DAILY DIGEST, 1/13: Another onslaught of atmospheric river storms through the weekend; Surging rivers highlight a big dam problem for California; Lake Mendocino’s rising levels put Army Corps of Engineers back at the helm of release valves; New groundwater report shows people keep moving to AZ despite shrinking supply; and more …

On the calendar today …

  • MEETING: Wildlife Conservation Board beginning at 12pm. Agenda items include consideration of project funding for building wildlife-friendly resilience in working landscapes, climate smart meadow restoration, and climate resilience through habitat restoration. Click here for the full agenda and remote access instructions.

On the calendar tomorrow …

  • EVENT: The Cosumnes River Preserve is hosting a guided sandhill crane tour from 3:40-6:40pm.  Join experienced docents and members of the ~Save Our Sandhill Cranes advocacy group~ for a 90-minute guided tour of the Sandhill Cranes. Click here to register.

California storms …

January 2023 winter storm update: DWR officials warn there’s more to come

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) continues to respond to the statewide impacts from a series of severe storms that have inundated the state since late December.  The latest atmospheric river produced heavy precipitation in Central and Southern California leading to extremely high flows on many rivers and streams. More precipitation is forecasted to continue over Northern California through the weekend resulting in renewed elevated levels in rivers on the North Coast. Central and Southern California are getting a break from precipitation for a couple of days, with yet another round of storms forecasted to return by Friday through the weekend.  The timing between storms is important for river levels to come down between rises, but DWR officials warn that more areas will become susceptible to flooding with each successive storm. ... ”  Read more from DWR News here: January 2023 winter storm update: DWR officials warn there’s more to come

Another onslaught of atmospheric river storms to pummel California through the weekend

Another barrage of atmospheric rivers will slam into California starting Friday, with a series of storms continuing to hit the West Coast through the weekend and into early next week.  The Golden State caught a break Thursday from the onslaught of deadly atmospheric river storms that have greatly helped the ongoing drought situation but have battered California with heavy rain, high winds, flooding and mudslides.  California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said Tuesday the storms claimed the lives of at least 17 people, which is more than wildfires over the past two years combined. ... ”  Read more from Fox News here: Another onslaught of atmospheric river storms to pummel California through the weekend

Major rains along with record snow pack could amount to danger

California has not seen rain like we’re having in many years. That’s extremely helpful to filling the Golden State’s water starved dams; especially the major mega dams tens of millions of Californians depend on. But, with precipitation, too much of a good thing requires intense oversight and management, round the clock, by reservoir and dam operators. … Joshua Viers, a watershed scientist at UC Merced. “It is a delicate balancing act, and it’s one that I think keeps a lot of engineers up late at night,” said Professor Viers. … ”  Read more from KTVU here: Major rains along with record snow pack could amount to danger

California’s devastating storm in maps and charts

California is braced for more heavy rain after being lashed by a relentless series of storms and downpours that have caused death and destruction across the state.  More extreme weather is expected to roll in from the Pacific after weeks of high winds, floods and landslides that have devastated neighbourhoods – from towns to rural communities like Chualar in Monterey County. … ” Check it out at the BBC here: California’s devastating storm in maps and charts

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What about the drought?

Snow drought current conditions and impacts in the West

A continuous barrage of atmospheric rivers have made landfall in central and northern California, spreading copious amounts of mountain snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and parts of the Upper Colorado River Basin.  Snow water equivalent (SWE) is currently at 200% to over 300% of normal for much of this region, with record high SWE for this time of year at a number of SNOTEL sites in the Sierra Nevada. There are still small areas of snow drought in isolated regions, including the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, straddling the New Mexico-Colorado border.  The northern Rockies is another region to keep an eye on, with many locations at near-to-slightly below normal SWE in northern Idaho, western Montana, and northern Wyoming. … ” Read more from NIDIS here: Snow drought current conditions and impacts in the West 

California storms ‘significantly reduced’ drought intensity, yet still more rain is needed

For three years, California has been in desperate need of rain. Years of unfavorable precipitation trends and more intense heat waves have fed directly to the state’s unrelenting, historic drought that has triggered dire water shortages.  But the past several weeks of rain and snow have “significantly reduced” the state’s drought intensity, according the US Drought Monitor’s latest report.  Extreme drought — the second-highest designation on the drought monitor scale — has nearly disappeared, according to the weekly analysis published Thursday. It is now confined to less than 1% of the state near the border with Oregon. Only two weeks ago, more than one-third of California was in this extreme drought category. The drought is not over for the state, however. Despite the epic rain and snow, more than 95% of California remains in moderate or severe drought, since moisture deficits have been baked into the landscape in some areas over the past three years. ... ”  Read more from CNN here:  California storms ‘significantly reduced’ drought intensity, yet still more rain is needed

California drought outlook improves after weeks of historic storms

No, California’s drought is not over, not by a long shot. But weeks of near-constant rainfall have improved the situation considerably, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly report released Thursday.  The map updated Thursday shows most of the state in moderate or severe drought after about seven atmospheric river storms swept through the state since Christmas Day. Only a small portion in the extreme northeastern portion of the state remains in extreme drought, while the northwestern corner of the state and much of Imperial County dropped to the lowest level of drought, termed abnormally dry.  The Sacramento and Central valleys, which were in extreme and extraordinary drought just three months ago, have seen conditions improve to severe. Most coastal locations and some eastern foothill areas have improved to the moderate category. … ”  Read more from the Courthouse News Service here: California drought outlook improves after weeks of historic storms

