Lake Kaweah, nestled near Lemon Cove in the picturesque Tulare County, California, is a reservoir formed by the Terminus Dam on the Kaweah River. Originating in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada, the river drains an area of about 560 square miles into Lake Kaweah before continuing towards the fertile San Joaquin Valley. It then gracefully divides into the Kaweah and St. Johns Rivers as it flows west into the Tulare Lakebed. The reservoir, with a capacity of 185,000 acre-feet, underwent a transformative project in 2004, raising the lake by 21 feet and increasing its capacity by an additional 42,000 acre-feet. This significant enhancement bolstered flood protection for downstream communities and agricultural lands. Lake Kaweah’s primary role as a flood control reservoir means it is typically maintained at low levels or nearly empty for most of the year, filling mainly between May and June. Its limited capacity, however, means the lake often experiences large spills of floodwater after heavy rainstorms. During winter, water is released as swiftly as possible to ensure room for floodwater, which can then be released at a controlled rate. In 1997, the reservoir was filled and emptied twice due to this operational strategy. In 2007, high winds from a severe thunderstorm caused significant damage to the boat dock, affecting around 200 boats. At the upper end of Lake Kaweah lies the charming town of Three Rivers, which serves as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Sequoia National Park.