Near Lee Vining in Mono County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Mandated Mono Lake Level
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
1. Mandated Mono Lake Level Marker
On September 28, 1994, the California State Water Resources Control Board set a target lake level of 6,392 feet, 25 feet below its 1941 level. The decision decreased water diversions by Los Angeles's Department of Water and Power (DWP) from four Mono Lake tributaries. The decision was made "in accord with the Court's mandate to protect public trust resources where feasible and the mandate of the California Constitution to maximize the reasonable and beneficial use of California's limited water resources." The Board also ordered DWP to prepare and implement plans to restore damaged streams and waterfowl habitat.
When the lake reaches its mandated level of 6,392 feet, this panel will be at water's edge.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Natural Resources • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1994.
Location. 37° 56.466′ N, 119° 1.733′ W. Marker is near Lee Vining, California, in Mono County. It can be reached from California Route 120, 4.7 miles east of U.S. 395. Located on the South Tufa Interpretive Trail, Ό mile from the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lee Vining CA 93541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies
this page online
Regarding Mandated Mono Lake Level.
The lake level is not rising as expected. DWP is reluctant to reduce water exports from the Mono Basin because it will reduce the amount of clean, low-cost electricity generated along the L.A. Aqueduct. Also, the alternate sources of water are more expensive.
How Water Makes Rock:
When calcium-rich springs flow up through the lake bottom, the calcium bonds to carbonates in the lake water. Together they form calcium carbonate, a type of limestone. This solid material builds on itself, gradually forming a tufa tower. When the lake level drops, the exposed tufa stops growing.
Also see . . . Mono Lake Committee. A grassroots non-profit organization focused solely on Mono Lake, to protect the lake for future generations, heal the damage done by excessive water diversions, educate the public
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
2. Mono Lake Level in 1963
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
3. Mono Lake Level Markers
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
4. Mono Lake Level Markers
Mono Lake is visible in the distance.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
5. Lake Levels Over Time
Display at the visitor center in Lee Vining.
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
6. Petrified Springs (Tufa)
Photographed by Craig Baker, November 2, 2025
7. Mono Lake
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on November 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6, 7. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
