PASO ROBLES, Calif. (AP) -- Central California's 18-mile-long Lake Nacimiento is filled to capacity for the first time in decades.

A season of drenching storms and runoff sent water flowing over the dam's spillway on Sunday, the first time it's done that since 1983 and the fourth time in its 55-year history. The lake capacity is 378,480 acre-feet of water.

Nacimiento is north of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County, but it's owned and operated by Monterey County as part of its Salinas Valley Water Project. It provides flood control, water for farmers and prevents saltwater intrusion into the valley's aquifer.

The San Luis Obispo County Tribune says a full reservoir means more recreational opportunities and plenty of water downstream for farmers.

___

Information from: The Tribune, http://www.sanluisobispo.com

Copyright 2011 The AP.