Nearly all of California exits the worst drought categories in U.S. Drought Monitor

The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed an extraordinary sight: Deep splotches of dark red and purple signifying the worst levels of drought have been erased from California’s map almost completely.  On Thursday, 0% of the state was in exceptional drought, and only a tiny portion of far Northern California, 0.32%, was in extreme drought.  It’s the first time that’s happened since April 4, 2020, when none of the state was classified in those categories, according to Richard Tinker, a meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and one of the authors of the drought monitor. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Nearly all of California exits the worst drought categories in U.S. Drought Monitor

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In other California water news today …

Surging rivers highlight a big dam problem for California

California is a land of booms and busts. Nowhere is that clearer than in its rivers, trickling a month ago during drought and now suddenly swollen as fearsome storms pummel the state.  “There’s no Goldilocks moments in California,” said Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow at the Water Policy Center of the Public Policy Institute of California. “It’s either incredibly wet or incredibly dry.”  Six powerful storms supercharged by atmospheric rivers have struck the state since Christmas, according to State Climatologist Michael Anderson. Three more are expected in the coming days. At least 17 people have died, mudslides have poured onto roadways, and hundreds of thousands have lost power at times.  And despite all that water, state leaders are bracing for the possibility of more drought this summer in parts of the state. … ”  Read more from AOL News here: Surging rivers highlight a big dam problem for California

California Republicans renew call for quicker movement on water storage projects

Republicans in California’s Assembly used a break in the storms Thursday to condemn Democrats for the drought-stricken state’s inability to capture more of the rainfall that has inundated it in recent weeks. “It’s a failure of leadership,” Assemblyman James Gallagher, R-Nicolaus, said during a press conference near the American River in Sacramento. “The Democratic supermajority and the governor have failed to make investments in water infrastructure.” Gallagher, the Republican Leader, was joined by 10 of his Assembly colleagues on a rare sunny day so far in 2023. They pleaded with Gov. Gavin Newsom to expedite pending water storage projects. … ”  Read more from the Sacramento Bee here: California Republicans renew call for quicker movement on water storage projects

SEE ALSO:  Storms Show California’s Outdated Plumbing Puts Economy at Risk, from Bloomberg

Costa: Save water from recent Calif. storms

U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif., long an influential Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, is calling for state and federal water managers to boost conservation of surface water from this winter’s prolific storms in California.  In a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials, Costa called for more pumping from the southern Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta plants that serve federal Central Valley Project and State Water Project contractors.  He said the move would replenish depleted reservoirs and leave more water for future use.”Community drinking water systems, agriculture, and listed species that occupy managed wetlands alike would benefit from an increased supply of stored water for use during the next dry period,” Costa wrote. “If the 2022 water year is any indication, that could come as soon as next month. It makes NO sense to miss the opportunity created by the extraordinary wet conditions California is now experiencing.” … ”  Read more from the Western Farm Press here: Costa: Save water from recent Calif. storms

In a drought, California is watching water wash out to sea

A century ago, Los Angeles built what is still widely considered one of the most sophisticated urban flood control systems in the world, designed to hold back waters from massive Pacific storms like the ones that have recently slammed the state.  After a series of downpours over the past week dumped up to nine inches of rain on the San Gabriel Mountains, some 8.4 billion gallons were impounded behind 14 large dams, easing floods and building up valuable stores of water for the drier summer months ahead.  But in a state that is weathering a crippling, multiyear drought, much larger streams of water — estimated at tens of billions of gallons — have been rushing in recent days straight into the Pacific Ocean, a devastating conundrum for a state whose future depends on holding on to any drop it can.  Now, the county is embarking on a radical and risky experiment to see if it can increase supply in a different way: a $300 million-per-year program that would build hundreds of small water capture projects over the next 30 to 50 years that could eventually retain as much water as the mountain dams. … ”  Read more from the New York Times here: In a drought, California is watching water wash out to sea

SEE ALSO: Capturing stormwater to deal with California’s drought is complicated, from Marketplace

Helping California companies adapt to drought, flood, climate change: Waterplan scientist Nick Silverman

Earth pulling Isaac Newton’s apple toward the ground taught gravity to humanity. Now gravity pulling satellites toward Earth is teaching Californians how little water we have — and helping businesses cope with the scarcity of a resource as crucial to the state’s economy as it is to humanity’s survival.  As the state’s water supply shrinks from too much consumption and not enough replenishment amid climate change and long-term drought, and extreme weather brings floods, companies are paying increased attention to water, and the risks to commerce — including regulation — that arise when supply can’t meet demand.  “Water is the new carbon,” says water-resources engineer Nick Silverman, chief scientist at Bay Area water-risk analysis firm Waterplan, which counts major companies including Facebook parent Meta of Menlo Park — which, like Google, has its headquarters at close to sea level near the San Francisco Bay — among its customers. … ”  Read more from the Mercury News here: Helping California companies adapt to drought, flood, climate change: Waterplan scientist Nick Silverman

When the river rises, weirs get to work

Much of California enjoyed a brief break from the succession of atmospheric river storms that have drenched and pummeled the state for the past two weeks. With six storms behind us and three more lined up between now and January 19, many people are asking whether and when the decision will be made to open the Sacramento Weir.  The weir, which draws water off of the Sacramento River and into the Yolo Bypass, is the only manually operated weir on the river and is operated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) based on specific criteria set by the US Army Corps of Engineers. If the height of the Sacramento River reaches 29.87 feet at the I Street Bridge, and if the forecast is for it to continue to rise, DWR will start opening some of the weir’s 48 gates. … ”  Read more from DWR News here: When the river rises, weirs get to work

