On the calendar today …
- PUBLIC HEARING: Army Corps Delta Conveyance Project DEIS from 9am to 11am. The public draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Delta Conveyance project is available for public review and comment from December 16, 2022 through February 14, 2023. The notice and the draft EIS are available here. Three public meetings to receive comments from the public on the project and the draft document will be held on zoom. This is the first of the three meetings. Click here to access the meeting or call 1-833-548-0282 (Toll Free) Webinar ID: 816 3829 8118 Passcode: 173262
California storms …
Four more atmospheric river storms forecast through mid-January
“The California Department of Water Resources reported that several more atmospheric river storms are in store for the state as some areas hit flood stage and reservoirs get a massive influx of runoff and rain. With California facing still more storms through the middle of January, Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth said Monday in a briefing with reporters that it was “yet another climate signal,” with California having both a drought and flood emergency. Nemeth said California has been in the midst of a record-breaking drought up until a few weeks ago. However, she said that the state continues to be in a drought emergency. As for the recent storms dumping large amounts of rain on California, “We will be reassessing in the later part of January what this means relative to overall drought,” Nemeth said, noting the large amount of variability across the state in terms of hydrological conditions and water availability. … ” Read more from the Lake County News here: Four more atmospheric river storms forecast through mid-January
Tracking the California storms: Maps show the precipitation so far, and the forecast for more
“The western coast of the United States has been hit relentlessly by a series of atmospheric rivers — essentially plumes of concentrated moisture at the altitude where airplanes commonly fly.This abundant moisture has dumped excessive amounts of rain, especially in Northern California and the central part of the state, which has led to flooding, landslides and numerous power outages. Forecasters said that this series of storms could continue into mid-January. Here is where forecasters believe the precipitation will fall over the next five days. … ” Read more from the New York Times here (gift article, interesting visuals): Tracking the California storms: Maps show the precipitation so far, and the forecast for more
These are the California rivers that face flooding from storm
“Continued heavy rains have California concerned about rivers that face high flood risk. At least nine rivers across the state could exceed the flood stage Monday, and 32 locations could exceed the flood monitor stage, according to the National Weather Service’s California-Nevada River Forecast Center. Officials with the joint state-federal Flood Operation Center are focused on the Cosumnes River in Sacramento County, which has already experienced deadly levee breaches, among other areas. Crews on Monday were placing “flood fight” materials on about 4,000 linear feet of levee to mitigate erosion due to overtopping, said Jeremy Arrich, manager of the Division of Flood Management with the California Department of Water Resources. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: These are the California rivers that face flooding from storm
California storms: When will we get a breather?
“We needed the rain, but now we need to know: When will we get a break? The powerful train of Pacific storms battering California with record rainfall and major flooding will slow, perhaps even stop, meteorologists say — but not until the second half of January. In the meantime, expect the weather drama to continue. At least three more storms – ranging from moderate to significant — are predicted over the next seven to 10 days, flooding more landscapes that are already saturated with rainwater. … “After January 19th, the storms die down and we see that high pressure resuming its ‘blocking stance’ of shunting storms back to the north,” said Anderson, although there’s uncertainty in such a long-term forecast. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: California storms: When will we get a breather?
Despite storms, state reservoirs aren’t likely to return to normal levels this year
“Even with a sixth atmospheric river in two weeks dumping rain on California, water regulators said reservoirs are not likely to completely refill this year. As of Sunday, the state’s 17 reservoirs were at 78% of average, the Department of Water Resources announced Monday. “We’re still below average,” said Jon Yarbrough, assistant deputy director for the State Water Project, the California agency that collects water from Northern California rivers and redistributes it to major cities. “We still have a lot of room in our reservoirs to take in the in-flows that we’re seeing on the horizon here.” One of the largest reservoirs, Lake Oroville in Northern California, has increased by more than 77 feet since Dec. 1. Still, it remains at 44% capacity, currently holding just 1.55 million acre-feet of its 3.5 million potential. Over the next ten days, Yarbrough expects the rains will deliver another 500,000 acre-feet to Oroville, but it will remain significantly below normal. … ” Read more from Spectrum 1 here: Despite storms, state reservoirs aren’t likely to return to normal levels this year
Biden declares emergency for storm-battered California
“As a seemingly unending atmospheric river pummels, experts warn serious flood conditions could affect many parts of the state before dry weather returns in late January. The California Department of Water Resources reported Monday that nine rivers are expected to flood by Monday evening, with particular concern about the Cosumnes River, Bear Creek, Russian River, Carmel River and the Pajaro River. There are 32 other flow locations expected to exceed normal monitoring levels. However, state reservoir capacity is still at about 78% of average for this time of year with many reservoirs reporting below historic average levels. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: Biden declares emergency for storm-battered California
EXPLORE MORE STORM COVERAGE:
- Atmospheric river: Sierra blanketed with heavy, wet snow; Winter storm, avalanche warnings, from CBS San Francisco
- Thousands evacuated, boy swept away, as strongest atmospheric river yet hits California, from the Washington Post
- More rain and snow coming to Northern California on Tuesday, when it will get here, from KCRA Channel 3
- Why Monday’s atmospheric river was more destructive than previous California storms, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Six down, three to go: Storm dangers (and drought) persist in Northern California, from the Sacramento Bee
- ‘Life-threatening’ flooding feared in Northern California as storms cause rivers to swell, from the LA Times
In other California water news today …
California’s dilemma: How do you harness an epic amount of rain in a water-scarce state? Let it flood, scientists say
“California has gone from extreme drought to extreme flooding in a matter of days. On Monday, 90% of the state’s population was under a flood watch as another round of storms rolled through. Yet it was just last week when several counties in the state were experiencing the exact opposite – exceptional drought, which the US Drought Monitor considers the most severe category. California’s parade of ultra-wet storms has not completely reversed the deeply rooted drought. And scientists warn that it has a long way to go to erase years unfavorable precipitation trends and water supply overuse. ... ” Read more from CNN here: California’s dilemma: How do you harness an epic amount of rain in a water-scarce state? Let it flood, scientists say
Can California’s massive rain solve its historic drought?
