California storms …
Storms expected to batter California into new year
“With rain currently soaking much of Northern California, more atmospheric rivers are expected to spread across the state throughout the next week with a hope that much-needed snow will stick around. The National Weather Service Bay Area said hail and wind advisories across the San Francisco Bay Area would expire Tuesday morning. Winds with gusts of 45 mph buffeted mountain peaks and ridgetops, although some areas such as Mount Diablo, Lucas Valley and Mines Tower saw peak winds measured between 60 and 70 mph. Northern California could see isolated thunderstorms into Wednesday morning, with flood advisories expiring around 1 p.m. And it’s only the beginning. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Storms expected to batter California into new year
New timing and totals for incoming atmospheric rivers hitting Northern California
“Two more storms are heading into Northern California to round out the year with big travel impacts expected and possible flooding. The Sierra is finally seeing the rain turn to snow as colder air is arriving overnight. A Winter Storm Warning will continue for the Sierra until Wednesday at 4 a.m. The valley will see areas of fog but most of the day will be dry before the next storm arrives. This will be a welcome break after several inches of rain fell from the coast through the valley and foothills, all the way through the Sierra. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: New timing and totals for incoming atmospheric rivers hitting Northern California
Depending where you were, the Sierra either had great snow or slushy, slick roads
“Despite wet weather on Tuesday, the road up to the Sierra was not snow-covered. It was soaked and slushy. Drivers along Interstate 80 in Northern California met challenging driving conditions even though chain controls were not in place for much of the day. The forecast for Tuesday called for rain in the Sacramento Valley and snow in higher elevations, but somewhere in between, that rain and snow mix led to vehicles having plenty to contend with. Along that same area, the few businesses that call I-80 home — they rely on these seasonal drivers passing through — wished the rain would give way to snow already and now the messy mix of the two. … ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: Depending where you were, the Sierra either had great snow or slushy, slick roads
Atmospheric river hits California. Here’s what that means.
“As the United States begins to recover from a week of severe weather that left dozens dead, more storms are already in the forecast. An atmospheric river began moving through California on Tuesday, with another atmospheric river predicted for later in the week. Tuesday’s storm, which Matt Sitkowski — science editor-in-chief for The Weather Channel — called an “impressive” example of the phenomenon, was bringing heavy rain and high-elevation snow to parts of the West Coast state. Some portions of central California have already received over five inches of rain. … ” Read more from CBS News here: Atmospheric river hits California. Here’s what that means.
EXPLORE MORE COVERAGE:
- ‘A slight bit of melt’ | How the rain will impact the Sierra snowpack, from Channel 10
- The West Coast is being drenched by ‘atmospheric rivers.’ What are they?, from the Washington Post
- Relentless storm train to hammer western US travel, from AccuWeather
- Series of winter storms is headed for California. Here’s when each one is expected to hit, from the SF Chronicle
In other California water news today …
Federal court denies government request to delay hearing on plan to break 22 year-old Trinity River fishery restoration agreement
“On December 23, 2022, in a rare and scathing rebuke, Federal Judge Jennifer L. Thurston rejected the Justice Department’s request to postpone judicial review of the Bureau of Reclamation’s alleged breach of tribal sovereignty and property rights in a 22 year-old Trinity River fishery restoration agreement. “The Court has received and reviewed the United States’ request for a ten-day extension of time to respond to the Plaintiff’s [Hoopa Valley Tribe] pending motion for preliminary injunction,” (PI) Judge Thurston wrote. “This is not reasonable or justified”, she concluded in denying the request. Hoopa Valley Tribal Chairman Joe Davis welcomed the decision; “Our Tribe asked for the injunction after the Government broke our 2000 agreement with the United States to restore the Trinity River fishery that had been damaged by decades of Bureau of Reclamation mismanagement.” … ” Read more of this press release from the Hoopa Valley Tribe via Maven’s Notebook here: Federal court denies government request to delay hearing on plan to break 22 year-old Trinity River fishery restoration agreement
Groundwater recharge considerations in orchards
