Incoming storms …
California emergency officials bracing for dangerous storm, flooding as atmospheric river approaches
“Thousands of “boots on the ground” and millions of sandbags were deployed across California this weekend, as state officials help residents prepare for a deluge of rain with high winds expected to cause severe flooding, power outages, downed trees and landslides. Meteorologists with the National Weather Service anticipate that the most significant rainfall, damage and threat to life will likely hit the central and southern coastline, including the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas. But Santa Cruz County’s San Lorenzo River and Santa Clara County’s Guadalupe River are expected to reach flood stage. In anticipation of the statewide impact, Gov. Gavin Newsom has mobilized more than 8,500 emergency operations staff from California’s policing, fire and transportation agencies, as well as the National Guard, according to Nancy Ward, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. … ” Read more from the San Jose Mercury News (gift article).
Raging atmospheric river lashes California; rare hurricane warning issued
“Californians were getting thrashed Sunday morning by a fierce winter storm fueled by a raging atmospheric river that brought intense downpours, treacherous flooding and hurricane-force winds − even in major urban areas. Up to 37 million people, about 94% of the state’s population, were at risk for life-threatening floods from the storm, Accuweather meteorologists warned. The atmospheric river − the equivalent of a river in the sky − is the second to pound the state in recent days, but forecasters said this storm would be the season’s most potent, particularly in Southern California. The National Weather Service issued a rare hurricane-force wind warning for the Central Coast: Wind gusts up to 92 mph were possible from the Monterey Peninsula to the northern section of San Luis Obispo County. “All systems are go for one of the most dramatic weather days in recent memory,” the National Weather Service said Sunday. … ” Read more from USA Today.
Rapidly strengthening Pacific storm to bring damaging windstorm to Central California, major flash flood risk to SoCal, and a big Sierra snowstorm
Dr. Daniel Swain writes, “Unlike most winter storms that affect California, which more typically develop well to the west out over the open Pacific and often make landfall as they either maintain their strength or are already beginning to weaken, the storm slated to slam California starting [yesterday] will do just the opposite. This system did not really exist in coherent form out over the remote North Pacific, but is instead now rapidly developing “in situ” only 400-500 miles off the coast of central and southern California. This system will take the form of an explosively deepening surface low pressure center (or possibly a pair of similarly deep centers orbiting around a common center) just west of the Central California coast by late tonight. Several models are suggesting that this storm will meet the formal (latitude-adjusted) meteorological criteria for a “bomb cyclone” (i.e., a low pressure system that undergoes a rapid rate of deepening (at California’s latitude, around 17 mBb in 24 hours). … ” Read more from Weather West.
SEE ALSO:
- California mountains: Map shows forecast for ‘biggest snow event’ of winter, from the San Francisco Chronicle
- Monster storm bears down on California: The danger zones, the forecast, the warnings, from the LA Times
- An intense atmospheric river moves into California, threatening to flood roads and trigger mudslides, from CNN
- Second atmospheric river-storm lashes California amid ‘high risk’ flash flooding, from The Guardian
In California water news this weekend …
Farmers in Tulare County set to test groundwater market they hope could help keep them in business and replenish the aquifer
“How will selling groundwater help keep more groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley’s already critically overtapped aquifers? Water managers in the Kaweah subbasin in northwestern Tulare County hope to find out by having farmers tinker with a pilot groundwater market program. Kaweah farmers will be joining growers from subbasins up and down the San Joaquin Valley who’ve been looking at how water markets might help them maintain their businesses by using pumping allotments and groundwater credits as assets to trade or sell when water is tight. There is a great deal of skepticism and concern, especially over possible harm to smaller farmers and vulnerable communities. So far, Central Valley groundwater basins have only gotten to the tinkering stage. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
Delta Conveyance Project faces stronger headwinds with court ruling rejecting financing scheme and new environmental litigation
“Though the Delta Conveyance Project (“DCP” or the “Project”) was only recently approved by the Department of Water Resources’ (“DWR” or the “Department”) after completing the lengthy California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, the DCP faces new obstacles to implementation. Nine lawsuits challenging DWR’s December 21, 2023 approval of the Project were recently filed in Sacramento County Superior Court by a total of thirty-three plaintiffs representing all the Delta counties, the City of Stockton, environmental and other nongovernmental organizations, and tribe[s]. Resolution of that litigation could take several years. In the meantime, DWR will have to revisit its plans for financing the Project, most recently estimated to cost $16 billion. In an action known as Sierra Club, et al. v. California Department of Water Resources, the Sacramento County Superior Court rejected the Department’s attempt to validate revenue bond resolutions that would provide necessary funding to the Project. This article provides a brief analysis of the background and legal outcome of the case. … ” Read more from Somach Simmons & Dunn.