Ducks Unlimited’s California projects show why wetlands can help with floods

Before Californians built a network of levees and dams to keep cities from flooding, the rivers that formed the Central Valley each winter would spill out of their channels. In the wettest years, they’d flood to form a massive inland sea that stretched hundreds of miles from Redding to Bakersfield.  In wet winters such as this one, those rivers keep trying to form that massive seasonal wetland again, testing the strength of the levees that protect communities built on the state’s floodplains.  Along two of the state’s most flood-prone rivers, Ducks Unlimited has been working to create wetlands that use those natural flood patterns to create vital habitat for waterbirds and wildlife. The projects highlight why Californians should look to wetland expansion as one of the solutions to help reduce the risks from future floods. ... ”  Read more from Ducks Unlimited here: Ducks Unlimited’s California projects show why wetlands can help with floods

A wet start to 2023: Rethinking floods and aquifer recharge

California’s current series of atmospheric rivers are wreaking havoc on the state and permeating our news cycle. Whenever it rains, the most common question we ask is, “Is the drought over?”  The answer? No, but it’s complicated. We have to pull peak flood flows off our waterways as these storms continue for community safety. What’s more, we can capture and store these floodwaters on floodplains, in basins, and on farmland for groundwater recharge and ecosystem benefits.  Groundwater recharge at scale could solve for up to 25% of the San Joaquin Valley’s groundwater overdraft. ... ”  Read more from Sustainable Conservation here:  A Wet Start to 2023: Rethinking Floods and Aquifer Recharge

Video: Rainwater rights in California

Heavy rain has been drenching California for weeks, but water rights restrictions prevent a lot of it from being saved for future use.”  Watch video from AccuWeather via Yahoo News here:  Video: Rainwater rights in California

Recent storms reveal extent of crisis: Drought and long-term water supply threat will continue

California continues to battle a series of significant storms, bringing much needed rain to the entire state. The storms which have been described as “atmospheric rivers” are another indication of the impact of climate change and the urgent need to adapt the California water system to handle large volumes of water in very short periods of time. Climate change has also caused snow packs to melt earlier in the winter season, making less water available for water allocations in the spring and summer months.  Despite the incredible downpour this month, experts throughout the State are cautioning that the drought is far from over and the long-term water supply crisis will continue. History has proven that a wet start to a new year does not always indicate a wet year to come because the system is incapable of collecting and storing water in wet periods to use in dry periods. … ”

Click here to continue reading this press release from Solve the Water Crisis.

In commentary today …

A paradoxical moment in California water policy: The time for action

David Guy, President of the Northern California Water Association, writes, “We are living in an interesting moment in California, as we are simultaneously watching a serious flood emergency (see President Biden’s emergency declaration here) while preparing for a dry year and operating under the Governor’s drought proclamations and orders. This seems like a paradox, but it instead reveals the nature of California, with the weather whiplash that graces the west coast, and why we need to more aggressively advance water management that better adapts to a changing climate and our state’s important values.Californians have built an amazing and highly managed water system. But this system is under strain as our values in California water continue to evolve and we face increasing recurrence of droughts, floods and fires. … ”  Read more from the Northern California Water Association here: A paradoxical moment in California water policy: The time for action

Column: Droughts, technology thrust desal to the fore

Columnist Thomas Elias writes, “It has taken an unprecedented series of multi-year droughts, conversion of thousands of California lawns to water-sparing cacti and other plants and stricter than ever water rationing in many parts of the state, but at last it’s beginning to look like Samuel Coleridge’s sailor may have been premature.  For there’s plenty of Pacific Ocean water being drunk in California today, with every indication suggesting there will be much more to come.  No, California will likely never be like Israel, drawing 90 percent of its drinking water from desalinized sea water. But eventually, it’s now probable that such purified brine will eventually make up something more than 10 percent of the state’s supply. … ”  Continue reading from the Ridgecrest Independent here: Column: Droughts, technology thrust desal to the fore | Read via the Hanford Sentinel

Crisis communication suffers during natural disasters

Jeff Mount, Senior Fellow with the PPIC, writes, “California, with its serial atmospheric rivers, is grappling with an unfolding natural disaster. Over the longer term, there are many ways to reduce or mitigate risks from storms like these, including promoting good land use planning and zoning to avoid hazards, building infrastructure to better handle storms, and ramping up efforts to address the greater vulnerabilities of many low-income communities. But in the moment, one of the most important risk mitigation strategies involves communication.  Communication is the lynchpin of disaster preparedness and response. This includes raising awareness about a storm’s potential consequences, encouraging safe behavior, and enabling all-important communication during and immediately after the storm. During the recent spate of storms, I have had firsthand experience with some of the challenges our communication systems are facing. Indeed, the evolution of these systems may be making crises worse. My reaction to these events may highlight some challenges ahead for communication during the next flood, earthquake, or wildfire. … ”  Read more from the PPIC here: Crisis communication suffers during natural disasters

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In regional water news and commentary today …

NORTH COAST

NOAA will consider listing Oregon and California Chinook salmon as endangered

The National Marine Fisheries Service, or NOAA Fisheries, is considering a request from several environmental groups seeking to list two types of Chinook salmon as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. One population lives along the Oregon Coast and the other further south along the Oregon-California border.  Three environmental groups sent the petition last August showing that numerous threats have caused a sharp decline in spring-run Chinook salmon. Those groups are the Center for Biological Diversity, the Native Fish Society, and Umpqua Watersheds. … ”  Read more from Jefferson Public Radio here: NOAA will consider listing Oregon and California Chinook salmon as endangered