“In recent years, the practice of groundwater recharge has become more common as a method of preserving water and ensuring the longevity of farmland. Karun Samran of Bapu Farming Company has been recharging for several years and has seen great results with water usage and crop health. Farming over 1,000 acres of almonds and pistachios, spanning from Kern County to Merced County, Samran has been faced with the challenge that all California farmers face: not having enough water. Since 2019, he has seen more efforts in recharging groundwater and began the practice himself before he knew of any other plans for water distribution. … ” Read more from Ag Net West here: Groundwater recharge considerations in orchards
Snow sleuths: Researchers around the world join forces to investigate missing snow, improve water resources modeling
“A single snowflake hadn’t yet fallen when a team of civil and environmental engineering snow researchers descended on a small town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains this past fall. But that was intentional — they were preparing for the coming winter’s mission to answer a longstanding research question: What happens to snow after it falls? The researchers are investigating a phenomenon known as sublimation, which is the transition of snow directly from a solid state into water vapor, skipping the liquid stage. This is similar to the behavior of dry ice, in which frozen carbon dioxide vaporizes. Currently the largest source of uncertainty in snow modeling, sublimation has the potential to be an important insight for water resources management, especially estimating future water reserves. “Sublimation is an extremely hard thing to measure. Lots of people have tried and come to different conclusions,” says Professor Jessica Lundquist, who is co-leading the Sublimation of Snow (SOS) project. “This will be the first time it’s been looked at with this level of detail in a mountain region.” ... ” Read more from the University of Washington here: Snow sleuths: Researchers around the world join forces to investigate missing snow, improve water resources modeling
Army Corps releases Draft EIS on Delta Conveyance Project
“On December 19, 2022, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps), Sacramento District released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Delta Conveyance Project. The Army Corps is the federal agency tasked with evaluating the Delta Conveyance Project for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Cooperating federal agencies include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. … ” Read more from Nossaman’s California Water Views blog here: Army Corps releases Draft EIS on Delta Conveyance Project
SJV Water: 2022: So. Much. Water. News!
“Here we are nearing the end of another year. And the SJV Water team has been taking stock, reflecting and pondering the accumulation of news and events that made up 2022. (Really, we’re taking some much needed time off and I’m, personally, “checkin’ the snow pack” – code for skiing – and needed to stockpile some content. SHHH!) Even so, what a year. And what great coverage by SJV Water. Here’s a sampling of what we covered. Oh and, hint, hint, some of this info may come up in a quiz later. See y’all next year! … ” Read more from SJV Water here: SJV Water: 2022: So. Much. Water. News!
In commentary today …
10 years later, California’s promise of a human right to water remains unfulfilled
Jenny Rempel, a doctoral student in the UC Berkeley Energy & Resources Group, and Dr. Kristin Dobbin, an assistant professor of cooperative extension in the UC Berkeley Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, write, “Ten years ago, Californians impacted by unsafe and unaffordable water secured legal recognition of the human right to water. Since then, activists have leveraged California’s vital water law to promote safe, affordable and accessible water for all. But we are still far from achieving its intended purpose. More than 1 million Californians still face water insecurity caused by ongoing contamination, high water rates and groundwater well failures, among other challenges. When the state Legislature reconvenes next week, it is time to make good on the decade-old promise under Assembly Bill 685. ... ” Continue reading at Cal Matters here: 10 years later, California’s promise of a human right to water remains unfulfilled
Droughts, technology thrust desal to the fore
Columnist Thomas Elias writes, “It has taken an unprecedented series of multi-year droughts, conversion of thousands of California lawns to water-sparing cacti and other plants and stricter than ever water rationing in many parts of the state, but at last it’s beginning to look like Samuel Coleridge’s sailor may have been premature. For there’s plenty of Pacific Ocean water being drunk in California today, with every indication suggesting there will be much more to come. No, California will likely never be like Israel, drawing 90 percent of its drinking water from desalinized sea water. But eventually, it’s now probable that such purified brine will eventually make up something more than 10 percent of the state’s supply. This looks like a simple necessity. … ” Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Droughts, technology thrust desal to the fore