“California could get 22 trillion gallons of rain in the coming days. But what does that mean for the state’s drought? In a perennial problem that even when California does get rain, much of it runs off into the ocean or is otherwise uncollected. But there’s new storm water technology that could help change that, scientists say, as the decades-old discipline shifts to help water managers collect rainwater, purify it and store it for times of drought. Much of the new technology is often referred to as “green infrastructure,” and can be a more subtle way to collect rainwater off the roofs of houses or sidewalks, and have it sift through porous concrete or grassy fields into reservoirs for later use. … ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Can California’s massive rain solve its historic drought?
California lawmakers push to improve state water systems to take advantage of atmospheric rivers
“As California remains in a state of emergency for both flood and drought, elected officials at the state Capitol are working on how to avoid this dual state of emergency situation in the future. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree: The state needs to update its water systems and boost California’s ability to capture and store water to alleviate the effects of drought, especially when major storms or atmospheric rivers dump rain. Updating the state’s water systems may be one of the few pushes this year when Democrats and Republicans work together. Here is a look at the proposals. ... ” Read more from KCRA Channel 3 here: California lawmakers push to improve state water systems to take advantage of atmospheric rivers
California snowpack now more than 200 percent above normal
“The powerful winter storm is helping to build up the crucial snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab tweeted out video of the snowy conditions and said the area has received 8.5 inches of snow in the last 24 hours. In the Central and Southern Sierra regions, the snowpack is now more than 200 percent above normal for this date and 76% of the April 1 average, which is usually the peak, according to the California Department of Water Resources. The storms won’t be enough to officially end the state’s ongoing drought, now entering its fourth year, but they have helped. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: California snowpack now more than 200 percent above normal
Why is California still in a drought after all this rain? Experts explain
“California is both in a drought and a flood emergency at the same time. How is that possible? Officials from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) say this “extraordinary” occurrence is yet another climate signal in California. In an update Monday on the latest storm and flooding, the department says the state continues to see below-average inflows despite all the rain received from six of an expected series of nine atmospheric river storms expected to hit the state. The series of catastrophic winter storms have caused mass flooding in the state, as rivers spill and the saturated soil refuses to absorb more water. … ” Read more from ABC 7 here: Why is California still in a drought after all this rain? Experts explain
What it will take to get California completely out of drought?
“After two weeks of storms that have flooded thousands of homes and caused millions of dollars of destruction, you would think that California’s drought woes would have been washed away. Important reservoirs have seen huge rises in their water levels, and areas of “extreme drought” have disappeared following the deluges, with more wet weather set to hit the state this week. But California’s drought troubles aren’t over yet, experts warn, as the storms may have brought too much rain at once, not enough snow that will melt into reservoirs in spring, and don’t make up for the fact the past three years have been exceptionally dry. … ” Read more from Newsweek here: What it will take to get California completely out of drought?
