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GOLETA, CA, March 23, 2023 – For the first time in more than a decade, Lake Los Carneros is full thanks to over 28 inches of rainfall this winter in Goleta. The most recent storms added enough water to fill the lake to its maximum capacity. The lake level reached an engineered overflow pipe on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The last time this occurred was during the 2011-2012 winter season.
According to Goleta’s Parks and Open Space Manager George Thomson, a full Lake Los Carneros is good for wildlife habitat. He said, “Migratory birds, aquatic invertebrates, fish, and other wildlife benefit from this treasured wetland. Wetland habitats at Lake Los Carneros depend on winter rains and the prolonged drought was taking its toll on wildlife that don’t fare as well when water levels are low. It is great to see Lake Los Carneros at maximum capacity once again.”