Promising research on Pacific Salmon
Columnist Denis Pierce writes, “The salmon runs in the north state have been in overall decline for half a century. The populations are cyclical. Last year, we had a substantial run on the Lower Yuba. The spring run came on strong and the fall run was also good. The peaks and the troughs of the cycle have been trending downward. This season, the salmon returns were disappointing. With warm low water, the few fish that came were late. When the fish were running, the bite was off on the Feather and Sacramento Rivers. In the last few years biologists working on the issue have made some promising progress. In 2020 at the Coleman Fish Hatchery near Red Bluff, which services the Sacramento River salmon run, there were some disturbing things going on with juvenile salmon. … ” Read more at the Union here: Promising research on Pacific Salmon
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
Video: Klamath River dam removal project has political concerns
“For more than 18 years, indigenous tribes in Northern California have been fighting to get four dams on the Klamath River removed. They say that the removal of the dams will bring more salmon and steelhead back to the river. We take a look at the concerns being raised by some local residents and politicians, as well as what’s being done to address some of those concerns.” Watch video at KDRV here: Video: Klamath River dam removal project has political concerns
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Tahoe weather: Chain controls in effect; Storms taking aim at basin into new year
“As the latest storm leaves Lake Tahoe, several more are gearing up to impact the basin through the new year and beyond. Chain controls are in effect Wednesday morning for many Tahoe highways, including over Echo, Mt. Rose, Spooner and Donner summits. California State Route 89 is also closed at Emerald Bay. After a break from rain and snow on Wednesday, the active weather pattern will ramp up again with a series of storms through the new year. The National Weather Service in Reno says a quick-hitting cooler storm will enter the Lake Tahoe Basin on Thursday bringing 4 to 8 inches of snow along the Sierra crest with 2 to 4 inches possible at lake level and 2 inches is possible across western Nevada foothills with little to no accumulation expected in the valleys. … ” Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Tahoe weather: Chain controls in effect; Storms taking aim at basin into new year
Tahoe could soon get more than 8 feet of new snow. Here are the best times to ski this week
“Lake Tahoe is getting nuked with precipitation this week, but that’s not necessarily a promise of great skiing. The storms hammering the region, during what is typically the busiest ski week of the year, are set to unload as much rain as snow in the mountains — if not more — according to forecasts. That makes skiing a fickle endeavor for the foreseeable future. In fact, most of the region’s 10 major ski areas were closed on Monday due to rough weather. The storm that began drenching the Bay Area Monday night has delivered between 5 and 10 inches of snow to the tops of Tahoe’s mountains — and the mountaintops are where most of the snow is primed to land over the next week. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Tahoe could soon get more than 8 feet of new snow. Here are the best times to ski this week
NAPA/SONOMA
Storm brings heavy rain to Sonoma County, more on the way
“Sonoma County is in store for a stretch of steady rainfall weather experts believe will continue over the next few days, into the weekend. Forecasters also predict potential flooding across the region, much like that which shut down area roads Tuesday morning. Light rain may develop Wednesday night before consistent rainfall arrives Thursday night, lasting through Sunday. “It could just hang out in the North Bay there,” Rick Canepa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office in Monterey, said Tuesday. “It could add up to serious amounts of rainfall if it keeps going.” … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Storm brings heavy rain to Sonoma County, more on the way
Can recycled water save the Russian River?
“Most communities get their water from rivers, lakes or groundwater reservoirs. Unfortunately, we frequently deplete water from those resources faster than they can replenish themselves: river’s rate of recharge might be hampered by excessive withdrawal, which would also cause the little streams that spawn from it to dry up; and when we overdraft from lakes and groundwater aquifers those sources can also dry up, only recovering if people stop drawing water. With climate change creating greater unpredictability and California potentially entering its fourth year of drought conditions, the challenge of maximizing the supply of clean water is one that faces many communities throughout the state. Recycled water can be a critical component of the solution. … ” Read more from the Sonoma County Gazette here: Can recycled water save the Russian River?
