The principal rivers that flow into Shasta Lake are the Sacramento, the Pit, and the McCloud. The water from these rivers accumulate from a 6,665 square mile drainage area above the dam. The main goal of the operational plans is the upkeep of the facilities in conjunction with environmental concerns and regulations. These concerns are mainly the survival of the winter-run Chinook Salmon. The Salmon are now protected under Federal and State Endangered Species Acts.
Temperature is an important environmental variable affecting fish growth.
This TDC would improve the temperature of the water by releasing water from different levels of the dam, then go into the power house to generate electricity.