Shasta Lake Level

Shasta Lake Update – March 18, 2025

After heavy storms in November and December, followed by record-breaking rainfall at the start of February, Shasta Lake rose an incredible 68 feet since November, reaching just 15 feet below full capacity on February 7.

Because Shasta Lake serves multiple functions, including flood control downstream, water was strategically released to lower the level to 24 feet below full as of today (March 18). This ensures there’s room for incoming spring storms while keeping the lake in great shape for the coming months.

Great News for Summer!

For the third year in a row, we expect Shasta Lake to be completely full by May 2025—perfect for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation!

Want to enjoy the beauty of the lake before peak season crowds? Take advantage of off-season rates on our top-tier vacation homes—great stays at even better prices!

Book your getaway now!

As of March 18, 2025

The Shasta Lake Level impacts the availability of boat ramps

LOCAL BOAT RAMPS:
Antler’s Boat Ramp
$16-$20 and should be open but not confirmed.  Best slope of ramps currently.

Sugarloaf Marina Boat Ramp: CLOSED 8/26/2024 $20
The lake is full enough but there is a chain across the road since Marina is not open.  Expect it to open May 1.

Sugarloaf County Boat Ramp:  OPEN  At this lake level (too high), there is no normal slope ramp.  The roads go into the water but not at much of a slope and not recommended for most boats.  Seen low profile fishing boats do it OK.

Salt Creek Boat Ramp:  Unknown.  Might be open again with caution.
We don’t know the cost or restrictions.

VIEW FROM HOMES:
Retreat 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, and 19 are all lakefront and Retreat 5, 7, 8, 9, 11,  15, 17, & 18 are lakeview.  Retreat 6 and 12 have a partial lakeview through the trees.  R14 has a beautiful view of their grounds and the mountains.  Currently we still have great views of the lake from the above mentioned homes.  Be careful as many other vacation homes in the area claim to be lakefront, but you can not be able to see any water depending on lake level.   Please scroll down to see hundreds of photos at current and full lake levels.

WALK TO LAKE: 
For the lakefront homes (R1-4, 10, & 19) the distance can vary from 50 feet to several hundred yards as the water drops.  (See current lake level). Extra 50-150 yards for Retreat 5, 7, 8 ,9. and 17.  About 150 yards for Retreat 15, 250 yards for Retreat 6 and 500 yards for Retreat 12.

SWIMMING AT LAKE NEAR HOMES:
You can swim in the lake below R1-R5, R10, and at the end of the street for R8, R9 and R17.  There is a trail from all of these homes but use at your own risk.   As always do not leave children alone and make sure they are wearing a life vest anywhere near the water even if they are not going in.

R6, R7, R12, R15 is a short walk on some of the neighborhood roads. R11 is Lake and Riverfront with excellent wide path to water.  R14 is 1/2 mile to lake.  R16 is about 1/4 to 1/2 mile walk.  Contact us for the best places to swim.

FLOATING ISLAND:
The Floating Island was damaged in  September so removed for this year.  It will be back in the Spring!!

TRAILS:
Many of the trails we created for the Daisy Lane Homes (R1-5, 8, 9, 10, 17) may once again be under water in May 2025 due to the full lake.   We will try to repair as the lake drops but you might find the last part before the water not yet repaired.  There are trails to the water and to the marina.  The trail to the marina passes by Retreat 1 and 2.  Use at own risk and be carful with children and elderly.  Always wear good shoes as rocks are sharp and watch for snakes.

SUGARLOAF MARINA:

CLOSED. They were open until the end of September and will be back in the Spring of 2025.

ANTLERS MARINA:

They moved the docks down to the Antler’s Boat Ramp temporally.  Until if open or not as of December 10, 2024.  Please call them.
They have different types of boats for rent and their slips might be less in price (but not next to homes).  Best for R11, & R16.

Call them for more information at 530-238-2553.

The Shasta Lake Level was AWESOME in 2023 & 2024 and expect the same in 2025.

Normally the lake is the highest in late May /Early June and then starts to drop throughout the Summer and Fall.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

1. Since we tend to book up early especially for the summer, consider booking as soon as possible for Summer 2025 and keep an eye on this section of our web site as we will update it as we have new information.  Many of the lakefront homes are already pretty booked up for June through August 2025.  If Shasta is in your plans for 2025, please do not wait.
2. Our website requires a 30% payment at time of reservation followed by the balance of 70% 60 days before arrival.  If you use VRBO or Airbnb it will be 50%/50%.  Please note, if 30% is not comfortable, we are willing to work with you on a smaller first payment if your reservation is far out in time.
3. You can always cancel for full refund* up to 60 days before.  We will approve a full refund outside of 60 days.  * Other than the 3% credit card fee which we do not get back.
4. Feel free to reach out at any time.  925-200-6934 or ShastaRetreats@gmail.com
5. We will update this every two weeks or sooner.

