California storms …
Flooding concerns rise with excessive rainfall and runoff in the forecast
“A series of storms hitting California for the last week of 2022 is bringing dangerous travel conditions and growing flood concerns. The second and third storms hit Thursday through Saturday with periods of heavy rain and snow. After a short break Sunday, more storms are in store to start 2023. Thursday will be showery with snow level near 4,000 to 4,500 feet. A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday for the lower Sierra. Periods of difficult and slow travel during the morning with 3 to 12 inches of snow possible. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: Flooding concerns rise with excessive rainfall and runoff in the forecast
With more storms on the way, thousands on the West Coast have no power after strong winds, heavy rain and snow push through
“A strong storm system bringing heavy rain, mountain snow and hurricane-force wind gusts to much of the drought-parched western United States has left more than 60,000 customers without power as the region braces for more wet, blustery weather in coming days. Eight Western states are under winter weather alerts as of 3 p.m. PT (6 p.m. ET) Wednesday. Oregon accounts for about 70% of the electricity outages, followed by Washington and California, according to PowerOutage.us. … Several more rounds of moisture will inundate the West this week, bringing temporary relief to a region suffering under prolonged drought conditions. … ” Read more from CNN here: With more storms on the way, thousands on the West Coast have no power after strong winds, heavy rain and snow push through
Atmospheric river triggers Lake Tahoe flood watch
“The Tahoe area is bracing for what’s sure to be an active weather pattern between Wednesday night and the last weekend of the year. Two powerful winter storms, fueled by a raging atmospheric river, are set to march into the Sierra Nevada. Much of the region already received a solid coating of snow earlier this week and more is on the way. Heavy rain is forecast to fall on top of fresh snow, intensifying the risk for flooding. A flood watch issued by the National Weather service for the greater Lake Tahoe area will go into effect 7 a.m. Friday and last through Sunday morning. … Melting snow and additional rain showers between Thursday and Friday at lower levels of the mountains will continue to saturate the soils in the region. This will raise the concern for widespread runoff along rural roads and highways off I-80, especially by Friday night as the second winter storm rolls into the Tahoe area. … ” Read the full story at the San Francisco Chronicle here: Atmospheric river triggers Lake Tahoe flood watch
SEE ALSO:
- CW3E AR Update: 28 December 2022 Outlook: Landfalling AR to bring additional precipitation and impacts to California 30–31 December 2022, from the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes
- Could West Coast’s atmospheric river help undo drought conditions? Too early to tell, experts say, from ABC News
In other California water news today …
Legendary California fishery and water quality activist Bill Jennings dies at age 79
“The California Sportfishing Protection Alliance and the fish of California lost Bill Jennings on December 27, 2022. Above all, Bill was a relentless activist. For over 40 years, he used the law, meticulously documented data, an irascible wit, and a stinging pen to defend and protect his beloved Bay-Delta Estuary and all the rivers that feed it. Bill was chairman of CSPA’s board of directors since 1988 and its executive director since 2005. He led CSPA in decades of battles to increase flows into the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta and through to San Francisco Bay. He campaigned tirelessly against multiple incarnations of canals and tunnels around the Delta. Through his “Watershed Enforcers” program, Bill chased down stormwater, wastewater, and agricultural polluters all over the state. … ” Read more from the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance here: Legendary California fishery and water quality activist Bill Jennings dies at age 79
Congressman Harder: tunnel will ‘crush’ farmers, ruin environment
“Not building the controversial Delta means Southern California and Bay Area cities would need to invest in desalination plants and groundwater recharge of brackish water that could impact the visual pleasantries of coastal scenery. That is the bottom line buried in the no-project alternative of the Army Corps of Engineers’ latest 691-page Environmental Impact Study on the proposed Delta tunnel study released this week. The report determined building the tunnel will have major impacts on San Joaquín County as well as the Northern San Joaquin Valley including agricultural, local water supply, air quality, endangered species, and essential fish habitat. The tunnel — if built — could have domino impacts beyond the actual project. The Army Corps of Engineers has declined to hold any in-person hearings for feedback on the study whose comment period ends Feb. 14, 2002. That fact has drawn a sharp rebuke from Congressman Josh Harder. ... ” Read more from the Manteca Bulletin here: Congressman Harder: tunnel will ‘crush’ farmers, ruin environment
Pricing groundwater will help solve California’s water problems
