agriculture. The dam represented part of broader development in rural California to provide infrastructure for settlement and farmland expansion.
Visitors reach the reservoir via Big Sage Road from nearby towns such as Alturas. It is wise to check local road conditions beforehand, as the area is remote and weather can shift quickly.
Water stored in the reservoir flows out through Rattlesnake Creek, which eventually joins the larger Pit River system. This connection reveals how the artificial basin integrates into the broader watershed of the region.
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