DAILY DIGEST, 1/6: Hyperactive Pacific storm train to keep slamming California; Is this the predicted ‘ARkStorm’?; CDFW beaver management policies get a refresh; Why is LA letting stormwater flow into the ocean?; and more …

California storms …

Hyperactive Pacific storm train to keep slamming California

Deadly storms unleashed fierce back-to-back blows to California at the end of 2022 and the start of 2023, and AccuWeather meteorologists warn that a series of storms lining up across the Pacific Ocean will continue to aim for the Golden State with rounds of heavy rain and mountain snow. The dangers of flooding and mudslides will increase with each passing storm.  The atmosphere has flipped the switch to storm mode as the weather pattern through mid-month has the potential to unleash more than a foot of additional rain in some locations and many more yards of snow over the high country of the Sierra Nevada. … ”  Read more from AccuWeather here: Hyperactive Pacific storm train to keep slamming California

Lethal storms challenge California’s levees

A run of atmospheric rivers that have swollen California streams to record levels and breached some of the state’s crucial levees shows no sign of easing up, leaving farms and residences vulnerable for what could be another week or more.  Multiple deaths have already been linked to the series of storms, including that of a young Sonoma County child whose family’s doublewide trailer home was crushed Wednesday night by a falling tree.  An estimated 190,000 California residents had lost power Thursday morning, some heavily trafficked highway stretches have been closed and evacuation orders have been issued for several towns. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has declared a state of emergency.  “We anticipate that this may be one of the most challenging and impactful series of storms to touch down in California in the last five years,” Nancy Ward, who was appointed Dec. 31 as director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said at a news briefing.  Ward added that the storms “may continue for the next seven to 10 days” and that if this happens as anticipated “we could see widespread flooding, mudslides and power outages in many communities.” … ”  Read more from E&E News here: Lethal storms challenge California’s levees

California ocean piers collapse, waves rise to 35 feet

California beach town residents woke up Thursday morning to collapsed ocean piers, massive 35-foot waves, tide surges, and widespread flooding.  Coastal chaos stretched from beaches in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties all the way up to San Francisco and Marin. An atmospheric river-powered rainstorm triggered evacuation orders for residents living closest to the beaches Wednesday night.  Emergency crews urged the public to stay away from the coast Thursday morning as the storm and high tide continued whipping up a monster swell.  Video footage showed the Capitola Wharf split in half from a section of the wharf collapsing into the sea. Water from the ocean and Soquel Creek surged back and forth carrying massive tree trunks. … ”  Read more from Fox 5 here: California ocean piers collapse, waves rise to 35 feet

CW3E AR Update: Atmospheric Rivers Forecast to Continue to Bring Additional Precipitation to Northern and Central California

A family of ARs (Fish et al. 2019) is forecast to make landfall beginning Friday, continuing into early next week.  The first AR is forecast to make landfall late in the day Friday 6 Jan and bring a period of IVT > 400 kg/ms into Northern and Central California. Before AR conditions from the first AR completely dissipate, a second AR associated with a surface low-pressure system is forecast to bring a stronger pulse of IVT > 600 kg/ms to the same areas, resulting in AR 2 conditions (based on the Ralph et al. 2019 AR Scale). The third and strongest AR is forecast to make landfall along the coast of Northern California with IVT exceeding 750 kg/ms resulting in AR 3/AR 4 conditions in the region, although considerable uncertainty remains in the exact timing, intensity, duration, and position of this system. … ”  Read the full update at the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes here: CW3E AR Update: Atmospheric Rivers Forecast to Continue to Bring Additional Precipitation to Northern and Central California

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Atmospheric river by NASA’s Earth Observatory

In other California water news today …

US government predicted a devastating California ‘ARkStorm’ in 2010—is it happening now?

Over a decade ago, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and state agencies developed the idea of the ARkStorm, an extreme storm and flood scenario for California based on previous rain events. A USGS video—disconcertingly set to hard rock music—created in 2010 and recently uploaded to YouTube paints a Biblical picture of what the devastating storm could potentially look like: “a fury rivaling that of hurricanes, beginning a process of destruction that will last for weeks.” As heavy storms caused by atmospheric rivers hit California this week–many regions are under flood warning—many are worried about the possibility of such a catastrophic event occurring now. So what is it, and is it really something you need to worry about? … ”  Read more from Vice here: US government predicted a devastating California ‘ARkStorm’ in 2010—is it happening now?