Dr. Ellen Bruno writes, “In the face of its worst drought in centuries, California is finally getting around to regulating its groundwater use. As an agricultural economist who studies water regulation in California, I think this is a unique chance to change the way we price groundwater and protect this scarce resource. But I’m worried that we might not make the most of this opportunity.The Western US is currently in the midst of a megadrought — since 2000, the region has seen its driest two decades in more than a thousand years, in part because climate change has brought more heat and less rain and snow.This has put a huge strain on California’s groundwater supplies. The problem is that in most of California, agricultural groundwater use has long been a free-for-all. … ” Read the full story at Freethink here: Pricing groundwater will help solve California’s water problems
Q&A: Tim Johnson, California Rice Commission
“This September, 300,000 of California’s 550,000 acres of rice fields lay barren—over half the state’s rice crop. Instead of miles of soft green grasses swaying amid shimmering water, the state’s rice fields were cracked bare dirt, some crowded with weeds. “It is now just a wasteland,” a third-generation rice farmer told the San Francisco Chronicle. Three consecutive years of drought have had an unprecedented impact on the rice industry. What does the future hold? We spoke with Tim Johnson, the Founding President and CEO of the California Rice Commission, to find out what rice growers are doing to adapt to climate change and how different interest groups are learning to approach water use more holistically in order to get the most out of this limited resource. … ” Read more from Capitol Weekly here: Q&A: Tim Johnson, California Rice Commission
How will climate change affect California’s ski industry?
” … The impacts of climate change are prevalent in recent precipitation patterns, from record snowfall in 2017 followed by one of the most severe droughts in California’s history. The impacts of climate change are widespread and one industry that will certainly be affected is California’s ski industry. While warming temperatures are unquestionably a major concern associated with climate change, Mike Reitzell, President of Ski California, pointed to another symptom of a warming climate here in California. “The number one thing has been variability and volatility, you know, that each season we come into, you really don’t know what you’re gonna get. I mean, last season being a real perfect example,” said Reitzell. … ” Read more from Channel 10 here: How will climate change affect California’s ski industry?
San Francisco’s fog could be a casualty of climate change… but it could also be a solution
“On a chilly spring morning at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, a thin line of pure white fog stretched its way under the bridge deck and out toward Alcatraz. As the waves crashed up onto the pavement at high tide, a man in a paint-spattered hoodie and a warm hat delicately traced the path of the fog with a brush, making a tiny oil painting of the fleeting image on a wooden board. … [W]ith his paintings of changing fog at the Golden Gate, Marcelo might actually be documenting yet another casualty of climate change. “We had a hunch that the fog was changing, but we didn’t really know how,” said Todd Dawson, a plant ecology professor at U.C. Berkeley. … ” Read more from NBC Bay Area here: San Francisco’s fog could be a casualty of climate change… but it could also be a solution
Biden signs bill to study salt lakes in drought-hit US West
“Scientists will get $25 million to study salt lake ecosystems in the drought-stricken U.S. West, as President Joe Biden signed legislation Tuesday allocating the funds in the face of unprecedented existential threats caused by the lack of water. The funding allows the United States Geological Survey to study the hydrology of the ecosystems in and around Utah’s Great Salt Lake, California’s Mono Lake, Oregon’s Lake Albert and other saline lakes. Amid a decadeslong drought, less snowmelt has flowed through the rivers that feed into the lakes, causing shorelines to recede and lake levels to plummet. Dwindling lake levels jeopardize the people, animals and businesses that rely on maintaining the ecosystem. … ” Read more from the Associated Press here: Biden signs bill to study salt lakes in drought-hit US West
California had a watershed climate year, but time is running out
“California made historic investments in climate measures this year, as state leaders warned of current and escalating climate risks. “We’re dealing with such extremes that all our modeling, even updated modeling, needs to be thrown out,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom when he signed more than 40 bills to fight climate change in September. “The hots are just so much hotter. The dries are so much drier.” No other jurisdiction in the world is doing what California is doing, he said of the ambitious suite of laws underpinning his California Climate Commitment. Environmental advocates cheered many of the measures. But some also warned that the oil industry’s determination to keep a stranglehold on climate policy threatens to stall or reverse hard-won gains. … ” Read more from Inside Climate News here: California had a watershed climate year, but time is running out
In commentary today …
Is racism behind the Delta’s decline?