Radio show: Flooding during a drought: Rethinking California’s water system
“As another atmospheric river batters California, the state finds itself in the midst of weather whiplash: Parts of the state are flooding even while California remains in a drought emergency. As of early Monday, despite historic amounts of rain, most of the state’s reservoirs had not reached capacity and experts say this current system of rainstorms does not guarantee an end to the drought. In 2022, the year began with a similar set of storms to be followed by an unusually warm and dry winter that melted off the snowpack early. We’ll talk about the impact the storms are having on our aging water system and what we can learn about how to avoid flooding and capture more water from extreme weather events like this as they become more frequent with climate change.” Guests: Erica Gies, Karla Nemeth, Jay Lund. Show airs at 9am on KQED; audio will be available on this page after airing: Flooding during a drought: Rethinking California’s water system
Adapting to a water-scarce California
“With the arrival of a series of atmospheric rivers in recent weeks, drought-weary Californians are now confronting the weather whiplash that is a hallmark of our state’s climate. Flooding, power outages, and downed trees are now dominating the news. It’s a remarkable shift from the past few years, which saw the driest three-year period in the state’s recorded history. And while it’s tempting to think the drought is now over, it’s not—and if anything, the recent shift in conditions highlights just how much Californians need to prepare for wetter wets and drier dries. The past year was very important for California water. Water managers found ways to innovate and adapt. As a result, cities fared relatively well during this dry, hot year, thanks to years of investments in water conservation, water system interconnections, storage, and new supplies. … ” Read more from the PPIC here: Adapting to a water-scarce California
In commentary today …
Flooding in California has been worse before — and likely will be again
Peter H. Gleick, a hydroclimatologist, co-founder of the Pacific Institute, “In November 1861, it began to rain in California, presaging disaster. By late December, the rivers were full, the Sierra Nevada was under snow, and the soils of the Central Valley were saturated. In early January 1862, storms delivered 10 feet of rain from the Columbia River to the Mexican border. The final blow fell in mid-January. Another intense storm — warm this time — swept in from the Pacific Ocean, melting the massive snowpack and sending more water cascading into the soaked Central Valley. By the time the storms ended, devastation reigned. Millions of acres of land had become an inland sea. Thousands of people were dead. Some 200,000 cattle and more than half a million sheep drowned. New telegraph lines were lost, disrupting communications with the East, and 1 in 8 homes in the state was destroyed. In all, the so-called ARkStorm wiped out an estimated quarter of the state’s economy. ... ” Read more from the Washington Post here: Flooding in California has been worse before — and likely will be again
In regional water news and commentary today …
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES
Area snowpacks some of the strongest on record, data shows
“The recent snow and rainstorms that have hit the Reno area since Christmas have caused one of the strongest starts to winter accumulation on record. The USDA says snowpacks across Nevada and the eastern Sierra are 136%-258% of their median, with the endless storms causing those percentages to increase daily. According to data going back to 1981, the Carson River Basin has its greatest snow water amount for this time of year on record. … ” Read more from Channel 8 here: Area snowpacks some of the strongest on record, data shows
Winter Storm Warning in place for Lake Tahoe until Wednesday, new storm by end of week
“Another potent atmospheric river event brings heavy Sierra snow, strong winds, and a mixture of heavy wet snow and lower elevation flooding concerns Monday through Tuesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has a Winter Storm Warning in place for Lake Tahoe, the Sierra, and Western Nevada through 4 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Snow levels will vary widely Monday so the primary impacts could shift between winter travel and flooding risks. A short storm break is possible mid-late week but more storms appear likely next weekend and beyond. ... ” Read more from the South Tahoe Now here: Winter Storm Warning in place for Lake Tahoe until Wednesday, new storm by end of week
Storms fill Nevada Irrigation District reservoirs
“The ongoing storms are filling local reservoirs to capacity, according to the Nevada Irrigation District (NID). The District’s dam system is functioning as it should. “None of the flows are beyond the capacity of the District’s dams or spillways to safely pass,” said NID’s Director of Power Systems Keane Sommers. “The current flows are fairly routine in nature and similar to those experienced in prior years.” Both Rollins Reservoir (capacity of 65,998 acre-feet) and Combie Reservoir (capacity of 5,555 acre-feet) are full and have been spilling for days. Scotts Flat Reservoir (capacity of 48,547 acre-feet) is projected to spill on Monday, January 9. … ” Read more from YubaNet here: Storms fill Nevada Irrigation District reservoirs
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Here’s what you need to know about water releases from Shasta Dam
