It is always special to share extraordinary landscapes like Hetch Hetchy with others. We had an opportunity to do that last week with three Colorado University graduate students who were visiting as part of a “Capstone” research project. (The students, supervised by their professors, are doing a two-part project for Restore Hetch Hetchy: (1) a water taste test to compare how people perceive San Francisco’s water compared to that of other Bay Area water agencies, and (2) a comparison of recreational opportunities available at municipal water supply reservoirs in western states. We’ll talk further about this research when it is further along.)
The Capstone Team from Colorado University with Executive Director Spreck Rosekrans, cooling off at Wapama Falls. (Photo: Isabella Rosekrans)
The trail to Wapama is typically hot in June, as it lies in full sun against granite cliffs on the north side of the reservoir. We got a reasonably early start after a short tour of the meager “campground”, the cabins where San Francisco’s elite stay, the boat ramp (currently under repair) and the dam.
The students were excited to be in California and, after several months of anticipation, to see Hetch Hetchy for the first time. They knew its history and have learned much about how the water system works, as well as Restore Hetch Hetchy’s efforts to return the valley to its natural splendor while meeting the water and power needs of all who rely on the Tuolumne River.
Wapama Falls was flowing at about 500 cubic feet per second – a perfect flow, high enough to get soaking wet from the spray of the falls but not so high as to make crossing the bridges treacherous. (The flow at Wapama is measure by a hidden gage atop the falls and posted in real time on the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) website.
The walk back was hot indeed, especially after the first mile when our clothes had dried out. We mused about strolling instead across a shaded valley after the reservoir was relocated, and we also discussed Restore Hetch Hetchy’s proposal for a trail to the top of the falls.
After visiting Hetch Hetchy, the Capstone Team spent a day in Yosemite Valley, before returning to the Bay Area to initiate the water taste test. (Again, more on that later after additional data has been collected and analyzed.)
Also, we had an opportunity to visit Hetch Hetchy at dawn for the first time. (At our behest, National Park Service has expanded the hours when it is permissible to go to Hetch Hetchy.) We entered the park at first light and drove the narrow road without seeing any other cars. The cliffs and waterfalls were sublime as the sun slowly rose over the canyon – the reservoir less so. We’ll need to stay for the sunset next time.