Nearly $8 million now available for eligible Klamath Basin salmon restoration projects

The Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service on Thursday, Jan. 12 announced nearly $8 million for three Klamath Basin Salmon Restoration grant programs is available.  Partnering with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to administer funds, the agencies are now seeking applicants to submit pre-proposals for funding opportunities of up to $500,000 for Klamath River projects, up to $500,000 for Trinity River projects and up to $7 million for Shasta Valley projects. ... ”  Read more from the Herald & News here: Nearly $8 million now available for eligible Klamath Basin salmon restoration projects

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Driving to Tahoe for holiday weekend skiing? Read this first

One of Lake Tahoe’s most popular skiing weekends is due to bring such heavy snow that traveling to and from the mountains is expected to be difficult, if not impossible.  Thursday offered a short break in steadily falling rain and snow across Northern California this week, but incoming storms are expected to unload 3-5 feet of snow in the Tahoe area beginning Friday and continuing through the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend. The heaviest of these is expected to peak on Saturday and “looks to pose a great threat of widespread travel impacts across the Sierra,” according to a Special Weather Statement from the National Weather Service. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Driving to Tahoe for holiday weekend skiing? Read this first

California storms dump 3 to 4 feet of snow across Lake Tahoe area

While the Bay Area gets drenched with rain, the Tahoe region is enjoying early season snow totals surpassing April averages in some places — and there’s more on the way.The Jan. 9 to 11 storm has seen impressive snow totals, with the highest amounts coming in the Central Sierra. Northstar California Ski Resort led the way among all Tahoe area resorts, with 50 inches. The Tahoe basin picked up “the lower half of the forecast” between 2.5 to 4 feet, according to @TahoeWeather. … ”  Continue reading at SF Gate here: California storms dump 3 to 4 feet of snow across Lake Tahoe area

Video: What is restoration and what does it mean for the Yuba River watershed?

Aaron Zettler-Mann, SYRCL’s Watershed Science Director, Kat Perlman, SYRCL’s Forest Conservation Program Manager, Alecia Weisman, SYRCL’s Watershed Science Program Manager, and Daniel Elkin, SYRCL’s Communications and Engagement Director talk about what restoration looks like, the importance of partnerships, and how you can help preserve, restore, and protect the Yuba River watershed.”

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

Is Lake Shasta’s water level rising?

As relentless rain continues to batter the Golden State, water levels in California’s drought-stricken reservoirs appear to be on the rise. The state’s largest reservoir, Lake Shasta, received over 13 inches of rain in the first 11 days of 2023, but its water levels are still below what they usually are at this time of year.  “We’ve had three consecutive years of drought, probably one of the worst droughts California has ever experienced,” Ernest Conant, regional director of the California branch of the U.S. Bureau for Reclamation, told Newsweek.  “At the beginning of this water year, which is October 1, 2022, the lake was a third full, at 33 percent. We’re now at 42 percent and climbing. We’re gaining ground, but we still have a long way to go,” Conant said. … ”  Read more from Newsweek here: Is Lake Shasta’s water level rising?

Storm after storm after storm headed our way for the next week in far Northern California

Get used to this rainy weather pattern over Redding and the rest of far Northern California for at least the next week, according to the National Weather Service.  The Redding area could receive 5 to 8 inches through next Tuesday, said Cory Mueller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Sacramento.  There will be a few breaks in the rain over the next week, but count on at least three storm systems to keep rolling into the area one after the other, he said. … ”  Read more from the Redding Record-Searchlight here: Storm after storm after storm headed our way for the next week in far Northern California

How much did it rain in Sacramento in the last two weeks? Here’s a look at the total

Sacramento has endured a stormy streak due to an atmospheric river, resulting in above average rain totals for the month of January. Although the sun graced Sacramentans on Thursday, it won’t be for long. The seven-day forecast is predicting rain to sweep the region again on Friday and through the weekend. Here are the latest rain totals for Sacramento … ”  Continue reading at the Sacramento Bee here: How much did it rain in Sacramento in the last two weeks? Here’s a look at the total

Restore, Protect, Manage: New natural resources building speaks to agency’s mission

If you’re a cynic convinced government rarely gets anything right, walk to Seventh and P streets and check out the new headquarters for the California Natural Resources Agency. Then let me know how you feel.  You enter a different kind of state building when you step into the light-drenched lobby, see a quote from poet Gary Snyder emblazoned over the outline of a grizzly bear—“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home”—and learn part of the wall is covered in wood salvaged from the deadly Paradise Camp Fire.  California is resilient. This 834,225-square-foot, 21-story office tower makes a powerful statement about resiliency and the role natural resources play in the state’s mythology and our hearts and minds.  Produced by the design-build partnership of Turner Construction, architect AC Martin and the Department of General Services, the building does so much right it’s hard to know where to start with highlights. … ”  Read more from Inside Sacramento here: Restore, Protect, Manage: New natural resources building speaks to agency’s mission