Here’s how much rain is flowing into reservoirs in Northern California

It has been a very wet week across Northern California.  Since Dec. 30, downtown Sacramento has measured over 4 inches of rain. Many locations in the Foothills picked up 8 to 12 inches in that same timeframe.  All of that rain has been flowing into reservoirs around the region and storage levels continue to rise.  As of Thursday morning, inflows into Lake Shasta were around 7,400 cfs with storage levels increasing by about 11,000 acre-feet. Lake Shasta is California’s largest reservoir with a total capacity of over 4 million acre-feet. It is currently at 34% of capacity. … ”  Read more from KCRA here: Here’s how much rain is flowing into reservoirs in Northern California

Storms help improve drought conditions in California

While the recent storms have created a host of problems across California, there is a silver lining: the much-needed rain is helping alleviate the drought.  According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor maps released Thursday, California no longer has any region experiencing exceptional drought, the worst level of drought intensity as defined by the Drought Monitor.  In the Bay Area between Dec. 27 and Jan. 3, there was noticeable improvement in parts of the South Bay and the North Bay, where large pockets moved from severe to moderate drought. … ”  Read more from NBC Bay Area here: Storms help improve drought conditions in California

The storms battering California won’t make a big dent in its drought

A deluge of storms is dumping serious amounts of rain across notoriously dry California. Even so, this week’s downpours are still nowhere near enough to pull the state out of its intense years-long drought. The downpours are expected to bring some short-term relief. … About a month ago, around 85 percent of the state was in the midst of “severe drought,” according to the US Drought Monitor. That’s since fallen to about 71 percent. But California needs more consistent rain and snowfall to bring that number down much further. … ”  Read more from The Verge here: The storms battering California won’t make a big dent in its drought

Is it over, is it not?  Explore more coverage:

The promise of a wet January

Dr. Jeffrey Mount writes, “California is in an impressive wet period.  According to the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, four powerful atmospheric rivers have hit California since Christmas. And their modeling suggests that at least three more significant storms are on their way. It looks like January is going to be a very wet month.  Right now, the focus is appropriately on protecting lives and property. These atmospheric rivers—with their intense low-pressure systems and warm, subtropical moisture—are California’s version of hurricanes. The combination of high rainfall rates and winds causes urban and river flooding, as well as landslides and debris flows (especially in areas that have recently burned), and routinely knocks out power to thousands.  But these storms also create an awful lot of benefit for Californians. ... ”  Read more from the PPIC here: The promise of a wet January

How California could save up its rain to ease future droughts — instead of watching epic atmospheric river rainfall drain into the Pacific

Andrew Fisher writes, “California has seen so much rain over the past few weeks that farm fields are inundated and normally dry creeks and drainage ditches have become torrents of water racing toward the ocean. Yet, most of the state remains in severe drought.  All that runoff in the middle of a drought begs the question — why can’t more rainwater be collected and stored for the long, dry spring and summer when it’s needed?  As a hydrogeologist at the University of California at Santa Cruz, I’m interested in what can be done to collect runoff from storms like this on a large scale. There are two primary sources of large-scale water storage that could help make a dent in the drought: holding that water behind dams and putting it in the ground. … ”  Read more from The Conversation here: How California could save up its rain to ease future droughts — instead of watching epic atmospheric river rainfall drain into the Pacific

Wild weather swings are robbing California of its trees

Stressed by drought, whipped by wind and weakened at the roots by relentless rain and flooding, trees — tall and short, ancient and young, in mountain preserves and suburban yards — have toppled across California this week in breathtaking numbers, the most visible sign of a state veering between environmental extremes.  A procession of atmospheric rivers has interrupted an epic drought responsible for the driest three years on California record. The sudden swing from scarcity to excess with back-to-back storms is testing the state’s infrastructure broadly, straining the power grid, levees, drainage systems and roads from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada.  If the storm had a theme, it was in the uprooted and broken trees that seemed to blanket the rain-soaked landscape — a loss and a hazard that the director of the state water resources department, Karla Nemeth, had warned would be “the signature of this particular event.” … ”  Read more from the New York Times here: Wild weather swings are robbing California of its trees

CDFW beaver management policies get a refresh

Thanks to funding approved in the state budget, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now in the process of building upon its existing beaver management policies and laying the groundwork for projects that harness beavers’ natural ability to improve California’s ecosystems.  The state budget approved $1.67 million in fiscal year 2022-23 and $1.44 million in fiscal year 2023-24 and ongoing for CDFW’s beaver restoration program.  CDFW is currently hiring five dedicated scientists to work on a comprehensive approach to beaver management. Once hired, staff will work on numerous projects and collaborations including developing a toolkit to help prevent property damage due to beaver activity and to foster co-existence with the keystone species. Staff will also collaborate with partners on ongoing and future restoration projects to relocate beavers into watersheds where their dams can help restore hydrologic connectivity and promote resiliency to climate change and wildfire. ... ”  Read more from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: CDFW beaver management policies get a refresh

Tracking the West’s growing wildfires

Across the western United States, climate change has caused temperatures to rise, droughts to drag on, and vegetation to go thirsty. As a result, wildfires are occurring more frequently and over a longer time period each year.  This phenomenon was exemplified recently in the Washburn Wildfire, which burned through the Eastern Sierras in California, including Yosemite National Park, for over three weeks in July 2022. Roads closed around and inside the park, and access was cut off to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias for multiple weeks. After scorching 4,800 acres, the Washburn Fire far surpassed even the average fire size of the 2010s. … ”  Read more from JPL here: Tracking the West’s growing wildfires

