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DAILY DIGEST, weekend edition: Critics rip feds’ plan to save salmon; Climate crisis and systemic inequities drive push to reform CA water laws; Boswell bulldozers allowed to stay put, blocking Kings County pipeline project; and more …

In California water news this weekend …

Critics rip feds’ “half-baked” plan to save California salmon

Shasta DamFishing groups and water suppliers fought the Biden administration’s proposed drought rules for California’s water system, telling a federal judge Friday the emergency plans won’t stop the demise of endangered salmon.  With California trudging through another disappointingly dry winter, the federal government and state officials have agreed upon a set of temporary rules they claim are necessary to preserve enough cold water on the Sacramento River for Chinook salmon this spring and summer. The rules call for new water temperature targets and improved collaboration between federal and state officials on the management of California’s two main water conveyance systems. … ”  Read more from the Courthouse News Service here:  Critics rip feds’ “half-baked” plan to save California salmon

Climate crisis and systemic inequities drive push to reform California water laws

California’s mountain snowpack is shrinking, and climate change is intensifying the severe drought. Streams have dwindled and reservoirs have declined as vast quantities of water are diverted for farms and cities. Endangered fish are struggling to survive. And in farming areas in the Central Valley, hundreds of families are struggling with dry wells as groundwater levels continue to drop.  A group of prominent legal experts has presented a blueprint for updating California’s system of water laws to fix long-standing weaknesses and adapt to the worsening effects of climate change. They say their proposals, if adopted by the Legislature, would help the state better manage surface water and groundwater, protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems, and improve state oversight of the water rights system. … ”  Read more from the LA Times here: Climate crisis and systemic inequities drive push to reform California water laws

Boswell bulldozers allowed to stay put, blocking Kings County pipeline project

The water fight between Kings County’s two largest growers will continue with heavy equipment intended to block a pipeline project allowed to remain in place on the Tulare Lake Canal banks.  The Tulare Lake Canal Company, controlled by JG Boswell Company, moved the equipment onto the canal banks in late January to block trenching for a pipeline by Sandridge Partners, controlled by John Vidovich.  Sandridge filed a restraining order to have the excavators, bulldozers and trucks removed but Kings County Superior Court Judge Valerie Chrissakes denied that request on Thursday. ... ”  Read more from SJV Water here:  Boswell bulldozers allowed to stay put, blocking Kings County pipeline project

Program to replace nitrate-laden drinking water moving too slowly, advocates say

Free water deliveries have started for some San Joaquin Valley residents with nitrate contaminated wells.  But advocates worry that nine months into the state’s nitrate control program, outreach has been lacking and not enough wells have been tested.  The nitrate control program launched in May of 2021. It offers free water deliveries for residents whose wells test over the limit for nitrates. The program is mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board and funded by nitrate polluters throughout the valley. … ”  Read more from SJV Water here:  Program to replace nitrate-laden drinking water moving too slowly, advocates say

Where California’s key reservoirs stand after the 2nd driest January ever

California hasn’t seen rain in over a month, and some of the state’s key reservoirs are starting to be impacted.  Shasta Lake, the state’s largest reservoir, was at 54% of its historical average as of Feb. 9, compared to 72% last year, the California Department of Water Resources said. San Luis Reservoir on the eastern slope of the Diablo range is at 59% of its historical average, compared to 71% last year.  Other reservoirs are up from where they were at this time last year. … ”  Read more from SF Gate here:  Where California’s key reservoirs stand after the 2nd driest January ever

Working with Tribes helps oak groves and meadows flourish as they once did

From snowcapped peaks down to wooded foothills, the Sierra Nevada range includes nine national forests in Nevada and California. For Native American tribes like the North Fork Mono Tribe, the Sierra Nevada is the ancestral homeland and foodshed, so the area holds great value for sustaining their well-being and culture.  “We’ve been out on the land for 8,000 years and we’ve got artifacts going back 15,000 years. So we’ve got a lot of history passed down through the generations of how to take care of the land,” said the Hon. Ron Goode, Chairman of the North Fork Mono Tribe.  In 2014, the Tribe entered into a participating agreement with the Sierra National Forest to restore meadows using indigenous fire stewardship. That agreement was later supplanted by a Master Stewardship Agreement to restore meadows and oaks on the forest. ... ” Read more from the USDA here: Working with Tribes helps oak groves and meadows flourish as they once did

Interview: Five years after the Oroville Dam crisis, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea reflects on lessons learned