DWR’s groundwater models provide valuable resources for managers of California’s critical water supply
“California’s historic effort to bring sustainability to the state’s critically important groundwater basins revealed an increased need for new and easily accessible groundwater data and tools to help local agencies better understand and manage their groundwater basins. After the passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014, the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Statewide Groundwater Management program was there to meet the need with its long history of collecting, monitoring, and reporting statewide groundwater data that provides an understanding of current groundwater conditions and trends over time. California’s groundwater basins provide critical water supply to millions of Californians. … ” Read more from DWR.
Tesla agrees to pay $1.5 million over hazardous waste violations
“Tesla will pay several district attorney’s offices $1.5 million over violations of hazardous waste laws, per an agreement it reached this week in San Joaquin County Superior Court. The payment stems from Tesla’s handling, transporting and disposing of hazardous materials from its facilities in California. Tesla knew about policies and procedures for handling that waste and violated the law by disposing of waste at unauthorized spots. It also failed to determine whether waste created at its facilities was hazardous and didn’t properly label and store it. … ” Read more from the Courthouse News Service.
How bad is Tesla’s hazardous waste problem in California?
“Allegations that Tesla mishandled hazardous waste point to a systemic failure at the company’s California facilities. This was no simple accident or one-off event. No less than 25 counties sued Tesla this week for allegedly illegally disposing of hazardous waste. Within a couple days, the Elon Musk-led company agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle the suit that says the company “intentionally” and “negligently” disposed of materials that should have been handled with care. Waste management experts tell The Verge that a large company like Tesla should have known better. On top of the trouble it’s facing in California, the company might even have run afoul of federal regulations for handling hazardous waste. … ” Read more from The Verge.
Podcasts …
TALKING UNDER WATER: How to elevate groundwater desalination efforts
In this week’s episode of Talking Under Water, co-host Katie Johns interviews Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) General Manager Joe Mouaward. EMWD has been elevating its work with desalinated water, so the conversation dives nto groundwater desalination, how stormwater plays a role and the importance of funding.
TERRA VERDE: Bringing Beaver Back to California
Beaver once thrived across California’s watersheds in the millions, their dams and ponds creating rich wetlands and a mosaic of habitat for biodiversity to flourish. However, by the early 1900s, European colonization and the fur trade had nearly wiped them out of the state. Today, there is growing momentum to return this keystone species to its historic range to help restore degraded waterways and build resilience to climate change. Just recently, California’s top wildlife management agency took a major step forward, partnering with the Maidu Summit Consortium to release beaver back into the wild for the first time in nearly 75 years. On this week’s episode, Terra Verde host and producer Hannah Wilton speaks with two of California’s leading beaver advocates: Kate Lundquist from the WATER Institute’s Bring Back the Beaver Campaign and Kevin Swift from Swift Water Design, a process-based restoration company focused on beaver mimicry and coexistence alternatives. Together, they unpack the history and ecosystem benefits of beaver and share how we can partner with these wetland engineers to help heal California’s waterways.
WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Fish in Palm Springs
One of the more pleasant surprises that I have found is fresh fish in the desert. Louis Pagano has had a passion for the watery landscapes of the planet and has probably visited every ocean of the world. He’s the fish guy and provides fish at his desert restaurants in the southern California desert. And when not at his restaurants, he is on the water, fishing and noticing some pretty unusual water conditions and aquatic behavior. Something is up in our oceans and he, in his 70 plus years, is seeing some pretty strange fish behavior. Water is a Many Splendor’ed Thing brings you another water relationship that has a personally significant impact to your life. Produced by Steven Baker, Bringing People Together to Solve Water Problems, water@operationunite.co 530-205-6388
VOICE OF SAN DIEGO: Stormwater scars and solutions
Southeastern San Diego residents have long sought help with stormwater management. Infrastructure inequities have plagued southern neighborhoods that hug the I-5. They’ve pleaded to local leaders for solutions. Now, after the Jan. 22 deluge hit underserved streets — and after more rain this week — they may finally see momentum. This week, we discuss San Diego’s stormwater system deficit. And San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera proposed a solution: a ballot measure to fund stormwater projects.
WATERLOOP: Reduce, reuse, recycle in the Sonora Desert
It only rains about 11 inches per year in Tucson, Arizona and decades of historic mismanagement compounded the water scarcity problems, resulting in dwindling groundwater supplies and a mostly dry Santa Cruz River. In response, this city in the Sonoran Desert became a leader in saving, reusing, and recycling water. Programs to conserve water and reclaim treated wastewater are discussed in this episode by John Kmiec, Director of Tucson Water. Efforts to use recycled water to restore flows in the Santa Cruz River are shared by Luke Cole, who directs the river’s restoration for the Sonoran Institute. And local resident Brad Lancaster explains how he harvests rainwater for all his needs at home and spurred the use of green infrastructure to capture stormwater in the neighborhood.
In regional water news this weekend …
NORTH COAST
Breaching leads to deer trapped in mud, dead fish, sediment-filled water
“For five days now, Lynda Leach has grabbed an empty mason jar, stepped outside her home and walked a short distance to the Klamath River to scoop up samples of the muddy water flowing by. “It’s on our lawn, our lower lawn,” Leach said Thursday in a telephone interview. “It’s black, gunky sediment.” The river is silt-choked following the breaching of three dams upstream in recent weeks. A fourth dam was removed last year, all in the name of river and fish health. …Leach is angry and sad about the silt in the river and the death of deer trapped in the mud flats — both the result of reservoirs behind the dams being drained in preparation for the dams’ removal later this year. So, to tell her story, she gathers her jars of muddy river water, shakes them up to simulate conditions in the river and sets them out in a row for a daily photograph that she posts to social media. … ” Read more from The Bulletin.
SEE ALSO:
- Residents shocked and saddened by loss of Copco Lake amid Klamath dam removal, from Jefferson Public Radio
- World’s largest dam removal stirs controversy in Northern California’s Klamath region, from KRCR
California issues “emergency action” for Scott & Shasta River watersheds
“An emergency action by California is in effect in in Siskiyou County today to limit diverting water from the Scott and Shasta Rivers. The State of California issued the emergency yesterday to take effect through February 1, 2025, to generally restrict water from being held back, or diverted, from the Scott and Shasta Rivers which feed into the Klamath River in Siskiyou County. The 52-page emergency action includes rules to allow for diverting water “for non-consumptive uses, minimum health and safety needs, and livestock watering as specified.” Otherwise, it restricts people from withholding water in the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds while the State manages the area’s drought requirements. … ” Read more from KDRV.