Columnist Michael Fitzgerald writes, “Greed and outmoded ideas about nature are usually blamed for the death spiral of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. A new complaint identifies another culprit: white supremacy. Stockton’s Little Manila Rising and Restore the Delta, the Winnemem Wintu and Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, and Save California Salmon allege that racism is baked into California’s water system. “The ecological crisis in the Bay-Delta, like California’s water rights regime, is rooted in white supremacy,” begins a 288-page complaint to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It alleges that the state Water Resources Control Board is failing to do its job to set clean water standards for the Delta — which is true — and this mostly hurts people of color, a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requiring all groups be given equal treatment under the law. To my mind, a persuasive legal argument. … ” Read more from Stocktonia here: Is racism behind the Delta’s decline?
In regional water news and commentary today …
NORTH COAST
A victory for salmon as superfluous dam comes down
“From the Elwha River in Washington to the Klamath in California dams are coming down and fish are moving back up the freed waterways. Not all dam removals are large scale though. Just south of the little hamlet of Leggett where Highway’s 1 and 101 meet in Mendocino County sits Cedar Creek. A tributary of the South Fork of the Eel River, Cedar Creek had been mostly cut off to spawning salmon for over 60 years thanks to a small decommissioned dam from an abandoned hatchery. Now the eight foot tall dam is gone and Peter Tira with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said its a huge win for Cedar Creek. … ” Read more from Northern California Public Media here: A victory for salmon as superfluous dam comes down
New twist for Potter Valley Project
“As PG&E prepares its plan for decommissioning the inter-basin water transfer hydropower project that diverts water from the Eel River to the Russian River, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, announced that it is considering reopening the license. That means that, although it granted PG&E an annual license in April, it’s thinking about adding requirements for a number of wildlife protection and habitat monitoring measures that were proposed in March by the National Marine Fisheries Service, another federal regulatory agency. PG&E argues that the decommissioning process will provide plenty of opportunity to review protective measures, and that there’s no evidence of harm to embattled salmon. But FERC appears to have taken notice of legal threats by environmental groups claiming the project violates the Endangered Species Act. … ” Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: New twist for Potter Valley Project
More storms forecast for Northern CA, bringing potential flooding to the North Coast
“Another round of rain is in the forecast for the North Coast, following on the heels of Monday’s atmospheric river, and the National Weather Service (NWS) in Eureka is predicting an increased possibility of flooding in the coming days. As of the time of publication, a flood watch is in effect for the majority of Mendocino County, southern Trinity County, and northern Lake County from Thursday afternoon, December 29, until Saturday morning, December 31. Between two and four inches of rain is anticipated, with up to six inches of rain possible at higher elevations. Snow levels will be higher in elevation on Friday and Saturday across the region. … ” Continue reading at the Mendocino Beacon here: More storms forecast for Northern CA, bringing potential flooding to the North Coast
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Atmospheric river triggers Lake Tahoe flood watch
“The Tahoe area is bracing for what’s sure to be an active weather pattern between Wednesday night and the last weekend of the year. Two powerful winter storms, fueled by a raging atmospheric river, are set to march into the Sierra Nevada. Much of the region already received a solid coating of snow earlier this week and more is on the way. Heavy rain is forecast to fall on top of fresh snow, intensifying the risk for flooding. A flood watch issued by the National Weather service for the greater Lake Tahoe area will go into effect 7 a.m. Friday and last through Sunday morning. … Melting snow and additional rain showers between Thursday and Friday at lower levels of the mountains will continue to saturate the soils in the region. This will raise the concern for widespread runoff along rural roads and highways off I-80, especially by Friday night as the second winter storm rolls into the Tahoe area. … ” Read the full story at the San Francisco Chronicle here: Atmospheric river triggers Lake Tahoe flood watch
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
What work is being done to protect Sacramento from flooding?
