From the San Joaquin River Restoration Program:
The Bureau of Reclamation has released an initial Restoration Allocation & Default Flow Schedule for the period March 1, 2023 through February 28, 2024.
Using the best available forecasting information for precipitation, snowpack, and runoff above Millerton Lake, the 2023 Restoration Allocation is set at 556,542 acre-feet at Gravelly Ford and is a Wet year type. The Restoration Allocation will be adjusted throughout the season, and may vary over the coming months, with the final allocation issued in May. This allocation is based upon a forecasted Unimpaired Runoff forecast of 3,403,000 AF using a 0/100 blending of the CA Department of Water Resources and National Weather Service runoff forecasts and the 50% exceedance forecast.
The Restoration Administrator for the Program will return a recommendation based on this allocation in the coming days. The Restoration Allocation will be adjusted accordingly as hydrologic conditions change. The Restoration Flow Guidelines provide a detailed description on this water allocation process.
Friant Dam is currently making flood releases to the San Joaquin River. Restoration Flows will recommence upon the cessation of flood flows. The public is encouraged to monitor flow conditions if recreating on or near the San Joaquin River. Natural storm runoff and changes at Friant Dam may increase river flows at any time.
The Initial 2023 Restoration Allocation & Default Flow Schedule can be viewed here: https://www.restoresjr.net/?wpfb_dl=2707
For additional information about the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, please visit http://www.restoresjr.net or contact Josh Newcom, Public Affairs Specialist, at 916-978-5508 or snewcom@usbr.gov.