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In commentary today …

Editorial: Let’s take action on water supply

The Chico Enterprise-Record editorial board writes, “As Californians struggled to deal with a grueling drought that has led to water rationing and other extreme water-conservation measures, Mother Nature has this week intervened with an atmospheric river that has led to massive rainfalls and flooding — especially up in our end of the state.  This cycle of drought and flooding is nothing new.  “California summers were characterized by the coughing in the pipes that meant the well was dry, and California winters by all-night watches on rivers about to crest,” wrote Joan Didion in her 1977 essay, “Holy Water.”  Unfortunately, California has left itself dependent on the weather (or climate, if you prefer) because it hasn’t built significant water infrastructure since the time that essay was published — when the state had roughly 18 million fewer residents. … ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Editorial: Let’s take action on water supply

Editorial: The drought is over now, right? (Spoiler alert: No)

The LA Times editorial board writes, “The storms keep coming, one after another after another, like a series of fire-hose blasts so relentless that meteorologists use terms like “atmospheric river,” “bomb cyclone” and “bombogenesis.” What happened to our formerly gentle old winter visitor, the “pineapple express”? Cities and highways have flooded in Northern California, and the Sierra Nevada snowpack measured at 174% of the historical average for this point in the year. And that was even before the current storm.  And still, the experts insist that we remain in the midst of a record-breaking four-year drought. Are they just mean?  Unfortunately, the experts have data on their side. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Editorial: The drought is over now, right? (Spoiler alert: No)

We agree: Time for California to embrace beavers

Charlton H. Bonham, Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, writes, “Beavers are having a well-deserved moment in the discussion around climate solutions.  Healthy beaver populations improve their environment in so many ways – from reducing wildfire risks, to making water conditions more hospitable for our native salmon and trout.  In fact, humans have so admired the skilled work of beavers they have spent millions of dollars trying to replicate the benefits they create. As managers of the state’s natural resources, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is embracing the opportunity to elevate beaver restoration as part of a larger effort to help mitigate the impacts of wildfires, climate change and drought. Thanks to Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership and the State Legislature, funding for beaver restoration is now part of our playbook, with funds approved in this year’s budget. ... ”  Read more from the Department of Fish & Wildlife here: We agree: Time for California to embrace beavers

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

A major sewage spill is happening in Rio Sell as stormwater flows into quake-damaged collection pipes

The City of Rio Dell is experiencing an ongoing hazardous materials spill as heavy rainfall infiltrates outdated sewer pipes that were damaged during the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck on December 20.  An estimated 140,000 gallons rain-diluted wastewater has spilled out of a manhole cover at the end of Painter Street, near the city’s wastewater treatment plant, and the spill is continuing at a rate of about 50 gallons per minute, according to Rio Dell City Manager Kyle Knopp.  “We’re doing our best to recover as much of that as we can,” Knopp said. Tanker trucks are being filled onsite and then driving the collected materials to the nearby wastewater plant. Knopp said there is no immediate public health risk. … ”  Read more from the Lost Coast Outpost here: A major sewage spill is happening in Rio Sell as stormwater flows into quake-damaged collection pipes

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Winter storms to drop several feet of snow at Lake Tahoe into next week

After a break from inclement weather on Friday, the Sierra is going to be pounded with storms for several days starting this weekend.  The National Weather Service in Reno has two winter advisories in place and are forecasting up to 7 feet of snow for the mountains around Lake Tahoe through the middle of next week.  The service has a storm warning that goes into effect at 4 a.m. Saturday and lasts for 48 hours, and a storm watch that immediately follows from 4 a.m. Monday through late Tuesday night. … ”  Read more from the Tahoe Daily Tribune here: Winter storms to drop several feet of snow at Lake Tahoe into next week

How the Sierra Nevada Conservancy advances California’s 30×30 conservation goal in the Sierra-Cascade

In 2022, California officially launched its strategy to protect 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Known as 30×30, this initiative recognizes the global value of the state’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Since the 30×30 goal was announced, lawmakers have invested approximately $1.1 billion to advance the initiative’s three primary objectives: protect and restore biodiversity, expand access to nature, and mitigate and build resilience to climate change.  For the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), 30×30 represents an exciting statewide commitment to one of our core Watershed Improvement Program goals: strategic land conservation. Since its founding, SNC has funded many projects that align with the 30×30 effort. Ranging from the Oregon border to the mountains east of Bakersfield, these investments help protect high-priority lands and waters that possess unique natural characteristics, offer particular significance to tribes, are threatened by conversion, or provide critical resilience to climate change. … ”  Read more from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy here: How SNC advances California’s 30×30 conservation goal in the Sierra-Cascade

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Significant rainfall proves to be a boon for area agriculture

After months and months — and years — of relatively dry weather, a deluge like California has experienced this week, along with flooding and road closures, may be a big inconvenience to some people.  Don’t tell that to Colleen Cecil, executive director of the Butte County Farm Bureau. She won’t agree with you.  “We can all be frustrated by additional puddles or road closures, but by gosh, we need it,” Cecil said from her Richvale office Thursday. “It’s hard, though, because the ground is so saturated. The water runs off into the river and then to the ocean. A lot of people say, ‘Gosh, I wish we had more storage so we could keep it.’ ” … ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Significant rainfall proves to be a boon for area agriculture