An hour and a half north of Sacramento, east along the Feather River, sits the tallest dam in the country — the Oroville Dam.  The dam is so large, it’s taller than the Tower Bridge is long. Its reservoir is also the second-largest surface reservoir in the state, behind Shasta Lake.  The manufactured lake and dam are responsible for delivering water and hydroelectric power throughout the San Joaquin Valley, over the Tehachapi Mountains and down to the coast of Southern California.  So, five years ago, when a crater-sized crack in the middle of the primary spillway showed up, it threatened nearly 188,000 thousand people living downstream. … ”  Read more from Capital Public Radio here: Interview: Five years after the Oroville Dam crisis, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea reflects on lessons learned

Oroville Dam crisis 5 years later: The evacuation and events that sent 180,000 people fleeing

Oroville Dam’s main spillway had a hole, and Lake Oroville was rising.  The Department of Water Resources tested sending water through the spillway, and it seemed to work, but the erosion around the hole was getting worse, and the bottom of the spillway was falling apart.  On Feb. 11, 2017, water began flowing over the emergency spillway, which at the time was a long concrete weir and had never been used before.  As the hillside beside the Oroville Dam continued to erode, the real crisis began Feb. 12, 2017. … ”  Read more from the Chico Enterprise-Record here: Oroville Dam crisis 5 years later: The evacuation and events that sent 180,000 people fleeing

It’s all about water in the San Joaquin Valley

Dairy farming has accounted for a high proportion of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California for almost 50 years. The SJV is a low rainfall area, traditionally ranging from about 5 inches annually in the south (Bakersfield area) to 20 inches in the north (Sacramento area). … However, recent SJV rainfall patterns and higher water demands due to urbanization and the desire to enhance river flows have rendered this system untenable. Change is in the air — or rather, in the water. … ”  Read more from Hay & Forage here: It’s all about water in the San Joaquin Valley

Western voters strongly favor more protection of rivers

In October 2022, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act turns 54 years old and the Clean Water Act turns 50. Both federal laws were established to safeguard this country’s precious freshwater resource. And while both statutes have helped do that to some degree, our nation’s rivers continue to face threats and degradation. Today, less than 1% of more than 3.6 million miles of rivers in the U.S. are protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. … It is therefore urgent that Congress and state policymakers act to protect more of America’s rivers and streams from the mounting threats they face. And perhaps not surprisingly, a poll of registered U.S. voters in five Western states found overwhelming support for additional conservation of our nation’s rivers. … ”  Read more from the Pew Charitable Trust here:  Western voters strongly favor more protection of rivers

Soak up the February sun? Not without climate change guilt in California

Californians are lounging in parks, wearing shorts to the beach and dining al fresco without heat lamps in February — and feeling terrible about it.  The past few weeks of balmy days and mild nights across the state have many feeling something is off. Rather than blithely basking in the unseasonable warmth, residents can’t shake the fear it will intensify California’s drought and wildfire season.  “I think it’s really hit a nerve for so many,” said state Sen. Mike McGuire, a Sonoma County Democrat who saw wine country temperatures hit 79 degrees Thursday. “Love the beautiful weather, but I really love this beautiful weather in June and July.” … ”  Read more from Politico here: Soak up the February sun? Not without climate change guilt in California

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In commentary this weekend …

Commentary: A feel-good fix that won’t restore salmon

Michael Koepf, former commercial fisherman, writes,” … Rep. Jared Huffman, co-chair of the wild salmon caucus, says he has a remedy to restore king salmon to their historical spawning grounds. According to a news release from his office, he’s introduced a bill that would provide $40 million to “provide identification of salmon areas and strongholds” to “sustain thriving salmon populations.” What a noble inclination — restore salmon in California to “thriving” numbers. Who could resist? How about the fish?  I’ve read the bill. Huffman’s legislation purports to spend a great deal of money to identify “strongholds.” In other words, historic, salmon spawning grounds. Ask some old-timers, or the Sierra Club, they’ll tell you exactly where they are, and it won’t cost a dime. … ”  Read more from the Santa Rosa Press Democrat here: Commentary: A feel-good fix that won’t restore salmon

Podcasts …

THE ECONEWS REPORT: What’s Next for Eel River Dams?

On this week’s edition of the Econews Report, Friends of the Eel River discuss developments in the thrilling drama of Eel River dam removal. It’s a story of injustice and opportunity— a 100-year-old water diversion that takes from one watershed to give to another, and the chance to correct the harms by returning salmon and steelhead to excellent cold-water habitat locked behind the dams.  Starring characters like the charismatic Northern California summer steelhead, the most athletic and endangered fish in the watershed; Congressman Huffman, who is working diligently to arrive at a win-win solution; and countless stakeholders all taking part in a process which will see the Eel River become the longest free-flowing river in the state.  Listen at the Lost Coast Outpost here: THE ECONEWS REPORT: What’s Next for Eel River Dams?