“Some community members have expressed concerns that the Bureau of Reclamation may be releasing more water than necessary during recent precipitation events. Doing so, they worry, would reduce the amount of water being stored for next year’s irrigation needs. Reclamation Area Manager Donald Bader says the irregular timing of water releases may be what’s confusing the public. … ” Read the full story at Shasta Scout here: Here’s what you need to know about water releases from Shasta Dam
Bureau of Reclamation encouraged by Shasta Lake’s rising water levels
“It’s only Jan. 9, but Shasta Lake has already seen a higher inflow of rainfall than it did all of last January. Of course, the excess rain has led to a significant and noticeable jump in the lake’s levels, which includes a 20 foot leap just last week alone. However, despite this increase in rainfall, Shasta Lake remains roughly 30 feet below it’s historical average for this time of year; that’s how much catching up the lake has to do after several consecutive drought years. December through February is when Shasta Lake sees the majority of impact to its water levels. So far, very early into 2023, the signs are promising. … ” Read more from KRCR here: Bureau of Reclamation encouraged by Shasta Lake’s rising water levels
Recent rains cause Whiskeytown Lake to spill into the Glory Hole
“Visitors from across the country stopped Monday at Whiskeytown Lake to witness an event that happens only once every few years as water crested the rim and flowed down into what is known as the Glory Hole near the lake’s dam. Esther Lee of New York City and her friend Rachel Delvaux of Redding were visiting Whiskeytown Lake on Monday when they stopped to look at the Glory Hole and snap some photos. It wasn’t a sight they were expecting. “We just came to just go to Whiskeytown Lake, just to visit the beaches and look at the beautiful scenery,” Lee said. … ” Read more from the Redding Record-Searchlight here: Recent rains cause Whiskeytown Lake to spill into the Glory Hole
Start of 2022-23 Water Year encouraging, not remarkable for California
“Rain has been a near constant in 2023 thus far, but where do we stand in the big picture? As it turns out, even with our wet start to January, the current water year has been far from exceptional. The active weather this month has certainly changed the story; January 7 was the first day at or above normal rainfall since October 1st, the beginning of the water year. In total, the 14.50” of rain in Redding is good for just fifth place out of the last ten years. ... ” Read more from KRCR here: Start of 2022-23 Water Year encouraging, not remarkable for California
Tehama County in for another round of storms
“A series of windy rain storms are in store for Tehama County. The National Weather Service is reporting the county will be receiving rain, mostly likely through Sunday. A high wind warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday, while a flood watch is in place 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, for the Sacramento Valley. Office of Emergency Deputy Director OES Sgt. Andy Houghtby said the winds should taper off Monday morning, but officials are still watching for downed trees and power lines. The river forecasts continue to fall, but county officials will continue to monitor them through Tuesday. … ” Read more from the Red Bluff Daily News here: Tehama County in for another round of storms
Flood warning issued for Sacramento River at Tehama Bridge
“The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood warning for the Sacramento River at the Tehama Bridge. The NWS said heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours is causing rises on the Upper Sacramento River. It says the flood stage is forecasted to exceed at the Tehama Bridge Monday evening. Minor flooding is forecasted for the Upper Sacramento River for Bend Bridge, Vina Woodson Bridge, Hamilton City, Ord Ferry, Moulton Weir, Colusa Weir, Colusa Bridge and Tisdale Weir. … ” Read more from Action News Now here: Flood warning issued for Sacramento River at Tehama Bridge
Sacramento River level not high enough for the Sacramento weir to be opened, officials say
“The California Department of Water Resources said the Sacramento Weir would not be opened on Monday. The gates of the weir are opened when water levels at the I Street Bridge reach 29.87 feet, but so far, the levels have been declining. The last observed level of the Sacramento River at the bridge was 26.7 feet. Over the weekend, more wet weather led to the river level getting close to the Tower Bridge and appearing to be a cause for concern. But the city of West Sacramento said that the river had not reached the flood stage. The weir channels floodwaters into the Yolo Bypass, located between West Sacramento and Davis, protecting Sacramento from flooding. … ” Read more from Fox 40 here: Sacramento River level not high enough for the Sacramento weir to be opened, officials say
What is Sacramento’s plan to stop flooding? Are rivers overflowing? Your questions, answered
“With the storm system continuing in Northern California and flood warnings issued in the Sacramento area, some residents are concerned about what this means for rivers and waterways. Reader Roslyn Bell asked The Bee’s service journalism team: “What is the flood plan for (Sacramento)…?” After seeing earlier Sacramento River crest forecasts, another reader asked if there will be major levee breaks. Previous forecasts showed potentially record-high numbers, with water levels at 32 feet. It has since dialed down to less than 30 feet as of Monday afternoon. … ” Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: What is Sacramento’s plan to stop flooding? Are rivers overflowing? Your questions, answered
NAPA/SONOMA
Residents along Russian River keep wary eye on rising levels