Sacramento rain isn’t done yet. After storm weakens, here’s the latest forecast

Don’t be fooled by the calm skies. Rain will still pour down in Sacramento Thursday into at least next week, according to forecasts. A major storm event was expected to begin Wednesday, resulting in a flood watch until Friday morning. On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency in response to the intense atmospheric river that was forecasted to pummel Northern California. Sacramento appears to have dodged a bullet, compared to the intense storm that hit the San Francisco Bay Area, where wind gusts at speeds up to 101 mph led to evacuations, power outages for nearly 80,000 residents and toppled trees. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: Sacramento rain isn’t done yet. After storm weakens, here’s the latest forecast

Pumping stormwater into South Sacramento park combats flooding, officials say

Munger’s Lake in South Sacramento was partially filled after the California Gold Rush of the 1800s to create a neighborhood park, but Sacramento officials also found a new use for the lake — flood control. One way to keep the city’s water system from flooding during heavy rain is by moving stormwater into Munger’s Lake, now part of Reichmuth Park on 6135 Gloria Drive.  “There are nearby pump stations and pipes that move stormwater within our systems and in the case of a large storm, Reichmuth Park is designed to fill with stormwater, which adds extra capacity to the nearby system,” said Eliason.  The stored rainwater can be moved right back into the system. … ”  Read more from Channel 10 here: Pumping stormwater into South Sacramento park combats flooding, officials say

Getting Answers: Is there concern over the Sacramento River’s rising water level?

The rising river levels are becoming the newest attraction in Old Sacramento.  People are visiting the area to check out the swollen waterway and the tons of trash being washed downstream — everything from coolers and cushions to what appears to be part of a canoe. Even whole trees are floating by.  So just how high is the river in downtown Sacramento? Last Friday, the river level was at 11 feet. Now, one week later, it’s gone up to 23 feet and is continuing to rise.  “It’s kind of scary because of all the flooding that’s happening,” one civilian said. ... ”  Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Getting Answers: Is there concern over the Sacramento River’s rising water level?

Reclamation District crews reach levee repair goal at the Bradley Break

Reclamation District officials say they’ve reached their goal of 10-feet of protection in their levee repair work after the New Year’s storm.  Sacramento County confirmed on Wednesday that there were 11 different breaches, 10 along the Cosumnes River and one along the Mokelumne River. A breach means water spilled out from the waterway. It could be a boil or it could be overtopping, while a break is a clear cut in a levee or berm.  The county has not given us the status of each of these breaches. … ”  Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Reclamation District crews reach levee repair goal at the Bradley Break

How did Highway 99 flood during the New Year’s Eve storm? Sacramento County officials explain

Highway 99 in Sacramento County was flooded during a New Year’s Eve storm, causing a stretch of the highway to be closed for more than 24 hours.  The stretch of highway between Elk Grove and Galt was closed in both directions shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day. The first closure of Highway 99 was in the area of Dillard Road, which had several cars submerged in water. … According to Sacramento County officials, three different levees breached in the Cosumnes River. … ”  Read more from Fox 40 here: How did Highway 99 flood during the New Year’s Eve storm? Sacramento County officials explain

SEE ALSO‘Mother Nature kind of caught us by surprise’: California road officials speak after freeway flooding, from KCRA

What is a levee and how does it work? What to know after flooding in Sacramento County

The start of the year kicked off with an intense storm causing flooding on Highway 99 and across Sacramento County, leaving cars stranded, forcing people to evacuate out of their homes and resulting in multiple deaths. Levees are an important part of flood-prevention infrastructure. When they fail, the results can be disastrous. Here’s what happened with Sacramento levees during a recent storm, and how they’re supposed to work … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: What is a levee and how does it work? What to know after flooding in Sacramento County

The American River Basin Study: Diversifying where we get our water is key to combating climate change

We don’t always treat water like the life-sustaining resource it is. Instead, we take it for granted: With the turn of a tap, it’s at our fingertips to drink, grow our food and keep our communities clean. But according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, it’s time for changes if we want that to continue. Their recently released American River Basin study highlights the growing imbalance between water supply and consumer demand. With the stresses of population growth, regulatory updates, and the effects of climate change, this disparity will only get worse without new strategies and approaches to keep water flowing.  “Without adaptation strategies, we project an increase in supply-demand imbalances across all users within the Basin and by the end of the 21st century,” says Dr. Ian Ferguson, hydrologic engineer with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento News & Review here: The American River Basin Study: Diversifying where we get our water is key to combating climate change

NAPA/SONOMA

Russian River residents reel from night of powerful wind and rain, and prepare for more

Thousands of residents began the day here in western Sonoma County without electricity, still reeling from a night of pelting rain, howling winds and the earsplitting sound of giant trees and branches hurtling to the ground.  One by one, some made their way down to the banks of the swollen Russian River, its swift current a widening brown ribbon between the drenched, forested hills.  As the rain eased, residents began taking stock of storm damage and restocking on food and supplies at local grocers, convenience and hardware stores. With an eye on two more storm systems expected this weekend and early next week, they bought firewood, batteries, lanterns, propane, gasoline and other necessities. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Russian River residents reel from night of powerful wind and rain, and prepare for more

