Big Bear, Ca, January 5, 2011, 4:00pm – Due to the heavy rains and snow the Big Bear Valley has received in the past few weeks, the Municipal Water District continues to release water from the lake. Currently flow rate varies between 25 and 150 cubic feet per second. The MWD anticipates continued low level releases for the balance of the winter to maintain the lake water from spilling over the dam. Scott Huele, General Manager of the MWD told KBHR that the release of water from the lake, actually provides some benefits that many may not be aware of. By draining water from the bottom of the lake, it helps get rid of the stagnant water at the bottom, and helps aerate the water, which makes for a healthier lake.