“The latest forecast for the Russian River is far more favorable than previous estimates of the river’s ultimate crest. After a lot of uncertainty, the overnight storm gave way to an absolutely beautiful day on the river Monday and a clearer picture of what the water might be doing. “Yeah, this is where it starts,” said Roger Hicks.”There’s no damage here. Probably, most people don’t have much damage. It’s just more of a nuisance than anything. But it’s actually kind of neat. It’s very peaceful.” … ” Read more from CBS Bay Area here: Residents along Russian River keep wary eye on rising levels
Break in the clouds offers respite before next round of rain and flood projections
“The muddy water keeps flowing and county work trucks keep moving along River Road, but earlier flood predictions failed to materialize on a sunny Monday afternoon in Guerneville. Pre-staged service trucks remain in place though, while cars and RV’s have been moved to higher ground in spots along River Road. Sandbags barricade the doors of the Monte Rio Theatre in anticipation. County spokesperson Ted Appel, who was traveling along River Road taking photos of flooded areas Monday afternoon, said the break in the rain has been well utilized. “There’s been a big effort on trying to get crews into place before they’re needed so that they can respond quickly, keep roads open, work in conjunction with PG&E to restore power, and all those crews have been out all day today working real hard, and the roads look much better than they did 24 hours ago,” Appel said. … ” Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Break in the clouds offers respite before next round of rain and flood projections
Sonoma County swamped by widespread, minor flooding, as power failures drag on
“A fortnight after the onset of storms that have deluged Santa Rosa and most of Sonoma County with over a foot of rain, the long anticipated, widespread flooding finally arrived Monday. That flooding, however, didn’t occur where it had been most expected, and feared. The Russian River stayed mostly within its banks, while its tributaries backed up and caused minor flooding along vineyards and low-lying areas in the west county. Elsewhere in the county, numerous roads were closed, and first responders were busy pulling stranded motorists out of submerged cars. … ” Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Sonoma County swamped by widespread, minor flooding, as power failures drag on
BAY AREA
Marin storms have yet to test Fairfax flood basin
“Despite a relentless spate of strong winter storms, a new flood detention basin in Fairfax that cost over $8 million to create has yet to be put to the test. Even though the county has been pounded with heavy rain for weeks, the basin has yet to take on water. That is to be expected, said Sandra Guldman, a member of the Flood Control Zone 9 Advisory Board, who visited the site over the weekend and said she was not surprised to see it dry. The detention basin built at the former site of the Sunnyside Nursery’s growing grounds was designed to fill only when there is an imminent threat of flooding in Fairfax, which is immediately downstream. The basin was constructed so that when the water in Fairfax Creek begins to overflow its banks it will spill into the basin from a low dam adjacent to the creek. It is estimated it will take about four hours for the basin to fill. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin storms have yet to test Fairfax flood basin
Marin endures more floods, outages as rain and wind continue
“Rain and wind continued to batter Marin County on Monday, flooding commuter corridors and neighborhoods and leaving thousands of western and central Marin residents without power. Up to 3 inches of rain fell in different parts of the county in the 24-hour period before 5 p.m. Monday, mostly overnight and into the morning, according to the National Weather Service. Dillon Beach got 0.91 inches, Point Reyes Station 1.14 inches, Kentfield 1.69 inches, Mill Valley 1.22 inches, Woodacre 3.04 inches and the middle peak of Mount Tamalpais 2.04 inches. Wind gusts well over 50 mph along the coast, and as high as 78 mph at Nicasio Hills, helped the rain shake loose trees, power lines and the occasional cluster of rocks in West Marin. … ” Read more from the Marin Independent Journal here: Marin endures more floods, outages as rain and wind continue
San Francisco isn’t doing enough to stop supercharged floods
“San Francisco’s Adopt-a-Drain program, where residents volunteer to monitor and clean out a designated catch basin, has gotten lots of social media attention — and new sign-ups — during recent storms. It’s easy to see the appeal of this kind of civic action, especially when it comes with the right to give “your” storm drain cutesy names, like Lana Del Drain or Drainmond Green. The feel-good PR campaign obfuscates a grimmer reality, though. San Francisco’s antiquated stormwater system is prone to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, and specifically flooding that contains raw sewage. The problem will only get worse in the face of storms enhanced by climate change. Which makes Adopt-a-Drain the paper straw of flood management, a gesture that’s as lovely as it is inadequate. ... ” Read more from SF Gate here: San Francisco isn’t doing enough to stop supercharged floods
SEE ALSO: ‘Don’t jump in puddles’: Sewage is overflowing into San Francisco Bay and city streets during storms, from the San Francisco Chronicle
Rare thunderstorms expected across the Bay Area today. Here’s why they’re forming now