Flood forecast eased on Russian River; projected Monday crest would avert major damage

Forecasters have substantially revised their projections for the Russian River’s rise in Guerneville and now say the river is more likely to rise just four feet or so above flood stage by early Monday, rather than eight.  That could mean a huge relief to residents and business owners along the lower reaches of the river, many of which are now more likely to be spared damage if projections hold true.  The river also is not expected to reach flood stage until Sunday afternoon, as opposed to late Thursday, according to the latest projections from the California Nevada River Forecast Center operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Flood forecast eased on Russian River; projected Monday crest would avert major damage

Back-to-back storms help North Bay reservoirs as break in rain reduces Russian River flood risk

In between storms, Northern California is getting some good news in two respects.  First, reservoirs that desperately needed a boost are getting one. And there’s a little bit of encouraging news for those along the Russian River, at least through the next couple of days.  “Well, yeah. Maybe because I put in the tanks we got the rain,” laughed Penny in Healdsburg. …Just about 20 minutes away, things are also adding up at Sonoma County’s largest source of water storage.  “Well, a little bit more than 35,000 acre feet more than you probably saw the last time you were around,” said Pamela Jeane, Assistant General Manager at Sonoma Water. “Which is great. Still not where we’d like to see it.” … ”  Read more from CBS Sacramento here: Back-to-back storms help North Bay reservoirs as break in rain reduces Russian River flood risk

More downpours expected as storm cleanup progresses in Marin, Sonoma, Napa counties

Here’s what’s been happening amid the storms this week in Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties as of 5 p.m. Thursday.  As Wednesday’s storm lead approached, Napa County officials prepared to test Napa’s flood defenses, closing flood gates on the Napa River intended to divert water into a park-like basin in thecity. But by Thursday, it turned out the Napa River didn’t rise as high as expected.  At 7 a.m. Thursday, the river just north of Napa peaked at 16.4 feet, below the prediction from the National Weather Service’s California Nevada River Forecast Center of 19.4 feet. That had neared the 20-foot mark when flood gates in the Oxbow Bypass area were closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. … ”  Read more from the North Bay Journal here: More downpours expected as storm cleanup progresses in Marin, Sonoma, Napa counties

BAY AREA

Bay Area takes break from storms Friday — but three more atmospheric rivers are on the way

The bomb cyclone left a trail of dangerous seas, coastal erosion, widespread flooding and wind damage in its wake, but a break in the rain is going to give Bay Area residents a chance to pick up the pieces this morning. And while this break in the inclement weather is welcome, it’ll be only a tiny blip of blue skies before the strong jet stream sends another round of atmospheric rivers toward Northern California starting this evening. ... ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Bay Area takes break from storms Friday — but three more atmospheric rivers are on the way

Marin absorbs storm deluge with more rain ahead

Marin residents and work crews grappled Thursday with the aftermath of a storm that left tens of thousands of customers without electricity and flooded roads throughout the county.  The Pacific Gas & Electric Co. reported more than 18,000 customers without power around the county in the hours following a vicious storm that raked Marin with driving rain, lightning and hurricane-like winds that ripped down power lines from Sausalito to Novato and much of West Marin.  The largest pockets of power outages were restored or set for restoration by late Thursday night, but hundreds of residents still had no estimated restoration time as of Thursday evening. … ”  Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin absorbs storm deluge with more rain ahead

Downtown San Francisco breaks 152-year-old rainfall record in recent storms

The past 10 days in downtown San Francisco were the wettest in more than 150 years, after a relentless string of storms dumped more than 10 inches of rain from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4, according to the National Weather Service.  The neighborhood collected a total of 10.33 inches of rain over that period, just shy of the previous record of 10.92 inches set in 1871. San Francisco still has a chance to cross the earlier record, with another series of storms forecast for this weekend and Monday and Tuesday. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Downtown San Francisco breaks 152-year-old rainfall record in recent storms

CENTRAL COAST

Stunning damage in Capitola as California storm flooding sweeps tourist town

The coastal town of Capitola has suffered extensive damage as a result of flooding from Wednesday’s bomb cyclone storm, as impacts from heavy rains continue to batter Santa Cruz County.  Photos posted to Santa Cruz County’s Twitter account show Capitola Wharf essentially split in half, with the beach completely overtaken by floodwaters. The streets of Capitola Village, the town’s main tourist attraction, were completely ravaged by ocean swells and water that was pushed over the banks of Soquel Creek in photos and videos posted by locals. … ” Read more from SF Gate here: Stunning damage in Capitola as California storm flooding sweeps tourist town

Editorial | After years of drought, disastrous winter storms return to Santa Cruz County