“The Sacramento region has seen devastating flooding in years past, and each winter, there’s a concern another disaster could hit. Now, with another big storm on the way this week, we’re getting answers on just what work is being done to help protect the area when river levels rise. The Sacramento region has some of the highest flood risk in the nation. “The water that falls either as rain or snow can come down the watershed very rapidly,” said Tim Kerr, general manager of the American River Flood Control District. Sacramento County last saw severe flooding in 2017, and since then, several multi-million dollar projects have been launched in an effort to increase flood protection. … ” Read more from CBS Sacramento here: What work is being done to protect Sacramento from flooding?
NAPA/SONOMA
Legal settlement forces Sonoma County to consider impacts on rivers, streams before approving wells
“Environmentalists and Sonoma County recently settled a legal case over water, wells and their interplay with the Russian River. The deal will bring more regulations and higher costs…while also safeguarding local rivers and reducing the chance of wells running dry. Sean Bothwell is executive director of California Coastkeeper Alliance, which filed the suit. He said the issues locally demand immediate attention. “We don’t have time to wait for SGMA’s timeline before we start managing our groundwater sustainably. Salmon, other aquatic life, public trust resources, are being harmed now and it needs to be addressed now.” … ” Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Legal settlement forces county to consider impacts on rivers, streams before approving wells
BAY AREA
Atmospheric river set to bring more heavy rain to San Francisco Bay Area
“The San Francisco Bay Area got light to moderate rain from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, but residents may need to clear out their gutters again because another solid soaking is on the way. The National Weather Service reports that the region should see a break in the rain this afternoon, but the next wave arrives Thursday evening with a deep tropical moisture moving in. This atmospheric river is expected to bring even heavier rain Friday night, which will carry through to Saturday afternoon. The weather service has issued a flood watch for all of the Bay Area, Santa Cruz County and Big Sur from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. “A number of forecast points on East and South Bay streams and creeks are already forecast to rise above monitor stage and potentially above flood stage,” the weather service warns. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Atmospheric river set to bring more heavy rain to San Francisco Bay Area
SEE ALSO:
- Entire Bay Area under flood watch this weekend as more storms roll in, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Marin to see ‘excessive rainfall,’ flooding with new storms, from the Marin Independent Journal
- Bay Area winter storm: What to expect from today’s turbulent weather, from the San Francisco Chronicle
North Bay drought persists in 2022, despite preceding downpours
“North Bay farmers, fire agencies and other water stakeholders prepare to enter a new year hoping to avoid a “Groundhog Day” movie-like repeat of events akin to 2022’s. 2022 ended much like 2021, with downpours creating a sense of optimism of more consistent rain. However, if early 2023 weather patterns mimic 2022’s, the fear exists that the North Bay will see more drought in the coming years. And judging from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s winter drought outlook that spans Dec. 15 to March 31, 2023, the Golden State is blanketed by severe drought conditions. Last March, NOAA announced in its spring outlook that runs through June that the West was plunged into another La Nina-inspired year of drought. … ” Read more from the North Bay Business Journal here: North Bay drought persists in 2022, despite preceding downpours
Algal bloom highlights need for monitoring in Delta, Bay
“Water-quality monitoring in the San Francisco Bay sounded climate-change alarms this summer, with scientists recording the largest algal bloom in over 30 years this August. The monitoring system will pave the way for a similar system in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which will help gauge the effects of the projects that draw water from there. The Delta supplies water to two-thirds of the state’s population and millions of acres of farmland, including Zone 7, the Tri-Valley’s water wholesaler. Amy Chastain, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) regulatory program manager, shared details on the record bloom at the commission’s Dec. 13 meeting. … ” Read more from the Livermore Independent here: Algal bloom highlights need for monitoring in Delta, Bay
CENTRAL COAST
Rain offers hope the Monterey Peninsula can avoid water rationing, if it persists.