THE LANDSCAPE PODCAST: We’re still here: The how and why of land acknowledgements

Rosie Thunderchief joins Kate and Aaron to discuss how land acknowledgements can create space for healing and to provide guidance for doing land acknowledgements of your own. 


WATER IS A MANY SPLENDOR’ED THING PODCAST: Real or Perceived

If you want to construct a domestic well in Montana, you simply get a permit to construct and not worry about obtaining a water right. You see, these wells are exempt from any special evaluation requirements. Today, these wells are thought to be creating a problem for individuals with a senior surface water right. 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


EYES ON EARTH PODCAST: ECOSTRESS and Water Use

If you want to know how much rain fell yesterday, you can catch it and measure it. Water vapor? That’s not so easy. Which is a problem if you want to know how quickly that rate is returning to the atmosphere. Water vapor is the single largest part of the water budget, but without space-based observations, it would be all but impossible to measure at wide scale. On this episode of Eyes on Earth, we learn how a sensor called ECOSTRESS helps improve the space-based measurement of evapotranspiration, or ET, which is the combined rate of evaporation from the Earth’s surface and transpiration from plants.

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In regional water news this weekend …

NORTH COAST

Klamath Basin water stakeholders come to the table

On Thursday, for the first time since President Biden took office, the Interior Department gathered a diverse group of irrigators, tribes and conservation groups scrambling over the Klamath Basin’s dwindling water supply — all under one (virtual) roof.  Though the feds couldn’t make it rain, they’re about to release a river of cash to help fix the watershed in the long term. “Finally, after a long period of time, there are significant resources coming to this place that’s in the middle of a disaster,” said Jeff McCreary, director of operations for Ducks Unlimited’s Western Region. “That was used as a lever to bring everybody together.” … ”  Read more from the Herald & News here:  Klamath Basin water stakeholders come to the table

Klamath River train bridge damaged sending lumber car into river

Emergency crews including Klamath County Sheriff Deputies, and Klamath County Fire District 1 were dispatched at about 8:30pm last night to a report of a bridge collapse. The initial report was that a bridge near Washburn and Chambers Lane had collapsed.  Emergency crews checked the area for damages, but were unable to locate any on Washburn Way. It was later determined that the train bridge that links the BNSF rail yard to the west side of Klamath River had been damaged. The bridge has been around for about 80 years according to longtime local Klamath Falls residents. ... ”  Continue reading from Klamath News here: Klamath River train bridge damaged sending lumber car into river

$162 million in federal funds support Klamath Basin restoration efforts

Federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, better known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, would “make great strides” in addressing the drought crisis in the Klamath Basin. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will invest $162 million in federal funds to restore the Klamath Basin ecosystem and support water resilience and infrastructure.  “The transformative investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, collaboration with states, tribes, and local governments, and the input from every impacted community will help us innovate in the face of adversity and restore balance to this river system,” U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said in a prepared statement. “Together, we must work to respect tribal treaty rights and trust resources, ensure predictable and sustainable water supplies, and restore this once abundant ecosystem for the benefit of all its inhabitants.” … ”  Read more from the Eureka Times-Standard here:  $162 million in federal funds support Klamath Basin restoration efforts

PG&E says Potter Valley hydroelectric plant may be offline for years

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced this week that while it plans to restore the hydroelectric plant in Mendocino County called the Potter Valley Project to working order, the repairs could take years to complete.  “During a routine inspection in July of 2021, PG&E discovered a transformer at its Potter Valley powerhouse that did not meet our operating standards (and) the powerhouse has been offline since that time,” states an email the agency sent to stakeholders announcing that the problem would be rectified. “PG&E has completed its evaluation of whether to replace the transformer and concluded it is beneficial to PG&E’s electric generation customers to proceed with the work necessary to return the powerhouse to full operational status.” … ”  Read more from Anderson Valley Advertiser here: PG&E says Potter Valley hydroelectric plant may be offline for years