BAY AREA
Bay Area storm ‘opening the door’ for wet new year, forecasters say
“As the Bay Area absorbs an atmospheric river soaking the region, forecasters say multiple subsequent storm systems will follow closely behind, ringing in the new year with a torrent of wet weather. “This first one is opening the storm door for us,” said NWS Meteorologist Cindy Palmer. Residents were put on alert Tuesday after the National Weather Service recorded winds upward of 40 mph throughout the greater Bay Area, and a flood watch was issued based on predictions of as much as four inches of rain in some areas. The flood watch was accompanied by a flood advisory, which is less severe, for more inland areas. Commuters and roadside crews grappled with minor flooding caused by drainage issues, but no major incidents were reported in the area Tuesday. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Bay Area storm ‘opening the door’ for wet new year, forecasters say
A day of atmospheric river calamities was just the tip of the iceberg
“Tuesday was full of storm-created surprises as the atmospheric river starts its run. A San Ramon sporting goods store’s roof collapsed. Monstrous waves with 20-foot crests are crashing against the coast in Marin County. Flooding slowed morning commutes creating a three-mile backup on the Highway 101 in Monterey County. “It’s very likely to be [the] wettest end of year in the Bay Area and north Central Coast since 2005,” the National Weather Service (NWS) said Monday on social media. Air travelers are stranded at Bay Area airports as the bomb cyclone deals havoc across the nation. “It’s just been a disaster,” Oakland resident Amanda Glazer told The Standard. Canceled flights ruined her travel plans. … ” Read more from The Standard here: A day of atmospheric river calamities was just the tip of the iceberg
Commentary: Valley Water resumes in-person tours at advanced purification center
Richard Santos, Valley Water director for District 3, writes, “After a 2 1/2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of Santa Clara County’s best in-person tours is open to the public again. I’m thrilled to announce that residents can now register for an in-person tour of the award-winning Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center in San Jose. This tour provides guests with a firsthand look at the technology used to turn recycled wastewater into water purified to a level that meets California’s drinking standards. Expanding our use of purified water is crucial for Santa Clara County, which is enduring its third year of drought. Climate change will result in hotter and drier weather, leaving us with less water. That’s why it’s essential we invest in new technologies such as purified water to help ensure there’s enough water for us now and in the future. … ” Read more from the San Jose Spotlight here: Commentary: Valley Water resumes in-person tours at advanced purification center
CENTRAL COAST
Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopens renovated roads, trails
“California State Parks announced that four miles of newly renovated roads and trails inside the fire-scarred Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopened to the public Friday. “We are pushing to reopen fire-damaged trail segments in Big Basin as they are safely reconstructed and look forward to welcoming more visitors in 2023,” said California State Parks Superintendent Chris Spohrer. “These newly opened trails offer a novel window to witness the remarkable recovery of the ancient forest.” “Big Basin is thriving and opening more trails is a great gift in a remarkable year of progress at California’s oldest state park,” said Sempervirens Fund Executive Director Sara Barth. “This milestone is a testament to the diligence and commitment of California State Parks, partner organizations, donors, volunteers and the community supporting the park’s future and the forest’s recovery from wildfire.” … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopens renovated roads, trails
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Winter storm hits the Central Valley with almost double the amount of normal rainfall
“The Central Valley has seen one of the wettest Decembers in a long time. According to the National Weather Service in Handford, the normal amount of precipitation is 1.45 inches. This month alone Fresno has gotten 2.61 inches of rain, that’s almost double the amount. Looking across the Central Valley we are seeing flooding in Fresno and Lemoore causing traffic to slow down. … ” Read more from Fox News here: Winter storm hits the Central Valley with almost double the amount of normal rainfall
Let’s talk water: TID podcast delves into complex water, power issues and more
“What do you think about first when you want to listen to a podcast? Food? Sports? Entertainment? True crime? How about water? Turlock Irrigation District isn’t just in the water and power business these days, it’s also gotten into the podcast game — hosted by Constance Anderson, the TID communications division manager, and produced by Brandon McMillan, TID communications specialist. Turns out, water and power issues are surprisingly interesting. Who knew? Well, TID general manager Michelle Reimers, that’s who. … ” Read more from the Turlock Journal here: Let’s talk water: TID podcast delves into complex water, power issues and more
Cal Water customers in Bakersfield cut back usage 16.8% year over year
“Bakersfield customers of California Water Service succeeded again last month in cutting back their use of water, achieving a 16.8 percent reduction as compared with a year prior, according to data released Tuesday. Extending local year-over-year reductions to a seventh consecutive month, the savings contributed to systemwide cutbacks that in November amounted to 13.6 percent less water use by Cal Water customers as compared with a year earlier. The company, which serves half of Bakersfield, reported that last month’s cutbacks came as the seventh consecutive month in which Cal Water’s 2 million customers across the state managed to cut back their water consumption year over year. … ” Read more from the Bakersfield Californian here: Cal Water customers in Bakersfield cut back usage 16.8% year over year