“Powerful gusts and heavy downpours wreaked havoc on most of Northern California on Monday, causing widespread power outages, flooding and landslides. Residents in the Santa Cruz Mountains received the brunt of the active weather as strong winds and heavy rainfall added stress on already saturated soils. Tuesday’s active weather, promoted by an intense jet stream over the Pacific Ocean, will cause similar impacts, but it will also carry an elevated risk for cells of thunderstorms to circle the Bay Area. These cells will dot the landscape and bring their own unique hazards to residents still recovering from the wider impacts of all the recent atmospheric rivers. ... ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Rare thunderstorms expected across the Bay Area today. Here’s why they’re forming now
Bay Area storms: South Bay leaders monitor creeks as deluge causes street flooding, partially closes Highway 101
“Emergency officials in Santa Clara County kept a weary eye on high-flowing creek beds Monday after the latest atmospheric river storm dropped another couple inches of rain on the waterlogged Bay Area. While numerous towns to the west of the Santa Cruz Mountains reported widespread river flooding, mudslides and damage to buildings on Monday, some local leaders across the South Bay voiced cautious optimism at appearing to have escaped the worst from the latest atmospheric haymaker to come ashore. Despite some local flooding and road closures, for example, San Jose officials said the city has avoided any widespread damage from creeks topping their banks. “San Jose is weathering the storm quite well,” said Mayor Matt Mahan at a Monday afternoon press conference. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Bay Area storms: South Bay leaders monitor creeks as deluge causes street flooding, partially closes Highway 101
CENTRAL COAST
Santa Cruz storm: Intense rain inundates San Lorenzo River, flooding homes and roads
“Felled trees and power lines choked off roads in the Santa Cruz mountains on Monday, as emergency crews scrambled to help people trapped in flooded homes or cars — including a few holdouts who refused to leave. The patchwork of towns from Felton to Watsonville was among the areas most ravaged by storms that struck Northern California over the weekend, forcing residents of multiple neighborhoods to evacuate along streets strewn with obstacles. Several homes and roads were under water in the Felton Grove area, where the San Lorenzo River spilled its banks early Monday, swollen by relentless showers that raised the water to 24.54 feet — exceeding the flood threshold by 8 feet. The river surpassed this level only once in recorded history, in 1982, when a spate of January storms triggered the deadly Love Creek slide in nearby Ben Lomond. … ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Santa Cruz storm: Intense rain inundates San Lorenzo River, flooding homes and roads
SEE ALSO: Felton is no stranger to floods or fires, yet many can’t imagine leaving, from the San Jose Mercury News
Watsonville hit hard with major flooding as storm rolls through
“The streets of Watsonville were awash in muddy floodwater Monday as the latest storm system in a parade of atmospheric rivers made landfall in the already rain-drenched region.South County creeks and rivers were inundated with runoff water from saturated soils and quickly swelled before spilling into roadways and neighborhoods. Evacuation orders were issued for low-lying regions near Salsipuedes and Corralitos creeks and the Pajaro River including Freedom Boulevard, Holohan Road, E. Lake Avenue, College Road, Lakeview Road and Riverside Road. According to a Santa Cruz County flood stage tracker, Corralitos Creek hit a watermark of 15 feet around 8:40 Monday morning – well above its moderate flood stage of 11.50 feet. The Salsipuedes Creek was measured at 13.6 feet but is not expected to flood, according to 2nd District Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend. No known injuries have been reported in South County as of Monday afternoon, Friend said. … ” Read more from the Santa Cruz Sentinel here: Watsonville hit hard with major flooding as storm rolls through
Monterey County faces widespread evacuations as latest atmospheric river batters the region
“From the Pajaro community near Santa Cruz down to Big Sur, thousands across Monterey County faced mandatory evacuation orders Monday as another atmospheric river ravaged the Central Coast and Northern California. Evacuation orders were doled out by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office as early as 7 a.m. Monday for areas around the Carmel River. Subsequent calls to evacuate quickly followed, prompting residents of low-lying areas around the Arroyo Seco, Pajaro and Big Sur rivers to find higher ground as soon as they could. … ” Read more from the Monterey Herald here: Monterey County faces widespread evacuations as latest atmospheric river batters the region
Now that sand mining has ended, big storms are restoring sand to the beaches of southern Monterey Bay.
“David Schmalz here, thinking about sand. That’s because, with the recent storms, the beaches along southern Monterey Bay will be seeing more of it. Monterey County officials cut a canal in the Salinas River in December as a preventative measure for flooding, allowing the river to flow freely into the bay, south of the Monterey Submarine Canyon. … In July 2017, the California Coastal Commission negotiated a consent order with Cemex to shut down mining on the property—west of Highway 1, north of Reservation Road—by Dec. 31, 2020. For those who worked to shut the mine down, including coastal engineer Ed Thornton, the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and citizens in Marina, it was a historic victory. With the recent storms, those activists are finally going to start seeing the fruits of their hard work. Or rather, more precisely, the sand. ... ” Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Now that sand mining has ended, big storms are restoring sand to the beaches of southern Monterey Bay.