Lady of the Lake: Wondering about wetlands

Dear Lady of the Lake, I see and hear a great many things about wetland restoration. Can you tell me why so much importance is put on restoring wetlands and how it’s done? -Wondering about Wetlands from Witter Springs  Dear Wondering, Thanks for this question! You are right that “wetland restoration” is a popular term right now and you probably are reading and hearing about it all over, especially in Lake County. Sometimes wetlands get overshadowed and are underappreciated in comparison to lakes, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. However, wetlands play one of the most important roles in both aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems. … “  Read more from Lake County News here:  Lady of the Lake: Wondering about wetlands

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES

Winter heat wave comes after 6 dry weeks

The calendar year 2022 has been bone-dry so far in the Central Sierra, with no rain and no snow for six straight winter weeks, and now forecasters are predicting a February heat wave that could break records this weekend, followed by winds gusting out of the north and east and foothills fire weather concerns early next week.  Daytime highs in the mid-70s are expected in the Sonora area Friday through Sunday. That will approach or exceed record high temperatures for Sonora for the dates Feb. 11, 71 degrees in 1961; Feb. 12, 76 degrees in 1988; and Feb. 13, 77 degrees in 1971. … ” Read more from the Union Democrat here: Winter heat wave comes after 6 dry weeks

Placer County Water Agency releases year-end report for 2021 and sets strategic priorities

At the Placer County Water Agency (“PCWA“) Board of Directors meeting on February 3, the Board held a workshop to reflect on the successes of 2021 and discuss strategic priorities for 2022.  High among the issues of importance to the Board are the reliability of PCWA’s water supply, and sustainability of its infrastructure. … ”  Read more from Roseville Today here: Placer County Water Agency releases year-end report for 2021 and sets strategic priorities

SACRAMENTO VALLEY

‘Serious trouble’: Farmer has concerns of Sacramento’s unusually warm winter

A farmer’s fortune is tied to the weather. Every morning, Tom Merwin checks the forecast as far ahead as he can. “First and foremost, I look at the 14-day weather forecast,” Merwin said.  Merwin runs two wineries, Merwin Vineyards and Silt Wine Company, along with being the head of the Grape Growers Association in Clarksburg.  He farms a variety of crops, but like other California growers, drought concerns are usually – and currently – weighing heavily on him, especially with crops he can’t irrigate. … ”  Read more from Fox 40 here: ‘Serious trouble’: Farmer has concerns of Sacramento’s unusually warm winter

Sierra Club sues Yolo County to demand ‘environmental safeguards’ of Teichert mining project

The Yolano Group Sierra Club announced on Friday that it was joining a lawsuit with a local citizen’s group, Yolo Land and Water Defense, demanding changes to what it called a “flawed Yolo County aggregate mining regulations” and for “appropriate further protection of lands and waters adversely affected by existing mining practices.”  “The lawsuit does not seek to stop aggregate mining in Yolo County,” a release stated.  “Rather, it will simply require the County to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (‘CEQA’) before allowing Teichert Inc. to develop a new 320-acre mine on prime farmland adjacent to Cache Creek and several miles west of Woodland.” … ”  Read more from People’s Vanguard of Davis here: Sierra Club sues Yolo County to demand ‘environmental safeguards’ of Teichert mining project

NAPA/SONOMA

Napa County to look at funding groundwater plan

Napa County is ready to dive deep into a long-haul effort to keep groundwater beneath the Napa Valley floor from ever being sucked dry — and into the question of who should pay for it.  The recently completed, state-mandated, 5,000-page Napa Valley Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan was just a start. Now the county proposes to put the plan into action with more meetings, more reports and more well monitoring.  All of this could cost $1.3 million to $2.4 million annually. Grants likely won’t pay the full amount, county officials said. … ”  Read more from the Napa Register here: Napa County to look at funding groundwater plan

BAY AREA

The S.F. Bay Area’s 34-day dry streak has reached historic proportions. Will it rain during the rainy season?

While Bay Area residents enjoyed clear, sunny skies and warm weather this week, the region was setting new records for some of the hottest and driest days in the rainy season.  “We’re up there among the driest periods that we’ve had during the rainy portion of the year,” said Sean Miller, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service.  Downtown San Francisco — which has a very long historical record for rainfall, Miller said Friday — was in the midst of a 35-day dry streak, with the last measurable rain falling on Jan. 7. That’s on track to be the driest streak within the rainy season since the 1876-1877 water year, Miller said, which had a 60-day dry streak. … ”  Read more from the San Francisco Chronicle here:  The S.F. Bay Area’s 34-day dry streak has reached historic proportions. Will it rain during the rainy season?

