Heavy storms a strange setback for Hume Lake

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- While many people looked forward to the heavy rain last week, the wet weather caused a setback at the Hume Lake Dam.

In the past few years Hume Lake has been in desperate need of water. But this month, people who rely on the lake are desperate for the rain to stop temporarily so construction can continue.

During the summer months Hume lake is typically brimming with tourists.

But this year, Hume Lake Christian Camp leaders say they are worried if they will see a lake at all.

"We've been praying it would rain at the right time, be dry at the right time," Dathan Brown with the camp said.

Hume Lake was emptied out five months ago so contractors could repair cracks lining the bottom of the dam.

Forest rangers say the work was going seamlessly until March, when it started raining frequently.

"When you have too much water coming out of that," Brown said. "It's dif ficult to grout. It's like grouting your bathtub when it's full of water."

Normally rain is welcomed in this parched forest, but none of it can be contained until the dam is completed.

"It's funny to say we don't want water, because we desperately still need it, but for this particular location it would be good to have a few dry days," Benson said.

There is a plan to refill the lake.

Water will flow in from Ten Mile Creek and a cofferdam, but the lake will also need rain -- rain that's been escaping.

"Once the dam is done, we're praying to god it'll bring rain, snow, that the lake will be filled this summer," Brown said.

For a camp that's experienced its fair share of scares before camp leaders are hopeful this time nature will help them pull through again.

"We find ourselves in an interesting position much like during the Rough Fire, totally dependent on God," Brown said.

If the weather remains dry construction should wrap up by the end of this week and a final round of inspections needs to happen before the lake is refilled.