Redwood Valley Water District: Repaired wells, consolidation talks, and solar panel setbacks—key highlights from January 18 board meeting
“Significant updates from the Redwood Valley County Water District Board Meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024, include the successful repair of the aging Millview Well, talks on consolidating water districts with Ukiah, public concerns over groundwater fees, and a delay in Energea solar panel installation. As Lake Mendocino sees a notable rise, the community grapples with key decisions affecting water sources. This report brings you the latest on Ukiah’s water developments, spotlighting the challenges and choices impacting the local environment and community. Lake Mendocino is up 10 feet from its low point thanks to the recent atmospheric river, with another 3 1/2 inches of rain expected. General Manager Jared Walker anticipates that Redwood Valley will be able to get enough water from Flood Control this coming summer. … ” Read more from Mendo Fever.
SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Shasta Lake jumps 1 foot in 24 hours, 5 feet in 7 days as rainstorms continue
“The continued wet weather in the Northstate has left quite an impact at Shasta Lake. California’s largest reservoir rose a foot from Thursday to Friday, and 5 feet from January 26 to February 2. Currently, Shasta Lake sits at 1,035 feet, roughly 30 feet from capacity. That’s an increase of 47 feet from this date last year. According to First Alert Forecaster Preston Donion, there have been over 4 inches of recorded rain at Shasta Dam just since Wednesday. Donion says an additional 0.25-0.75 inches is expected Friday over Shasta Lake, with several inches anticipated with the next storm system arriving Sunday through Tuesday. … ” Read more from KRCR.
BAY AREA
Incoming storm bringing powerful wind, rain to the Bay Area
“Yet another atmospheric river-bosted storm is bringing heavy rain and gusty weather to the Bay Area tonight. The storm is forecast to last through Monday and is expected to be more powerful than those that have hit the region thus far this year, bringing with it the potential of flooding rain and strong winds that could damage trees and lead to power outages. The system appears aimed at the Central Coast and Southern California, but the National Weather Service is warning that recent models suggest the Bay Area will be facing much stronger gusting winds than previously anticipated. The weather service’s latest forecast discussion from the Bay Area office said that the “second half of Saturday is when the magic happens.” … ” Read more from KQED.
Rare Bay Area storm to bring extreme rain, more damaging impacts than earlier forecasts
“A major storm is set to hit the Bay Area early Sunday, bringing wind gusts up to 75 mph, rain totals of 2 to 4 inches, and a risk of serious flooding in much of the region. The cyclone is expected to rapidly strengthen as it approaches the California coast Saturday night. This storm will come from the southwest, an unusual direction for California-impacting storms, but more common during El Niño years. Due to the unusual nature of the storm, there will probably be unexpected elements for the region. … ” Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Water Leadership Institute seeking community advocates
“Local residents interested in advocating for a clean water supply can learn how to become more involved through a leadership institute supported by the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources. The Water Leadership Institute, which involves four in-person workshops, aims to help members of the local community interested in building leadership skills and advocating for reliable, clean water become more active players. This institute is for residents of the Delta Mendota subbasin, which includes Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera and Fresno counties; domestic well owners; current or prospective water board members; and anyone interested in getting more involved in water issues. … ” Read more from the Turlock Journal.
Kings River watershed snowpack checks out below average
“The first snow survey of the season found that snowpack conditions in the Kings River watershed are well below average for February, but officials are hopeful this week’s storms will return the snowpack level to normal. “Otherwise, we may be headed for our fourth-below average water season in five years,” said Kings River Watermaster Steve Haugen. The survey was conducted by the California Cooperative Snow Survey (CCSS), which provides mountain snowpack data for the western United States. CCSS is a partnership of more than 50 state, federal and private agencies. … ” Read more from the Sun-Gazette.