NAPA/SONOMA

Break from storms ends, more rain expected all weekend in Sonoma County

Sonoma County’s brief break from the rain Thursday will be just that as forecasters are predicting daily rainstorms through the weekend.  Precipitation, measuring as much as 1½ inches per day, will fall Friday, Saturday and Sunday across the North Bay, according to the National Weather Service.  “It’s just about every day, a new disturbance coming through,” said Chris Outler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office.  Sonoma County should expect the storms to begin Friday morning, continuing on through the afternoon before the conditions calm down overnight. The rain will pick up again Saturday morning and continue into the afternoon.  “The main show looks like it will be focused on daytime,” Outler said. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Break from storms ends, more rain expected all weekend in Sonoma County

Lake Mendocino: Holding back the water

As storms drop large amounts of rain on the region, for now, federal officials are planning to hold back releases from the rapidly filling Lake Mendocino because of continuing high water flow downstream on the Russian River.  High river flows are still threatening to flood areas at Hopland and the historically vulnerable Guerneville area in western Sonoma County.  “We are going to hold back the storm water for now,” said Nick Malasavage. He is chief of the Operations and Readiness Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district headquarters in San Francisco.Mal  asavage said Lake Mendocino, while it has reached its annual capacity for water storage, is capable of holding back significantly more runoff if needed.  “We have room available to manage it for flood control now, and help ease the threat of flooding downstream,” he explained. … ”  Read more from the Redheaded Blackbelt here: Lake Mendocino: Holding back the water

Rising reservoir levels put Army Corps of Engineers back at the helm of release valves

The Army Corps of Engineers has been busy during the recent barrage of rainfall.  Lake Sonoma and Lake Mendocino under normal conditions are co-managed by the Corps of Engineers and Sonoma Water, but with the influx of rain, that’s changed at Lake Mendocino, according to Nick Malasavage, chief of operations for the Corps’ San Francisco office.  “Taking over control is basically the decisions on how much to release into the Russian River based on how high the pool is,” Malasavage said. “So we crossed over that threshold on Monday. Now it’s the flood risk management of our flood control pool.” … ”  Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Rising reservoir levels put Army Corps of Engineers back at the helm of release valves

Ever-changing conditions a challenge for supercomputers tasked with building accurate flood forecasts

Just a few days ago, Guerneville and just about every low-lying community along the Russian River were on edge, awaiting cataclysmic flooding that thankfully never arrived. A forecast issued Tuesday morning expected the river to jump its banks in Guerneville around 4 pm Thursday. According to a revision Tuesday afternoon, that’s no longer the case.  Flooding is still expected in Hopland midnight Sunday. The Napa River isn’t expected to see flooding, while the Navarro River will go two feet over flood stage at Navarro Saturday night at 9. Turns out, a lot goes in to making these predictions, and the complexity means their reliability isn’t always perfect.  Predicting how a river will behave is similar to compiling a weather forecast, but with a whole other layer of complexity. … ”  Read more from Northern California Public Media here: Ever-changing conditions a challenge for supercomputers tasked with building accurate flood forecasts

What does this stream of rain mean for groundwater levels? Here’s what one expert has to say

The consistent stream of rain and mountain snow that’s rolled through California has raised lots of questions about drought conditions and groundwater levels.  Marcus Trotta, groundwater expert with Sonoma Water, said it’s complicated. “Groundwater recharge is really one of the more challenging things to really understand and characterize,” Trotta said.  Rain is of course a good thing for replenishing groundwater, Trotta said.  “In general, groundwater recharge occurs through a couple different mechanisms,” Trotta said. “One is when precipitation falls on soils and some of that precipitation will run off. Some of it will get used by plants and vegetation.” … ”  Read more from Northern California Public Media here:  What does this stream of rain mean for groundwater levels? Here’s what one expert has to say

BAY AREA

Next round of Bay Area storms could bring even more flooding than previous storms — here’s why

After a parade of atmospheric rivers that started with a New Year’s Eve storm which triggered extreme flooding in San Francisco, and a storm that evolved into a bomb cyclone last Wednesday and brought strong winds and heavy downpours to most of California, most of the Bay Area finally saw a firm break in rainfall yesterday.But river  s have continued to swell and a couple, like the Russian River in the North Bay and Salinas River on the Central Coast, are forecast to rise this morning and through Saturday. Models are forecasting these rivers will approach moderate flood stages, despite those same weather models predicting the next two storms to be much weaker than recent ones.  The weather forecast for the next few days is riddled with moderate rainfall across large swaths of the Bay Area and Santa Cruz, but rainfall totals are expected to run much lower than the recent deluges. ... ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here:  Next round of Bay Area storms could bring even more flooding than previous storms — here’s why

Parts of Fairfield under evacuation warning due to possible flooding in Suisun Creek

With more rain on the way, Fairfield officials aren’t taking any chances in making people aware of the dangers. “Lake Curry right now is at about 375 feet. It will overspill at 377 feet,” said Jennifer Brantley, spokesperson for the Fairfield Police Department. Brantley said the city is expecting moderate to heavy rain this weekend, meaning it could cause overspill at Lake Curry to be very likely.  “When that happens, it will flow into Suisun Creek and then there will be flooding at Suisun Creek. So that evacuation warning is for everyone within one-fourth of a mile from the creek,” said Brantley. … ”  Read more from Channel 10 here: Parts of Fairfield under evacuation warning due to possible flooding in Suisun Creek

Onslaught of Bay Area storms continues — but the end is finally in sight

Devastation from the monster storm that rolled through California this week came into clear view Wednesday as rain tapered off for a respite expected to last about a day. The latest round of storms left at least one person dead, adding to the state’s weather-related death toll this winter, and caused widespread flooding, tornado damage, power outages, downed trees and mudslides, with evacuations and displaced residents scattered across the region.  The latest victim from the series of storms was a woman found Wednesday in a vehicle submerged in 8 to 10 feet of water near vineyards on Trenton-Healdsburg Road in Forestville, about 10 miles northwest of Santa Rosa. The storms have caused or contributed to at least 18 deaths in California. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Onslaught of Bay Area storms continues — but the end is finally in sight