The Santa Cruz Sentinel editorial board writes, “It’s little consolation to Santa Cruz County residents displaced in recent rainstorms, but what’s been happening here used to be, used to be, almost normal in how winters played out.  That was before the dry years set in — and newcomers to the county could be excused for thinking the patterns here were more like Southern California.  But our county, blessed as it is with incomparable beauty and forests and seascapes, is prone to natural disasters, including flooding.  Destructive floods occurred in downtown Santa Cruz in 1955. People lost their lives in the storm wreckage, mudslides and flooding of 1982. The Pajaro River in South County spilled over levees in 1995. … ”  Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Editorial | After years of drought, disastrous winter storms return to Santa Cruz County

Storm lacked predicted punch, but provided boost to local reservoirs

Although it was not as strong as expected, the storm that moved through the region Wednesday night into Thursday is providing a boost for Santa Barbara County’s water supply.  At the same time, a persistent impact of the storm is potentially dangerous and damaging high surf all along the county’s coastline.  Gibraltar Reservoir on the upper Santa Ynez River, which was only at 32% on capacity on Dec. 31, filled to capacity and began spilling overnight as expected.  As a result, greater flows are heading downstream into Lake Cachuma, a major water source for the county’s South Coast. … ”  Red more from Noozhawk here: Storm lacked predicted punch, but provided boost to local reservoirs

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

More water is being released from Friant Dam, warnings issued

Federal officials announced Thursday that water releases from Friant Dam are being substantially increased to control the fill rate of Millerton Lake and create room for more forecast rain.  Starting Thursday, releases from Friant Dam to the San Joaquin River are set to increase by 1,000 cubic-feet-per-second – from around 600 cfs to 1,600 cfs. Similarly, releases to the Madera Canal are set to increase by 800 cubic-feet-per-second – from around 200 cfs to 1,000 cfs.  Officials add that Friant Dam releases to the San Joaquin River are expected to further increase to at least 4,500 cfs over the next few days. … ”  Read more from Your Central Valley here: More water is being released from Friant Dam, warnings issued

Heavy snowpack and recent storms may not translate to more farm water

The California snowpack is starting off strong, raising hopes for water resources throughout the drought-stricken state. But for farmers, these high numbers may not translate into more water for their crops.  The amount of snow high up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains has a direct impact on the fields of crops below. Jason Giannelli, a fourth generation farmer in Kern County who grew up in the farm life, understands this. … But even with several days of rain and storms, Giannelli says that doesn’t necessarily mean good news for his farms.  “We see these surveys and all these rainy days, it’s still up to the state to tell us how much we’re going to get,” said Holtermann. “Farming has still just been given just a bare minimum allocation and that hasn’t changed.” … ”  Read more from Channel 23 here: Heavy snowpack and recent storms may not translate to more farm water

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Big waves slam beaches and streets flood – but Southern California escapes major storm damage

A strong Pacific storm lashed Southern California on Thursday, flooding roads, downing trees and forcing some freeway lane closures, but the system traveled through quickly and did less damage than feared.  Without major mudslides or widespread destruction to homes or businesses, the most storm-related activity was along the coast, where the rain, wind gusts, high tides and a big westerly swell had crews in Los Angeles County racing to pull lifeguard towers off beaches as waves threatened to pull them out to sea.  A considerable loss of shoreline was reported in some places. … ”  Read more from the LA Daily News here: Big waves slam beaches and streets flood – but Southern California escapes major storm damage

Why is drought-weary Los Angeles letting stormwater flow into the Pacific Ocean?

The Los Angeles River roared to life this week as a series of powerful storms moved through the Southland. In Long Beach, 3 feet of water shut down the 710 Freeway in both directions, while flooding in the San Fernando Valley forced the closure of the Sepulveda Basin.  It was by all accounts a washout, but despite heaps of water pouring into the area, drought-weary Los Angeles won’t be able to save even half of it.  Voters in 2018 approved Measure W, which is aimed at improving L.A.’s aging stormwater capture system. Officials are making progress, but experts say there’s a long way to go. Of an estimated 5 billion to 10 billion gallons pouring into the Los Angeles Basin from current storms, only about 20% will be captured by the county.  “In a region that imports 60% of our water, it’s just a huge untapped potential for a local water supply,” said Bruce Reznik, executive director of L.A. Waterkeeper. “We passed the Safe Clean Water Program to get us there, but we’re just not there yet. It’s going to take us some years.” ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Why is drought-weary Los Angeles letting stormwater flow into the Pacific Ocean?

A Dried-up Idea:  In a new documentary, a UCLA professor says L.A. needs to rethink its relationship with water.

A century ago, Los Angeles engineers drained a lush valley 200 miles north to provide water for the future metropolis. The fate of Owens Valley, which was transformed from pasture to desert in just 13 years, became an apocryphal fable that was enshrined in the public imagination, most notably through the 1974 film Chinatown.  Almost 50 years later, Mono County tribal leaders and ranchers are fighting L.A. water authorities to prevent the repeating of history in Long Valley, 50 miles north of Owens Valley. And they’ve recruited a respected UCLA environmentalist to aid in their cause.  In the new documentary Without Water, Stephanie Pincetl, director of the California Center for Sustainable Communities at UCLA, argues that Long Valley is a test case for big cities seeking smarter ways to provide water to their customers without creating new dust bowls. It’s an issue that’s historically, legally and morally complex. … ”  Read more from the UCLA here: A Dried-up Idea:  In a new documentary, a UCLA professor says L.A. needs to rethink its relationship with water.