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Low on water, but high on celebrity, Las Virgenes seeks wastewater purification facility
“A celebrity-studded, water-strapped region on the western edge of Los Angeles County has cleared a major hurdle for the construction of a water purification facility that officials say will help reduce local dependence on supplies imported from Northern California. The board of the Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority this week approved a final impact report for the proposed Pure Water Project at 30800 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills — a facility that would purify the millions of gallons of treated wastewater that are used for irrigation or flushed into the Pacific Ocean. The facility would supply water to about 75,000 residents in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills and Westlake Village, and about 14,000 residents in Ventura’s Oak Park. The communities have long relied almost entirely on state supplies. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Low on water, but high on celebrity, Las Virgenes seeks wastewater purification facility
Cleared of 20,000 cubic yards of sediment and debris, Devil’s Gate Reservoir ready for winter storm
“The Los Angeles County Public Works removed over 20,000 cubic yards of sediments that flowed into the Devil’s Gate Reservoir in the past storm season during the annual maintenance of the reservoir. The annual maintenance of the reservoir immediately behind the nearly 100-year-old Devil’s Gate Dam, includes clearing vegetation within the reservoir basin, excavating excess sediment that washed in during the past storm season, and repairing erosion within the side slopes, according to the LA County Public Works. “This annual fall work [was] necessary to allow the dam to regulate high runoff flows that may occur during the upcoming storm season, mitigating flood risk to communities downstream,” the LA County Public Works said in a release. … ” Read more from Pasadena Now here: Cleared of 20,000 cubic yards of sediment and debris, Devil’s Gate Reservoir ready for winter storm
Orange County Water District research projects awarded federal funding to advance water innovation
“The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) was awarded funding from the United States Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) for two research projects to test innovative water treatment technologies. “As a leader in water reuse, groundwater management and water quality, OCWD is committed to support research in these areas to enhance its operations and enable further advancements throughout the entire water industry,” said OCWD President Cathy Green. “Our research and development department is exemplary, and I would like to congratulate them for their ongoing work to evaluate promising new technologies that support our mission to provide a high–quality, reliable water supply to 2.5 million people.” … ” Continue reading at Orange County Water District here: Orange County Water District research projects awarded federal funding to advance water innovation
Along the Colorado River …
Thousands will live here one day (as long as they can find water)
“Surrounded by miles of creosote and ocotillo in the Sonoran Desert, state officials and business leaders gathered in October against the backdrop of the ragged peaks of the White Tank Mountains to applaud a plan to turn 37,000 acres of arid land west of Phoenix into the largest planned community ever proposed in Arizona. The development, Teravalis, is expected to have 100,000 homes and 55 million square feet of commercial space. But to make it happen, the project’s developer, the Howard Hughes Corporation, will need to gain access to enough water for its projected 300,000 residents and 450,000 workers. Teravalis is seen by local and state leaders as a crowning achievement in a booming real estate market, but it also represents the intensifying challenge in Arizona and other fast-growing Southwestern states: to build huge mixed-use projects in an era of water scarcity. … ” Continue reading at the New York Times here (gift article): Thousands will live here one day (as long as they can find water)
Meet the ditch riders who keep the Phoenix area irrigation water system flowing
“Phoenix was built on the remains of an ancient Hohokam city. When the first settlers arrived, they built their farms around irrigation canals the Hohokam left behind. But they were at the mercy of the river. In the early 1900s, the farmers got together, and, with the help of the government, built a dam to harness the Salt River. The canals soon had a system of irrigation ditches called laterals, which linked farms and homes to the main canals. For a time, they were such a vital part of life in the Valley that people gave their lateral number rather than their street address. Today, about 24,000 people still irrigate their lawns and gardens. Although gravity does a lot of the work, it takes a person to operate the gates and valves in the system. They’re called zanjeros. “Another word for it would be ditch rider, or irrigator,” said Patrick Krause, a zanjero for Salt River Project. … ” Read more from KJZZ here: Meet the ditch riders who keep the Phoenix area irrigation water system flowing
In national water news today …
Newly proposed method harvests untapped sources of fresh water
“While significant parts of the globe are already facing significant freshwater scarcity, the need for more freshwater is projected to increase in order to sustain the increasing global population and economic growth and adapt to climate change.An almost limitless supply of fresh water exists in the form of water vapor above Earth’s oceans, yet remains untapped. Now, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) have proposed a new infrastructure capable of harvesting oceanic water vapor as a solution to limited supplies of fresh water in various locations around the world. The study evaluated 14 water-stressed locations across the globe for the feasibility of a hypothetical structure capable of capturing water vapor from above the ocean and condensing it into fresh water – and doing so in a manner that will remain feasible in the face of continued climate change. … ” Continue reading at Inceptive Mind here: Newly proposed method harvests untapped sources of fresh water