CENTRAL COAST

Santa Cruz County officials estimate more than $28 million in damages from storms

Unincorporated areas of the county received more than $28 million in damages from storms between Dec. 30 and Saturday, Jan. 7, said Dave Reid, director of the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience.  The estimates so far don’t include damages that occurred since Sunday, and they don’t include damages from cities or other entities.  Costs for unincorporated areas are so far estimated to be more than $21 million in road damages and more than $6.8 million in damages to at least 16 park sites and three coastal access park sites.  In addition, officials estimate more than $1.2 million in damages to the San Lorenzo Valley Water District. Lookout has yet to confirm damages from cities. … ”  Read more from Lookout Santa Cruz here: Santa Cruz County officials estimate more than $28 million in damages from storms

Under fairer skies, water level on Pajaro River recedes

The Pajaro River at the bridge between Watsonville and the town of Pajaro was significantly lower Thursday morning than in previous days. That’s according to a water-level marker under the bridge itself, which Tuesday reached close to 31 feet. On Thursday, it was down to between 25 and 26 feet.  Still, San Juan Road on the Monterey County side of the river was closed from the Pajaro River Bridge at Watsonville, all the way to Aromas. … ”  Read more from Lookout Santa Cruz here: Under fairer skies, water level on Pajaro River recedes

Updated modeling shows the possibility of Salinas River flooding and road closures remains

Public safety and county officials came together in a show of unity Thursday afternoon Jan. 12, giving the latest update on flooding along the Salinas River.   The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reiterated a warning issued yesterday that the Monterey Peninsula could become isolated due to flooded roads, potentially including Highway 1 and Highway 68. The water in the Salinas River continues to rise, and is expected to reach flood levels around 11pm tonight. (That is an update based on modeling announced yesterday that showed the river reaching flood level at Spreckels at about noon today.)  The river is currently at the Action Stage according to the National Weather Service’s high water terminology, meaning mitigation measures should be taken in preparation for flooding.  … ”  Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Updated modeling shows the possibility of Salinas River flooding and road closures remains

Monterey County flooding: Map shows danger zones as Salinas River rises

People living in northwest Monterey County, in floodplains stretching from Moss Landing to Spreckels as well as in Carmel by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley and parts of Monterey could see flooding in the coming days, according to an analysis by The Chronicle.  Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto has warned that flooding could turn the Monterey Peninsula into a virtual island by cutting off highways in and out of the popular tourist area, including Highway 1 and Highway 68.  Rain isn’t expected to start falling in the area until Friday morning but the Salinas River is forecast to continue rising from runoff of storms earlier in the week. The river is expected to reach 20.96 feet at about 7 p.m. Thursday, cresting at 25.2 feet Friday night. Flood stage is 23 feet … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here: Monterey County flooding: Map shows danger zones as Salinas River rises

Why is the lower Salinas River flooding on a day when it didn’t rain?

Why is it that, on the nicest day of weather in the past few weeks, the Salinas River, in the lower Salinas Valley, was expected to potentially rise so high as to force closures of Highway 68, Davis Road and Highway 1, and turn the Monterey Peninsula into an “island”? (Which has not happened, at least yet.)  In short, because the Salinas River is hard to predict, for a variety of reasons. But perhaps the first thing one must understand is how huge the Salinas River watershed is: The river’s headwaters are east of San Luis Obispo—the river is 175 miles long and drains a watershed of 4,160 square miles—and once it’s flowing in sustained heavy rains, there are countless tributaries flowing into it across most of the Central Coast. ... ”  Read more from Monterey Weekly here: Why is the lower Salinas River flooding on a day when it didn’t rain?

300K gallons of sewage from Templeton released into Salinas River

San Luis Obispo County Public Health officials report 300,000 gallons of treated sewage was released into the Salinas River.  Health officials say heavy rain caused the Salinas River to overflow into the percolation ponds operated by the Templeton Community Service District (CSD) Wastewater Treatment Plant ultimately releasing the sewage into the river.  The Salinas River flows northward through Templeton, Paso Robles, San Miguel and into Monterey County. … ”  Read more from KSBY here: 300K gallons of sewage from Templeton released into Salinas River

‘It’s been scary’: Monterey County takes stock of storm damage

Taking a walk along the Cabrillo Highway Tuesday, D.L. Johnson watched crews tackle yet another lot of downed power lines in Carmel, toppled by a tree-turned-roadblock by high winds and saturated soil.  Through the latest parade of storms, Johnson has considered himself lucky – he’s kept his power and avoided structural damage to his Carmel-by-the-Sea home from frequently fallen vegetation. But after weeks of high winds and repeated downpours, he’s wary of how long the storm upheaval is going to last, locally and statewide.  “For most of us, it’s been scary,” he said. “The wind has been incredible. …I actually saw one of those trees fall down on a street nearby. I heard a big crack, looked up and there it went – right onto somebody’s home.” … ”  Read more from the Monterey Herald here: ‘It’s been scary’: Monterey County takes stock of storm damage