Column: Santa Ana River is a natural wonder in our own backyard

Rachael Hamilton writes, “Most of us have childhood memories that capture our enthusiasm and appreciation for water in the heat of Southern California’s summers. Perhaps it was the simple joy of playing in the sprinklers of our front yard. Or maybe you had the good fortune of enjoying the wonders and curiosities of the wild Santa Ana River.  My parents, longtime city of Riverside residents, have regaled me with stories of carefree childhood afternoons spent exploring the banks of the Santa Ana River. Their anecdotes include tales of chasing lizards and catching frogs along the sandy banks, searching for tadpoles and turtles within the shallow pools, and skipping rocks and cooling off bare feet at the river’s edge. I have heard these stories echoed many times by community members of the same generation who’ve relayed similar experiences to me while doing my outreach work along the waterway. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here: Column: Santa Ana River is a natural wonder in our own backyard

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Along the Colorado River …

How can cities across the West grow to use Colorado River water sustainably?

Colorado River by Katie Rompala

Water experts from across the country gathered in Las Vegas in December to discuss the water shortage in the Colorado River Basin and during one panel discussion John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority brought up growth.  The basin’s water supply is dwindling but last he checked, Entsminger said Las Vegas is still issuing building permits. So are cities like Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles.  All of those new people and businesses are going to need water. And it’s not as though cities and states can simply turn people away at their borders.  But there are measures that state and local governments can enact to encourage current residents to save more water. And ways to grow more responsibly. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here:  How can cities across the West grow to use Colorado River water sustainably?

Can water managers find ways to lower demand on the Colorado River?

There’s lower case demand management and then there’s upper case Demand Management, an official policy, John Berggren, a water policy analyst for the nonprofit Western Resource Advocates, said.  The former is “the way of the future,” Berggren said. Most of the biggest ways to save Colorado River water, from fallowing fields, changing crops and replacing Kentucky Blue Grass lawns, boil down to demand management in one way or another.  Finding ways of encouraging people, farms and cities to use less water should be the highest priority in the basin, Jay Famiglietti, director of the Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan said.  One approach, he said, would be to create a national water strategy, rather than depending on disparate approaches for different river basins and water sources. … ”  Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Can water managers find ways to lower demand on the Colorado River?

Lake Mead may get a boost as Rockies snowpack off to strong start

The Rocky Mountains snow season is off to a well-above-average start thanks to a recent surge of stormy weather across the West. But whether it will be enough to buoy levels at Lake Mead and along the Colorado River remains to be seen.  The Upper Colorado River Basin snowpack currently sits at 140 percent of the median over the last 30 years, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. That’s in large part due to a recent series of atmospheric river storm systems that swept across much of the West right after Christmas, dumping ample amounts of snow and rain.  In most years, the hefty early snowfall would be reason for celebration along the Colorado River basin, which relies heavily on snowmelt runoff from the snowpack in the Rockies to fill the river and its tributaries. But experts say the hotter and drier conditions driven by climate change make it difficult to know just how much even a great snow year could help the drought-stricken river and its two main reservoirs, which now sit at roughly three-quarters empty. … ”  Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal here: Lake Mead may get a boost as Rockies snowpack off to strong start

20 years of severe drought impede huge developments in Southwest

The White Tank Mountains were the backdrop in October when senior executives of the Howard Hughes Corporation broke ground for Teravalis, the largest planned community ever proposed in Arizona. Hughes’ plan is to turn 37,000 acres of Sonoran Desert west of Phoenix, nearly 60 square miles, into 100,000 homes and 55 million square feet of commercial space where 300,000 people will live and 450,0o0 will work.  Modeled after Irvine Ranch in California, the largest planned community in the United States, Teravalis is seen by local and state elected leaders as a crowning achievement in a booming real estate market. Jay Cross, the company’s president, assured gathered guests that Teravalis “will provide an exceptional quality of life and opportunities for growth.”  But Teravalis also expresses the intensifying challenge in Arizona and four other fast-growing desert Southwest states to build huge mixed use residential projects in an era of water scarcity. Persistent dry conditions are driving up the cost of water and prompting more resistance from government and citizens to new development. Those trends, in turn, also are prompting innovations in community design and installation of expensive infrastructure to use less fresh water and recycle more wastewater. ... ”  Read more from Circle of Blue here: 20 years of severe drought impede huge developments in Southwest 

How CES tech can address Nevada drought and water crisis

CES 2023 kicked off in Las Vegas on Thursday with an expected 100,000 attendees and over 3,200 exhibitors.  With a focus on sustainability this year, several companies are promoting products that can help shape the future of water use as severe drought continues impacting Nevada and the Colorado River Basin.  Despite a rainy day in Vegas, water scarcity remains an issue that few can ignore. Lake Mead water levels dropped to the lowest point on record in 2022, ending the year 40 feet below 2020 levels. And discussion remains ongoing on how to address the future of Lake Mead boating and marina use.  But inside the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center and Venetian Expo, a glimmer of hope comes in the form of new tech from around the world. … ”  Read more from Channel 3 here: How CES tech can address Nevada drought and water crisis

