Is Pyramid Lake safe? Toxic algae status
Los Angeles County, California. Harmful algal bloom (blue-green algae) reports from the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Data checked 24 October 2026. California data is updated daily.
28
bloom reports since 2016
9 of 11
years with a bloom reported (2016–2026)
6
advisories recommended: 4 Caution, 2 Warning, 0 Danger
Year by year
Each box shows bloom reports logged that year, coloured by the highest advisory recommended.
Reports at Pyramid Lake are most often logged in May, July and August.
Recent reports
| Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 29 August 2026 | spanish point | Bloom reported |
| 8 July 2025 | Beartrap day use | Caution |
| 1 July 2025 | Bear trap beach (boat-in beach) | Caution |
| 14 July 2022 | Vista Del Lago Visitors Center | Caution |
| 17 May 2022 | Pyramid Lake, Vaquero Swim beach | Warning |
| 17 May 2022 | Pyramid Lake, Emigrant Landing Swim beach | Warning |
| 17 May 2022 | Pyramid Lake, outlet, surface | Bloom reported |
| 14 May 2021 | Emigrant Landing Swim Beach | Bloom reported |
| 3 May 2021 | outlet/Angeles Tunnel inlet | Bloom reported |
| 3 May 2021 | Vaquero Swim Beach | Bloom reported |
| 16 July 2020 | Pyramid Lake | Bloom reported |
| 11 May 2020 | Pyramid Lake, Vaquero Swim Beach | Bloom reported |
What the results mean
Algae may be present. Stay away from scum and discoloured water, and keep pets and livestock from drinking it.
Toxins at higher levels. No swimming, and keep pets and children well away from the water.
High toxin levels. Stay out of the water and off the shoreline.
Dogs and toxic algae
Dogs face the greatest risk because they swallow water and lick algae off their fur. If a bloom has been reported, keep dogs out of the water and away from scum on the shore. If your dog swims in water that might have algae, rinse it with clean water straight away and call a vet if it seems unwell.
Common questions
Is Pyramid Lake safe to swim in?
The most recent entry in California's published data is from 29 August 2026: bloom reported (spanish point). Blooms have been recorded at Pyramid Lake in 9 different years, so treat green, scummy or discoloured water with caution. For current conditions, check the California HABs Portal map and posted signs.
When does Pyramid Lake get algae blooms?
In the state's records, reports are most often logged in May, July and August. Blooms are most likely in warm, calm weather, but they can appear at other times of year.
Source: California State Water Resources Control Board, official data. This page is independent and not affiliated with the State of California.