“Even though it might be raining as you’re reading this, the prospect of water rationing for Cal Am ratepayers remains very much on the table. But before that were to happen, Cal Am ratepayer bills will likely spike even higher. Presently, there are about 2,600 acre-feet of water in storage to serve the Monterey Peninsula – 1,400 from the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District’s aquifer storage and recovery project, in which excess Carmel River flows are pumped over the hill and injected into the Seaside Basin for storage, and another 1,200 Monterey One Water put into storage from its Pure Water Monterey recycled water project. The Peninsula’s annual water demand is just under 10,000 acre-feet, but the total supply in Cal Am’s portfolio is about 1,000 to 1,200 short of that. That is because on Dec. 31 last year, a 1995 cease-and-desist order finally took effect, forcing Cal Am to reduce pumping of the Carmel River to the legal limit of the company’s water right – 3,376 acre-feet annually. … ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Rain offers hope the Peninsula can avoid water rationing, if it persists.
North Salinas residents still asking for help to prevent flooding
“The storm may have calmed down in Salinas for now, but it is expected to pick up the rest of the week. That may prove costly for an area in North Salinas. Residents say the county does nothing to help them during this regular occurrence, and they’ve had to take matters into their own hands. One resident and his friends decided to make a french drain to help the water flow easier. “I can’t fight it. I can’t stop all that water,” said longtime resident Francisco Ramon Maciel. … ” Read more from KION here: North Salinas residents still asking for help to prevent flooding
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
San Joaquin Valley on flood watch this weekend
“San Joaquin County will be on a flood watch this weekend, with areas in the region expected to see several inches of rainfall over the next few days. The National Weather service is forecasting “widespread moderate to heavy precipitation” throughout Northern California this weekend, including areas of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. “We do have a (weather) system that will move through the area tonight into tomorrow,” NWS Meteorologist Idamis Del Valle-Shoemaker told Stocktonia earlier in the day Wednesday. “That will bring light to moderate precipitation. And then a stronger system Friday through Saturday.” … ” Read more from Stocktonia here: San Joaquin Valley on flood watch this weekend
Wet weather wins: Central Valley farmers grow hopeful
“A steady succession of storms through the Central Valley looks to be great news for one of the area’s biggest industries, agriculture. Years of drought led to very low water allocations, but farmers are hopeful they’re about to see better days. The first of three wet weather systems left puddles and mud on the ground on a lot of Central Valley agricultural land and lifted the spirits of farmers who desperately need it. “So excited by what we’ve seen and what we have coming,” said Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen. “I mean, what’s been really nice with these storms is that it’s been really gradual.” … ” Read more from Channel 30 here: Wet weather wins: Central Valley farmers grow hopeful
Large herd of nutria recently trapped in Mendota wildlife area
“The state has spent the past five years tracking a destructive pest to California agriculture. The nutria is a big rodent that thrives in wetlands and wildlife areas. Recently a big herd of nutria was detected in Fresno County. The Mendota wildlife area is roughly 50 miles west of Fresno. Scientists knew there were nutria in the water but the amount they’ve trapped so far surprised them. … ” Read more from KMPH here: Large herd of nutria recently trapped in Mendota wildlife area
Kern River “restoration” wells pumping but not to restore the river
“An observant reader emailed SJV Water recently asking about a well he noticed near Calloway Drive that was pumping water into the brimful Cross Valley Canal just north of the dry Kern River “all summer long and beyond.” He wondered if that was a well owned by the City of Bakersfield and, if so, where that water was going considering lakes in city parks were going dry. That is not a city well. But it has a long, somewhat convoluted history with the city, as well as the Kern River. … ” Read more from SJV Water here: Kern River “restoration” wells pumping but not to restore the river
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Two more rain storms coming to Southern California this week