Mass evacuations in Montecito, other areas as deadly storm causes flooding, road closures
“A powerful winter storm barreled into Southern California on Monday, forcing the mass evacuation of Montecito and other communities exactly five years after mudslides in the same area left 23 people dead. Pounding rain wreaked havoc throughout the coastal counties north of Los Angeles, bringing flooding, road closures and deaths, including in San Luis Obispo County a 5-year-old boy who was swept away by flood waters and a motorist who entered a flooded roadway. The storm, which was expected to move through Los Angeles, Orange and other southern counties through Tuesday, dumped more than 10 inches of rain in some areas and prompted pleas for people to stay indoors. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Mass evacuations in Montecito, other areas as deadly storm causes flooding, road closures
Cachuma Reservoir rises almost five feet in 24 hours
“Cachuma Reservoir has risen nearly five feet in the past 24 hours, according to Santa Barbara County Public Works. On Jan. 8, the reservoir had a reported 699.4 feet, and on Jan. 9, a reported 704.26 feet as of 3:00 p.m. … ” Read more from KEYT here: Cachuma Reservoir rises almost five feet in 24 hours
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Flooding continues in SJ County as the next major storm moves in
“Stockton and the rest of San Joaquin County are trying to stay ahead of the storm damage as Tuesday promises to bring another batch of extreme weather. While Stockton has dealt with it’s fair share of flooding, road closures and power outages, some of the most severe situations have developed in the south county. Rains and floodwaters from a raging creek triggered road closures and an evacuation advisory in San Joaquin County southeast of Tracy on Monday night, emergency officials said. Sheriff’s deputies and area firefighters went door to door in a roughly one square mile rural area bounded by Chrisman Road and Linne, Bird, and Durham Ferry roads, said Tiffany Heyer, director of San Joaquin County’s Office of Emergency Services. … ” Read more from Stocktonia here: Flooding continues in SJ County as the next major storm moves in’
Central Valley sees significant rain, snowfall and flooding
“A major storm has moved across California, blanketing the Valley in rain and snow for the higher elevations. On Monday, the Valley saw heavy rainfall and flooding in some areas. A flood watch remains in effect for the Valley and Foothills. Multiple evacuation orders were issued throughout Merced as the severe flooding cause Bear Creek to overflow. … ” Read more from KFSN here: Central Valley sees significant rain, snowfall and flooding
Another windy storm moves through Modesto. Here’s the latest on Dry Creek flood watch
“The latest storm brought 0.95 inches of rain to Modesto as of noon Monday, renewing pressure on Dry Creek and toppling at least a few more trees. The National Weather Service forecasts rain on most days through Sunday. Several feet of snow could fall on the Sierra Nevada watershed. The wind is expected to ease starting Monday afternoon. Widespread flooding is not forecast thanks to plenty of empty space in foothill reservoirs on the Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers. Dry Creek remains a concern because it has no dam to moderate its flow. Most of the corridor is park and farmland, with homes atop bluffs, but people venturing near the water risk injury. … ” Read more from AOL News here: Another windy storm moves through Modesto. Here’s the latest on Dry Creek flood watch
Fresno ponding basins filling up as storm brings steady rain
“The steady rain has been filling up ponding basins. The City of Fresno prepared before the storm drenched the valley. “Checking pumps, making sure those are working, draining down an of our ponding basins to create room for this storm water that’s coming in right now,” said Public Works Director Scott Mozier. The flow has been non-stop through the Flood Control District’s 150 storm water basins and 700 miles of pipeline. “Some of our basins are getting kind of full. so when that happens, we work with either the City of Fresno or Clovis or the county of Fresno, if we need to start closing roads off,” said Flood Control District GM Peter Sanchez. … ” Read more from KFSN here: Fresno ponding basins filling up as storm brings steady rain
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Southern California faces another day of punishing rains: ‘We are definitely not out of the woods yet’
“Following a wave of punishing rains that forced evacuations on the Central Coast and flooded parts of Los Angeles County, Southern California was facing another round of storms Tuesday, with much of the region still under flood, high wind and high surf advisories. Major highways and several other roads remained closed because of flooding, rock and mudslides, and motorists were advised to remain vigilant. L.A. County, which meteorologists said has received from 2 to 6 inches of rain along the coasts and valleys and about 8 inches in the mountains, could see an additional half-inch to 1½ inches, with more expected at higher elevations. … ” Read more from the LA Times here: Southern California faces another day of punishing rains: ‘We are definitely not out of the woods yet’
IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS
Human actions created the Salton Sea, California’s largest lake – here’s how to save it from collapse, protecting wild birds and human health
“The Salton Sea spreads across a remote valley in California’s lower Colorado Desert, 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the Mexican border. For birds migrating along the Pacific coast, it’s an avian Grand Central Station. In midwinter tens of thousands of snow geese, ducks, pelicans, gulls and other species forage on and around the lake. Hundreds of other species nest there year-round or use it as a rest stop during spring and fall migration. At the dawn of the 20th century, this massive oasis didn’t even exist. It was created in 1905 when Colorado River floodwaters breached an irrigation canal under construction in Southern California and flowed into a basin that had flooded in the past. In earlier years, the sea covered roughly 40 square miles more than its current size of 343 square miles (890 square kilometers). Since then, agricultural runoff from newly formed nearby irrigation districts has sustained it. By midcentury, the sea was considered a regional amenity and stocked with popular sport fish. Now, however, this resource is in trouble. … ” Read more from The Conversation here: Human actions created the Salton Sea, California’s largest lake – here’s how to save it from collapse, protecting wild birds and human health
Along the Colorado River …
Can the West save the Colorado River before it’s too late? Here are 8 possible solutions