Water to be released over the Lake Cachuma spillway, 1st time in nearly a decade

The Bureau of Reclamation will release water over the Lake Cachuma spillway because of the rain for the first time in about a decade starting Friday.  The release of 2,000 cubic feet per second is to limit the threat of flooding downstream of the Santa Ynez River. Michael Jackson, the area manager for the South-Central California Office of the Bureau of Reclamation, says since the 1st of the year, the lake has gained over 100,000 acre feet of water and has risen 50 feet in elevation. Jackson says the water flowing downstream has debris in it and has been fast-moving over the past week. … ”  Read more from KSBY here: Water to be released over the Lake Cachuma spillway, 1st time in nearly a decade

SEE ALSO:  Lake Cachuma keeps rising, from the Santa Barbara News-Press

A perilous paradise: In Montecito, fires, floods and mudflows leave wealthy town in fear

In the town of Montecito, where the median home costs $5 million, Bentley drivers leave their car windows open as they hop out to grab something from the market and residents refer to Gwyneth Paltrow as simply “Gwyneth,” it’s hard to imagine anything ever goes wrong here. And most of the time, nothing does.  But massive storms, fires and the positioning of the town in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains have resulted in a precarious existence for the mostly wealthy residents, who on Monday were ordered once again to evacuate as record-breaking rains battered the coastal enclave.  That order came on the five-year anniversary of the violent debris flow on Jan. 9, 2018, that killed 23. Traumatized by that experience half a decade ago, most of the town’s 9,000 residents heeded government orders to get out. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: A perilous paradise: In Montecito, fires, floods and mudflows leave wealthy town in fear

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Record-breaking rainfall possible this weekend as Fresno braces for another storm

After a short breather, storm clouds laden with more rain and snow are moving relentlessly toward the central San Joaquin Valley, with an expected arrival Saturday. The National Weather Service cautioned residents that a new “extensive rainfall event” could strike with the power of another atmospheric river, pounding rooftops and battering city streets already peppered with potholes from Tuesday’s major weather event. Up to 1.5 inches of rain could fall in Fresno on Saturday, the weather service predicted, with another quarter- to half-inch on Sunday. That would put Fresno close to the region’s normal seasonal total of 10.99 inches, and also challenge the one-day record for the date of 1.15 inches, set in 1935. Already this week, Fresno saw 1.53 inches on Monday. … ”  Read more from the Fresno Bee here:  Record-breaking rainfall possible this weekend as Fresno braces for another storm

Farmers’ crops and cattle impacted by wet weather and heavy rain

The rain has been a welcomed sight for farmers across Central California.  In Tulare County, one farmer says although the rain is mostly good, there are some challenges for the cows and for the crops.  Tom Barcellos is a third generation dairy farmer and operator of his family farm.  The farm has been in Tulare County’s Tipton area since 1944.  The rain and cool temperatures hitting California has been mostly positive for the farm. Tom says in cooler weather- components such as protein and butter fat in a cow’s milk are higher.  However, the water run-off and wet grounds can increase the risk for low grade infections in cows. … ”  Read more from KFSN here: Farmers’ crops and cattle impacted by wet weather and heavy rain

Flood leaves Valley homeowners to wonder about flood insurance

After this week’s storm, flood insurance has been a topic of conversation. Flooding is typically not included in California insurance policies.  All that flood damage is keeping Fresno insurance agent Nick Meigs on the phone a lot lately, with people asking about flood coverage.  “The scenarios we’re encountering right now, where the rivers are overflowing or there’s water entering the property from outside. That is going to be excluded from homeowners’ policies in California,” said Meigs. ... ”  Read more from Channel 30 here: Flood leaves Valley homeowners to wonder about flood insurance

Lindsay’s general fund keeps water operations afloat

Financial hardships of the past have muddied the water fund in Lindsay, but finance director Juana Espinoza said the general fund is able to cover additional water costs in the city, for now.  At the Jan. 10 city council meeting, Espinoza gave the council a quick rundown of the city’s finances for the fiscal year of 2023. In her presentation, she mentioned that though the general fund is healthy, the water fund is struggling to keep up with its expenditures. By the end of the fiscal year, Espinoza projects the city may have to pull roughly $500,000 from the general fund in order to cover the city’s water costs. … ”  Read more from the Foothills Sun-Gazette here: Lindsay’s general fund keeps water operations afloat

Atmospheric river moves the needle on Kern’s drought

Water is back in Kern County and sure, that means the grass is green again.  As National Weather Service Meteorologist Andy Bollenbacher says, there are also bigger, more lasting impacts.  “Just due to the amount of rain that’s come down in these warm systems, we’ve been able to see improvements in the drought across the San Joaquin Valley,” Bollenbacher said.  After weeks of storm activity, nearly all of Kern County has been relegated from a category 3 Extreme Drought to a category 2 Severe Drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.  It’s an unprecedented event in Bollenbacher’s five years with the NWS. … ”  Read more from Channel 12 here: Atmospheric river moves the needle on Kern’s drought

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Timeline: When will next storms hit Southern California? How long will it rain?

Southern California, already battered by a powerful storm this week, should expect more rain by the weekend, forecasters said.  Here is what to expect.  The latest in a series of atmospheric rivers will arrive Friday at the earliest, but will hit in earnest by Saturday. Another even weaker storm is forecast to arrive late Sunday and continue into Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  The first storm will be “considerably weaker” than the one that just left but will “still be an above-average winter storm” in terms of rainfall amounts, the National Weather Service said. Gusts of up to 40 mph could batter San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. ... ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Timeline: When will next storms hit Southern California? How long will it rain?