“Despite intermittent showers overnight, Los Angeles is not expected to see significant rainfall until this weekend, forecasters said. The first of a series of storms moved into the region Tuesday evening, with L.A. County receiving about a half-inch of rain overnight, officials said. The heaviest rain fell further north in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. “We saw what we expected,” Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Another storm is forecast to arrive early Thursday. But the rain is expected to be lighter in the second storm, with around a tenth of an inch expected for L.A. County along with cooler temperatures, meteorologists said. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Two more rain storms coming to Southern California this week
Beachgoers warned of big waves, strong rip currents and high bacteria levels in the water
“Big waves, strong rip tides and high bacteria levels along the coast are making conditions at Southern California beaches hazardous for the next few days. The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has announced an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory for Los Angeles County beaches. The surf advisory warns of “large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet with dangerous rip currents” and will remain in effect until 3 a.m. Thursday. ... ” Read more from the LA Times here: Beachgoers warned of big waves, strong rip currents and high bacteria levels in the water
Pasadena’s one-day-per-week outdoor watering schedule continues as regional drought emergency declared for Southern California
“Preparing for a fourth consecutive dry year, Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) board of directors declared a regional drought emergency for all of Southern California and called on water agencies to immediately reduce their use of imported supplies. MWD imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, including Pasadena. About 60% of Pasadena’s water supply is sourced from the MWD, according to City data. “As a leader in water conservation, Pasadena continues to be proactive in conserving our precious resources while meeting the needs of the region as conditions evolve,” said Assistant General Manager of Water Stacie Takeguchi. … ” Read more from Pasadena Now here: Pasadena’s one-day-per-week outdoor watering schedule continues as regional drought emergency declared for Southern California
Montañez: The future of urban planning and climate resilience in Southern California
Cindy Montañez, Executive Director at TreePeople, writes, “Resilience is the ability to withstand uncertainty, recover rapidly from disruptions, and prepare for and adapt to changing conditions. As Southern Californians, we have two key questions before us: How can we improve the region’s climate resiliency? And, what tools do we have to plan for a more resilient future? In short, our resiliency could be vastly improved with comprehensive planning that is informed by data and risk assessment–and is properly planned for and mitigated. … ” Continue reading at the Voice of the OC here: Montañez: The future of urban planning and climate resilience in Southern California
Plans approved to install 90 new ‘drinking stations’ for bighorn sheep amid drought in California
“Bighorn sheep are beautiful nomadic creatures known for their large, curved horns and innate ability to navigate steep and rocky terrain. Before California was settled, some experts believe there were more than 50,000 bighorn sheep roaming the landscape in California. Because of hunting and diseases brought in by other landscape, their population dwindled to perhaps 3,500 as recently as the 1960s. But the bighorn sheep have made somewhat of a comeback in recent years. Their population has climbed back to an estimated 5,000. However, because of the severe drought and increased development into the desert region, the animal’s ability to find water has become more and more of a concern. … ” Read more from ABC LA here: Plans approved to install 90 new ‘drinking stations’ for bighorn sheep amid drought in California
Southern California environmentalists share climate resolutions for 2023
“Goals like exercising and saving money of course took the lead in a recent Statista survey on the most popular resolutions Americans are making for 2023. But as this year of heightened climate impacts and action winds down, a goal of “doing more to help the environment” also narrowly made the top 10. Those choices can be relatively simple, like eating less meat or buying fewer new clothes in the year ahead. Or they can be ambitious, like adding rooftop solar to your home or helping to advance major climate policy. Here’s a look at personal goals Southern California lawmakers, organizers and concerned citizens shared when it comes to improving the environment in 2023. … ” Read more from the OC Register here: Southern California environmentalists share climate resolutions for 2023