“Conditions on the drying Colorado River are worsening faster than expected. States can’t agree on how to divide water cuts. Native American officials say they’re still largely shut out from the bargaining table and murmurs of a dystopian “water war” scenario now punctuate the conversations. The crisis is over a century in the making and water experts have been ringing alarm bells for decades. Now government officials have weeks or months, not years, to find ways to save massive amounts of water. At risk are the country’s two largest reservoirs — lakes Powell and Mead — both of which are losing water. Levels could drop so low this year that Glen Canyon and Hoover dams would no longer be able to generate electricity for millions of people. By the end of next year, Powell’s water level could fall so low that its dam will only be able to send smaller quantities of water downstream to Arizona, California and Nevada. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News here: Can the West save the Colorado River before it’s too late? Here are 8 possible solutions
Arizona: Governor Hobbs announces actions to modernize Arizona’s groundwater management
“Governor Katie Hobbs took a step in fulfilling her promise of transparency in her administration, unsealing an until-now unreleased report that Phoenix’s West Valley is short of its 100-year supply of water required by law. She followed the drastic announcement with an Executive Order to modernize Arizona’s groundwater management. “I do not understand, and do not in any way agree with, my predecessor choosing to keep this report from the public and from members of this legislature. However, my decision to release this report signals how I plan to tackle our water issues openly and directly,” Governor Hobbs said in her State of the State Address. … ” Read more from the Office of the Governor here: Arizona: Governor Hobbs announces actions to modernize Arizona’s groundwater management
Arizona: Hobbs reveals West Valley current water supply cannot support planned development
“”It will certainly cost money. But it’s not just money itself isn’t going to solve the problem. You’ve got to find the water supplies, you have to move them to the right place in the right time,” Buschatzke said. Every new home built by a developer in Arizona must be able to show that it has 100 years of assured water supply. On Monday, in her State of the State address Governor Katie Hobbs revealed a large area of the far west valley is far short of that requirement and accused former Governor Ducey’s administration of keeping the information secret from the public. … ” Read more from Channel 15 here: Arizona: Hobbs reveals West Valley current water supply cannot support planned development
Study of California groundwater prompts a wake-up call for Arizona
“A team of scientists that pioneered methods to observe changes in global groundwater stores over the past two decades using a specialized NASA satellite mission has made a surprising discovery about the aquifers that supply California’s Central Valley region. Despite the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act adopted in 2014 to prevent overpumping and stabilize the aquifers, the groundwater depletion rate has accelerated to a point where groundwater could disappear over the next several decades. The act gives the state’s local groundwater management districts until 2042 to reach sustainability goals. … ” Read more from Arizona State University here: Study of California groundwater prompts a wake-up call for Arizona
‘It’s a marathon, not a race’ — what Utah’s recent snowstorms mean for the Colorado River
“The snow keeps falling across Utah, which will likely benefit beleaguered waters like the Great Salt Lake and Lake Powell. But it’s too soon to say how much of a difference it will make. Snowpack is well above average in watersheds across the state, according to the latest data from the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Snow Survey. The Southeastern Utah basin is an astounding 190% above normal for this time of year, and other drainages that feed the Colorado River are close behind. All that snow has done little to lift Lake Powell’s elevation to date, which currently sits at about a quarter of its capacity and around 30 feet above the point where it will no longer be able to generate hydropower. Still, there are reasons to be optimistic. … ” Read more from the Salt Lake Tribune here: ‘It’s a marathon, not a race’ — what Utah’s recent snowstorms mean for the Colorado River
In national water news today …
Record drought gripped much of the U.S. in 2022
“The large coverage and long duration of drought conditions across the U.S. set several records in 2022. The year was also marked by numerous severe weather events, devastating hurricanes and deadly flooding across parts of the country. Here is a summary of the climate and extreme weather events across the U.S. in 2022 ... ” Read more from NOAA here: Record drought gripped much of the U.S. in 2022
Fresh water could be in extremely short supply in Israel in just a few decades, study says
“Fresh water could be in extremely short supply in Israel in just a few decades. How the country responds could provide an important example for the United States. A new study published in the journal npj Clean Water examined how population growth will affect demand for desalinated water in Israel by 2065. Since the 1990s, Israel has become one of the world leaders in water desalination technology. The program to turn saltwater into fresh water has been so successful that in 2022, the country began pumping excess desalinated water into the Sea of Galilee as part of an effort to reinvigorate the ailing ecosystem. Israel also recently doubled the amount of fresh water it sends to neighboring Jordan. … ” Read more from Forward here: Fresh water could be in extremely short supply in Israel in just a few decades, study says
Climate change makes heat waves, storms and droughts worse, climate report confirms
“Climate change is causing the weather around the world to get more extreme, and scientists are increasingly able to pinpoint exactly how the weather is changing as the Earth heats up. A sweeping new report by top climate scientists and meteorologists describes how climate change drove unprecedented heat waves, floods and droughts in recent years. The annual report from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) compiles the leading science about the role of climate change in extreme weather. “It’s a reminder that the risk of extreme events is growing, and they’re affecting every corner of the world,” says Sarah Kapnick, the chief scientist at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). … ” Read more from Capital Public Radio here: Climate change makes heat waves, storms and droughts worse, climate report confirms