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Severe California storms impacting Coachella Valley water

From extreme drought to extreme flooding in a matter of days.  In one of the driest states in the west, water can be seen sitting across much of California.  Here in the desert, we are feeling the impact.  “Our stormwater crews are diverting water from what we call the main channel to the overflow channel, also known as the whitewater storm channel,” Coachella Valley Water District Communications Specialist Lorraine Garcia explained. “They’re diverting water from the main channel to the whitewater storm channel as a standard procedure to protect the facility.” … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: Severe California storms impacting Coachella Valley water

Water officials’ message: Golf industry must do more to meet ongoing drought

Even in the middle of a cool and wet winter in the Coachella Valley and California in general, officials of the Coachella Valley Water District have a blunt message for the desert’s golf course industry: Take the ongoing drought seriously, because changes could be coming to water availability sooner rather than later.  “We wanted to give the picture as we know it today where the state of play is for our water resources,” said Dr. Robert Cheng, assistant general manager for CVWD and one of the main speakers at a golf and water summit that attracted more than 150 golf industry officials Wednesday at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. “We hope we paint a picture that is accurate, that is dire, that there is a need for additional actions from the golf industry to help them still maintain viability in this current situation.” … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: Water officials’ message: Golf industry must do more to meet ongoing drought

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Along the Colorado River …

Nevada outlines framework for Colorado River cuts as states show their cards

At the end of last year, the seven states in the Colorado River Basin committed to once again work together and negotiate a consensus framework for making significant cuts to water use, an attempt to stabilize the nation’s two largest reservoirs and avoid an even deeper shortage crisis.  The states recommitted to considering a consensus deal, by Jan. 31, after several deadlines passed in 2022 — with seemingly irreconcilable differences over how to make painful cuts in a watershed relied upon by 40 million people who use the river for drinking water and agriculture.  The new round of negotiations come as the federal government prepares to take unprecedented administrative action on the Colorado River. ... ”  Read more from the Nevada Independent here: Nevada outlines framework for Colorado River cuts as states show their cards

Why hasn’t recent rain helped Lake Mead much?

Southern Nevada has been in the path of repeated rain systems for the last week. But has the recent rain affected Lake Mead’s water levels?  The good news is that it has helped, but only a little. According to Bureau of Reclamation Public Affairs Specialist Doug Hendrix, as of Wednesday, Jan. 11, “Lake Mead (was) about 28% full, with the elevation today at about 1,045.04. Overall, we currently stand at about 0.3 ft higher than originally projected in December.”  One day later, Lake Mead had risen another .2 feet to 1,045.25 feet above sea level. The last time Lake Mead was at 100% capacity was in mid-1999.  Hendrix said, however, that storms alone have little impact on overall water levels. ... ”  Read more from WGN 9 here: Why hasn’t recent rain helped Lake Mead much?

New groundwater report shows people keep moving to AZ despite shrinking supply

A report released earlier this week found groundwater near Buckeye is short of a 100-year supply. And according to the director of the Department of Water Resources, the rest of the state could head in that direction.  Tom Buschatzke said what is in the report means that the department will not be issuing any permits for new residential subdivisions around the Lower Hassayampa Sub-basin.  And cities that cannot show their Central Arizona Project allocations ensure a 100-year supply could see similar restrictions. The report’s release was delayed as former Gov. Doug Ducey wanted to release it at the same time that stakeholders came up with possible solutions to put out in the public. ... ”  Read more from KJZZ here: New groundwater report shows people keep moving to AZ despite shrinking supply

Bureau of Reclamation completes project at Glen Canyon Dam to protect local water supply during extremely low lake levels

Reclamation crews at Glen Canyon Dam recently completed a new water intake connection to accommodate the low water levels at Lake Powell. These efforts ensure water will be delivered to the city of Page, Arizona, and the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation even if Lake Powell drops to 3,370 feet. Elevation 3,370 feet is known as “dead pool” and is the point at which no “excess” water can be passed through the dam, only the volume of water that enters the reservoir will be able to be delivered downstream.  Lake Powell’s elevation is expected to drop to a post-filled, all-time low (below 3,522.24) before the end of the month and projections show that this year it is at risk of dropping below minimum power pool (elevation 3,490 feet), which is the lowest point the dam can currently generate hydropower. The increased risk to Lake Powell’s water level also raised concern about the stability of the local water supply. ... ”  Read more from the Bureau of Reclamation here: Bureau of Reclamation completes project at Glen Canyon Dam to protect local water supply during extremely low lake levels

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In national water news today …

Biden’s roadmap to nature-based solutions could be the key to future resilience planning.

In early December 2022, the Biden-Harris administration announced the release of a Roadmap to Accelerate Nature-Based Solutions to address climate change, inequity, and nature loss. This roadmap outlines five strategic recommendations for federal agencies designed to put the U.S. on a path to maximizing the use of nature-based solutions.  Building on the momentum from President Biden’s Executive Order 14072, which acknowledged nature-based solutions as key to tackling the climate crisis, the roadmap marks the first instance of a U.S. strategy aimed at scaling up these solutions. This strategy highlights the effectiveness of natural infrastructure and emphasizes the multiple benefits created by the improvement of human, economic and ecosystem health. … ”  Read more from EDF’s Growing Returns here: Biden’s roadmap to nature-based solutions could be the key to future resilience planning.

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National water and climate news …

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-20230112

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Also on Maven’s Notebook today …

California Environmental Flows Framework: The Ways Good Science Gets Watered Down

NOTICE of Extension of the Comment Period for the Delta Conveyance Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement through March 16, 2023

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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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