SAN DIEGO
Residents with rain barrels look forward to upcoming storm in San Diego
“Rain is in the forecast this week, and residents with rain barrels are getting ready. “Right before it rains, I make sure that they are empty so that I have space for more water,” said Robin Reed-Anderson, an Encinitas resident. She has four barrels on her property that collect rainwater. “The rainwater — it’s great for soaking. I water my fruit trees with it,” she said. … ” Read more from KPBS here: Residents with rain barrels look forward to upcoming storm in San Diego
Along the Colorado River …
The Colorado River is running high and dry
“The Colorado River snakes its way across the western USA for more than 2,000 kilometres – from the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, down through stunning canyons, across deserts and over the border into Mexico. It’s the sixth longest river in the USA and flows through seven US states and two Mexican states. Its watershed spans eight per cent of continental America. With its tributaries, it’s the source of water for more than 40 million people. An economy worth US$1.4 trillion is dependent on its supply of water and the trade in boating, fishing, hiking and myriad other recreational activities alone is worth US$26 billion. However, the mighty Colorado River is drying up. Today, it rarely reaches the ocean in the Gulf of California – the last time it did was in 1983. Climate change and an ever-growing demand for its precious water mean the NGO American Rivers now lists it as the most endangered major river in the USA. … ” Read more from Geographical here: The Colorado River is running high and dry
Lake Mead update: Are water levels rising?
“Throughout 2022, Lake Mead made national headlines due to its rapidly declining water levels. The reservoir across Nevada and Arizona is formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. It provides electricity for hundreds of thousands of people living in communities across the area. But due to the ongoing megadrought gripping the southwestern U.S., it has been hurtling towards dead pool level—which could be catastrophic. Dead pool level is at about 895 feet. At this level, water would not flow past the dam, meaning it would not be able to generate electricity. … ” Continue reading at Newsweek here: Lake Mead update: Are water levels rising?
Rio Verde Foothills residents running out of time to find water before cutoff
“In about 72 hours, the standpipe that supplies about 500 homes in Rio Verde Foothills, north of Scottsdale, will be cut off and there is one last Hail Mary attempt to prevent the shutoff from happening. Those homes rely on water hauled to tanks on their properties. But the City of Scottsdale decided more than a year ago to stop providing water to those homes due to Arizona’s increasing drought. Now some homeowners are raising money to hire lawyers to convince a court to prevent Scottsdale from cutting off the water. … ” Read more from Channel 12 here: Rio Verde Foothills residents running out of time to find water before cutoff
In national water news today …
Does irrigation ‘efficiency’ help with water scarcity? Without a systems perspective it can make it worse.
“According to the World Meteorological Organization’s just released State of Global Water Resources report, five billion people, or around two-thirds of the world’s population, will face at least one month of water shortage by 2050. Another way of saying this is that in a few decades, the majority of humanity will be facing profound water insecurity. A common response to the challenge of water insecurity are cries for greater efficiency, especially in the irrigation sector through the use of ‘high-tech’ solutions that mean more water gets to the crop, less is ‘lost’. Here, Chris Perry and Quentin Grafton challenge this belief demonstrating the unintended consequences that ill-considered efforts to improve irrigation efficiency can have and undermine efforts to restrain water consumption. Their key message is that where water is scarce, and water access is uncontrolled, ‘efficient’ irrigation technologies tend to increase consumption by irrigation. Alternatively, with appropriate water governance including controls on water consumption, farmers are incentivised to adopt irrigation technologies that maximise net return to their resources, within the constraint of sustainable water supplies.” Read more from the Global Water Forum here: Does irrigation ‘efficiency’ help with water scarcity? Without a systems perspective it can make it worse.
A brief look at reservoir and hydrologic conditions …
How much have the storms added to our reservoirs? Oroville, Folsom, and Millerton lake show increases. Shasta, not so much.