Climate change is pushing more San Joaquin Valley farmers to buy crop insurance as losses mount
“After historic flooding in California’s Tulare Lake subbasin last year, farmers in Kings County alone submitted claims of $86 million in losses for crop insurance. That’s 3.3% of the total gross value of agricultural products listed in the 2022 Kings County crop report. And it’s far above the $8 million in losses reported for 2022, the third year of extreme drought. As exceptional as 2023 was, insurance experts say it was the tip of a growing iceberg as climate-driven crop losses are trending upward across the country, with some of the steepest losses in the Central Valley. Those trends have pushed more farmers to buy crop insurance. Since 2019 every San Joaquin Valley county has seen an increase in insured acreage. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
San Joaquin Valley counties, some still drying out from last year’s floods, brace for another round of heavy rain, snow
“As another storm barrels toward California, local officials are warning residents to stay up to date on weather conditions and be prepared in case of flooding, power outages or other emergencies. An atmospheric river will bring widespread rain and gusty winds throughout the San Joaquin Valley starting Saturday night. The storm will last into Monday, bringing heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevadas and one to three inches of rain in the valley. Staff from local sheriff’s departments, fire departments and emergency operations offices have been meeting and prepping in case the storm causes flooding or other emergencies. … ” Read more from SJV Water.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
El Niño and climate change are supercharging incoming storm, SoCal’s biggest this winter
“Southern California is bracing for its biggest storm of the season, which is slated to deliver potentially damaging and life-threatening rain, wind and flooding to the region. But the powerful atmospheric river — worrisome enough on its own — is being supercharged by climate change and El Niño, which together are warming ocean waters, upping the odds of significant downpours and offering a preview of the state’s future in a warming world, experts say. The incoming storm is feeding off unusually warm waters between California and Hawaii where a significant marine heat wave has persisted for months, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA. … ” Read more from the LA Times.
LA County working to capture water from latest storm
“With an atmospheric river set to dump several inches of rain on Southern California over the next few days, L.A. County Public Works is striving to save as much of that water as possible. A dedicated team of engineers and operators, collectively called Storm Boss, will be monitoring levels in dams and reservoirs, making controlled releases to save as much water as they can, prioritizing public safety and property. … ” Read more from the LAist.
Massive sewage spill closes Long Beach swimming areas
“A massive sewage spill forced the closure of several swimming areas in Long Beach on Friday. Over 47,000 gallons of sewage were discharged into Long Beach Bay, affecting all recreational swimming spots at or near Colorado Lagoon and Alamitos Bay. Those areas have been closed off to the public at this time. The spill was caused by heavy rainfall that led to “infrastructure challenges experienced by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District,” according to Long Beach city officials. … ” Read more from KTLA.
SAN DIEGO
Heavy rain, likely flooding coming to San Diego area
“Another powerful storm was bearing down on Southern California Saturday, with at least three straight days of rain in the forecast for San Diego County, and authorities warning of potentially dangerous flooding. The first rain should arrive Sunday evening, with widespread heavy rain and mountain snow occurring Monday and Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. A flood watch will be in effect from 4 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Wednesday, which includes San Diego and the county coastal cities of Carlsbad, Vista, San Diego, Escondido, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Poway, Encinitas, Borrego Springs, Santee, Julian, Oceanside, Pine Valley, San Marcos, National City and La Mesa. … ” Read more from Channel 10.
What a proposal to improve to storm water management in San Diego looks like
“In the aftermath of San Diego’s historic Jan. 22 flooding, City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera proposed a November ballot measure dedicated to improving storm water infrastructure. It is not yet clear what the funding mechanism would look like. San Diegans in single-family homes currently pay 95¢ per month for storm management. That is about one-tenth of what residents in cities like Sacramento and San Jose pay. “This all means we are relying on an underfunded, outdated, 20th century storm water system to meet 21st century challenges and protect lives and property, and it’s getting worse every year. The time for investment in now,” said Elo-Rivera. … ” Read more from NBC 7.
Column: Congress remains hurdle in border sewage funding
Columnist Michael Smolens writes, “The sustained full-court press to get money needed to fix and expand the international sewage plant on San Diego’s border with Mexico continues to impress. The case is being made by a coordinated, broad-based and bipartisan coalition from the governor to mayors and council members in San Diego County’s South Bay cities — and seemingly every regional official in between: U.S. senators, members of the House of Representatives, state legislators and county officials. … ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