NOTE:  WE CAN NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE INFORMATION WE PROVIDE.  PLEASE DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH.

OTHER OPEN MARINAS:
The following are full service marinas with gas, rental boats, store, etc.

1. Shasta Marina at Packers Bay (Closest)
2. Bridge Bay (near the big bridge)
3. Holiday Harbor
4. Silverthorne
5. Jones Valley
6. Antlers at Centimundi

When the Shasta Lake level is within this range (considered pretty full or full), the seasonal Sugarloaf marina is a short walk from all but one home and the seasonal boat ramp at the marina is open.  Experts expect the lake to be full or very full also in 2025.

Shasta has filled close to the top 5 of the 7 past years.   Shasta Lake is not only the largest lake in California, it is also the main reservoir for much of the rich crops in the central valley of the state.  As with other reservoirs, the lake level will vary through the year.  Normally the lake is at its lowest level in November or December before the rains and then increases to its highest level normally by Memorial Day each year after which it slowly drops through the summer/fall/early winter.   Although the lake might look low in some of the fingers, the main parts of the lake still have plenty of water for a great week on the lake even at 200′ feet down.

One good wet season can fill up the lake even when it is very low.

IMPORTANT:  Please read the Blue Section before this section as it will provide you the current information.

Although five of homes are rare lakefront, the distance from each home might go from a stone’s toss to several hundred yards or more.  In severe drought conditions the result can be an empty lake bed below our homes with only the Sacramento river running through it.  In the past 8 years since we purchased Retreat 1 this happened only one time.  This was 2021 when in mid August the marinas moved out of the area and the boat ramp closed later in August.  This did not happen since. Fortunately, even when it is low, unlike many homes on inlets of Shasta Lake, we almost always have some water and water views in front of us even at its lowest levels.

One good wet season can fill up the lake even when it is very low.  We take pride in being very transparent and communicating current and potential conditions as best we can.

At 50′ to 100′ below the top, the Sugarloaf County Boat ramp is open and the Sugarloaf marina is normally in full operation (Summer Only).  At about 80′ down, Antlers also moves their marina to this area giving you two marinas near the homes.  Views of the lake change and the distance to the marinas and boat ramps are greater than when the lake is full.  The photos below are a combination of local and main lake conditions.

When the Shasta Lake Level is at 100 feet below the top, Antlers and Sugarloaf Marinas are normally open and in full seasonal operation below our homes as well as the Sugarloaf county low water boat ramp.  Please note when the lake is full, Antlers marina is 3 miles up the lake but at this water level, they normally move their marina to the Sugarloaf area providing you two marinas close by and within sight of five of the homes.  The walk/drive is longer but still all in view.  The first set of photos below are of the Sugarloaf area at this depth range and the later photos are of the lake in the main channel.  Please note that these photos range from 100 to 140 feet down so they can look very different as 40′ fills in a lot.

Latest Update:  Please see other section (to the left if desktop, above if mobile) about the marinas and boat ramps.

When the Shasta Lake Level is at 140′ below the top, the lake level starts to impact the marinas and the boat ramp near our homes.  Although they may stay open to 150′ or more, please plan on driving to other ramps and marinas when the lake gets to this level.  Bay Bridge Marina and Boat Ramp for example is easy to get to but you will have about a 18 minute drive.  See marina section of web site for more information.  The main part of the lake is much deeper and there is lots of water for your enjoyment.   No issues at all, still bigger than most lakes in California when full.  The photos below are of the area near our homes and the later ones are out in the main lake.

When the Shasta Lake Level is at 170′ down or greater, the area near our homes is a dry lake bed with the Sacramento river running through it.  This is a great opportunity to explore and look for buried treasures on feet or on your ATVs.  If you have an ATV…bring it!  There are old tunnels, bridges, roads and much more.  See our low lake treasures section of our web page.  Since it is the bottom of the lake, there is silt near the river.  Gray dry silt is ok to drive and walk on but if the silt is black, do not proceed as you will get stuck.  Although the view is very different than a full lake, our guests continue to visit and have a great time.  The first set of photos below is the area near our homes.  The later photos are in the deeper main part of the lake which still offers great water sports and family enjoyment.   At this level there is no marina or boat ramps close to the home.  This has happened only once since we bought Retreat one 7 years ago.

FULL LAKE