Arizona:  Kris Mayes vows to repeal Saudi farm deal

Bill Farr doesn’t need to wonder when the water in his well will get low. “I’m there now,” he said, leaning on his truck, parked near the well. It’s a mass of pipes and valves behind a chain-link fence, all leading to a big pipe that disappears into the ground. …  There’s a water tower about 100 yards from the well. Farr can tell from looking at it that it’s almost full. But he says there are days he can’t provide enough water for everyone who needs it.  There are two reasons for that, Farr says. There’s the 22-year-long megadrought that Arizona is dealing with. And his neighbors down the road: huge commercial farms owned by Saudi Arabian companies that use all the groundwater they could ever need. … ”  Read more from Channel 12 here: Arizona:  Kris Mayes vows to repeal Saudi farm deal

Mountain West states getting millions in federal funds for drought resilience

The Interior Department is spending nearly $85 million to help communities in the West tackle challenges brought on by drought, and many of the projects are in the Mountain West. In Nevada, more than $1.7 million will pay for Las Vegas Valley homeowners using septic tanks to convert to the municipal sewer system. This recycles water back into Lake Mead, which is fed by the drought-stricken Colorado River, said Doa Ross, deputy general manager of engineering for the Southern Nevada Water Authority.  “We have a big incentive if we can capture any water to the sewer system – that means we’re extending that resource,” Ross said. ... ”  Read more from KUNR here: Mountain West states getting millions in federal funds for drought resilience

Interior Dept. hails progress on Indian water rights deals

The Department of the Interior today celebrated significant progress by the 117th Congress to advance settlements of Indian water rights claims and to protect Tribal sovereignty, key priorities for the federal government’s efforts to uphold its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal communities.  “Water is a sacred resource, and access to water is fundamental to human existence and economic development. Tribal water rights are crucial to ensuring the health, safety and empowerment of communities,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “The Biden-Harris Administration was proud to support these bills, and I am grateful to the bill sponsors and committee leaders for making progress in Congress to ensure that Tribes are finally getting the water resources they have long been promised.” ... ”  Read more from Mirage News here: Interior Dept. hails progress on Indian water rights deals

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In national water news today …

Biden administration finalizes Waters of the United States rule in latest move involving ongoing water quality saga

On December 30, 2022 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the U.S. Department of the Army (“Corps”) (collectively referred to as the “Agencies”) under the Biden Administration released a pre-publication version of the final Revised Definition of Waters of the United States (“WOTUS”) rule (“2023 WOTUS Rule”) that will set forth a new definition of WOTUS. The final rule will become effective 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register (likely March 2023). The 2023 WOTUS Rule relies on the earlier 1986 WOTUS regulatory framework and associated case law, reinvigorating both the ambiguous “significant nexus” standard enunciated by Justice Kennedy in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Rapanos v. United States, 547 U.S. 715 (2006) and the “relatively permanent” standard concurrently articulated by a plurality of the Justices in Rapanos. The Agencies assert the 2023 WOTUS Rule is to “effectively and durably” protect the quality of the nation’s waters while balancing the needs of water users, e.g., farmers, ranchers, and industry. … ”  Continue reading at Downey Brand here: Biden administration finalizes Waters of the United States rule in latest move involving ongoing water quality saga

World’s first agriculture-focused satellite launches

The first of seven satellites for agriculture launched into space Tuesday by SpaceX. Built by Dragonfly Aerospace, the satellite is part of the Transporter-6 mission for customer EOS Data Analytics. The remaining six satellites of the constellation will be deployed over the next three years. The EOS Data Analytics project is the world’s first agriculture-focused satellite constellation providing the industry with high-quality data to support efficient and sustainable practices.  Images obtained from Dragonfly’s EOS SAT-1 will deliver information for harvest monitoring, application mapping, seasonal planning and assessments that analyze information such as soil moisture, yield prediction and biomass levels. The data will support growers with reducing carbon dioxide emissions and help them to develop sustainable agricultural methods. ... ”  Read more from Ag Net West here: World’s first agriculture-focused satellite launches

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National water and climate update …

The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.

dmrpt-20230105

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

NOTICE of opportunity to comment and public workshop – draft scientific basis report supplement for voluntary agreements

NOTICE: Reclamation announces increased flows from Friant Dam into the San Joaquin River

NOTICE: All Curtailments in the Delta Watershed Remain Temporarily Suspended

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: CDFW Grants: 2023 Fisheries Restoration Grant Program Public Solicitation Notice Open

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About the Daily Digest: The Daily Digest is a collection of selected news articles, commentaries and editorials appearing in the mainstream press. Items are generally selected to follow the focus of the Notebook blog. The Daily Digest is published every weekday with a weekend edition posting on Sundays.
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