Lake Success (California)

An entire cemetery was moved to allow the creation of Success Lake. Luck was with the construction company as it was one of those years that we did not have much rain, and when they made the final fill on the dam, the Tule River was only about four feet wide. Lost in the construction of the dam was Bartlett Park and Porterville Beach. Families also lost their places, including the Wilcox family, Lewis family, Templeton family and the Kaufman family. Kincaid Cover is still called by the family name and is a site of many Indian artifacts that are in the process of being preserved. On the Wilcox Ranch was the Wilcox cemetery, which had to be moved to the Home of Peace Cemetery at the Porterville Cemetery, where they rest today. Some of the dates of the burials were as far back as 1859. Louis Stephens was in charge of the moving of the graves. Sardis Templeton was present and wanted the $20 gold pieces that were supposed to have covered the eyes of Origin Wilcox. However, the $20 gold pieces had turned into 50-cent pieces, and they let Sardis keep them. At one time Sardis was the editor of the Porterville Recorder when Homer Wood was the owner and publisher.

Success Lake faced an uncertain future in 1999 when surveys indicated that Success Dam might fail in an earthquake. The lake level was drawn down to 28,000-acre-feet in 2004, contributing to the loss of the marina and seriously interfering with water recreation. Later study proved those fears to be unfounded, and the reservoir has since been refilled to 65,000* acre feet. The public is slowly starting to realize that Lake Success is back in all its glory.

A 1,499-acre wildlife refuge protects a portion of the northwest shoreline and is considered to be one of the best bird-watching sites in Tulare County. American pelicans and Canada geese are often seen on the lake, while mallards, grebes and coots shelter closer to the shore. Bald eagles soar over the lake, while migratory shorebirds wade in the shallows. Wetlands along the shoreline provide habitat for herons, egrets and kingfishers. The surrounding grasslands and pothole ponds are a fine place to view blacktail deer, California quail, cottontails and jackrabbits. Some areas are open for hunting in season. Trails make access to the wildlife area easy for hikers and add considerably to the natural experience.

In the science fiction novel Lucifer's Hammer, written by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, fragments of a comet strike the Earth, causing massive tidal waves to destroy most of the planet's coastal cities. Los Angeles is completely destroyed, and the collapse of dams throughout California causes the San Joaquin Valley to become an inland sea. The collapse of Success Dam is witnessed by two of the characters. After the disasters subside, an enclave of civilization forms in the fictional "Silver Valley", located slightly east or northeast of Springville, just north of the Middle Fork of the Tule River.

Boating is a favorite activity at Lake Success. All types of watercraft are allowed, so on hot summer weekends the waters are a beehive of activity with water skiers, jet-skiers, power-boaters and sailboats sharing space with fishing boats, canoes and kayaks. A 5 mph boat speed limit is imposed from dusk to dawn, and water skiing and jet-skiing are forbidden during those hours. The quiet waters of the many coves along the irregular shoreline make canoeing and kayaking especially popular. The lake is considered one of the best lakes in the Valley for large mouth bass, and tournaments are often held here. The bass aren't usually lunkers but are plentiful. In addition, bluegills, crappie, channel catfish and occasional trout are caught. A floating marina is also available on Success Lake; Success Lake Marina. The lake has since been refilled as the dam has passed all inspections

Rocky Hill Campground offers only non-electric sites, but has another boat launch ramp and a picnic area. Day-use Bartlett Park has picnic shelters and a playground. All three sites provide a lovely view of the lake against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada foothills. There are no designated beach areas, but informal swim areas are located nearby.

There is no real estate available directly along the shoreline, although some properties overlook the lake and its buffer zone of public property. Real estate can be found away from the lake, and plenty of alternative lodgings are available in the area, from motels to cabins, bed-and-breakfasts and private rentals.

• List of dams and reservoirs in California
• List of lakes in California

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Success Lake

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