CENTRAL COAST

Possible SLVWD, Big Basin water merger close

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) has had its fair share of couplings since its establishment as a special district in 1941.  In 2008, the district assumed control of Cal-Am Water (servicing Felton), and in 2016, it acquired took over Lompico Water District. In 2020, SLVWD and Scotts Valley Water District attempted to get to know each other a little better, but ratepayers from both districts raised objections, and the potential merger was quashed. Now, in 2022, SLVWD may have found a willing dance partner. Much like SLVWD, Big Basin Water Company (BBWC) suffered horrendous losses from the CZU Lightning Complex fires in August of 2020. … ”  Read more from Good Times Santa Cruz here:  Possible SLVWD, Big Basin water merger close

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Yosemite snowpack and waterfall conditions. Weather swung from big storms to extreme dry

“Despite a six-week dry spell in Yosemite National Park, snowpack conditions there are currently close to average for this time of the year. That’s thanks to some heavy storms last year that helped make up for the deficit. Feb. 1 snow surveys at the popular park in California revealed snow water content to be 96% of average in the Tuolumne River drainage and 92% of average in the Merced River drainage. The headwaters of those rivers are almost entirely protected within Yosemite. … ”  Read more from the Fresno Bee here: Yosemite snowpack and waterfall conditions. Weather swung from big storms to extreme dry

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Certain Malibu beaches see high bacteria levels

It’s currently not advised to swim or surf at three Malibu beaches due to high levels of bacteria. Bacteria advisories were issued at Leo Carrillo State Beach, Latigo Shore, and Topanga Canyon Beach, where bacteria levels have exceeded health standards set by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Other nearby beaches affected include Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey and a few in Santa Monica and Venice.  Health officials advise against entering the water at these locations. … ”  Read more from the Malibu Times here: Certain Malibu beaches see high bacteria levels

Opponents commission simulation of what sea level rise, tsunamis could mean for Poseidon desal plant

Opponents of a proposed desalination plant in Huntington Beach have released a 3-D simulation of how water inching inland as sea levels rise in the future could flood the area to help make their argument against the project.  Poseidon Water’s proposal for the plant is working its way through various agencies getting approvals necessary to start construction. Those behind the project argue they have done their own research based on the standards used by the state looking at sea level rise and tsunami hazards in the area of the project and it would not be vulnerable given what was is forecast during its operating life. … ”  Read more from the OC Register here:  Opponents commission simulation of what sea level rise, tsunamis could mean for Poseidon desal plant

IMPERIAL/COACHELLA VALLEYS

Will Salton Sea lithium dreams come true? It will be years before we know

The underground chemical stew beneath the Salton Sea is believed to hold enough lithium to power millions of cars and homes with green energy. But only if — a big if — enough of that scalding “geothermal brine” can be brought to the surface and the lithium sifted out.  That’s an incredibly complex process. And it’s just about as hard for those who live around the sea to separate reality from dreams when it comes to the impact of all that lithium. … The simple fact is we don’t know how much of it, if any, will come true. … ”  Read more from the Desert Sun here: Will Salton Sea lithium dreams come true? It will be years before we know

SAN DIEGO

Despite dry winter and drought status, San Diego County water supply is steady

Despite San Diego County currently sitting at ‘moderate drought’ status and February bringing no rain so far, the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) says the local water supply is safe.  According to SDCWA Water Resources Manager Jeff Stephenson, they have analyzed the current supply and feel confident that there will not be any water shortages for at least a five-year period because of their preparedness, even if drought status remains. ... ”  Read more from Channel 10 here:  Despite dry winter and drought status, San Diego County water supply is steady

Why the cost of water in San Diego has blown past L.A., according to a new report

San Diego is at the end of the pipeline when it comes to importing water from the Colorado River and the Sacramento Bay Delta. So it’s no surprise its costs have exceeded those of Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.  However, a recent report from a leading expert finds there’s more behind the skyrocketing price of water in the San Diego region, which over the last decade has seen wholesale rates increasingly outpace neighbors to the north.  Plummeting demand coupled with a bevy of costly projects — from raising dams to a desalination plant in Carlsbad — created a perfect storm that sent water rates soaring over the last decade, according to a recent analysis by longtime environmental economist Michael Hanemann of Arizona State University. … ”  Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune here: Why the cost of water in San Diego has blown past L.A., according to a new report

Proposed San Vicente Reservoir hydro facility project aims to meet energy goals

The leader of a conservation group opposes the idea of building this facility since it could be built on two preserves. Friday, the San Diego County Water Authority explained why it’s beneficial for California. Neena Kuzmich from the San Diego County Water Authority says the proposed hydro energy storage facility at the San Vicente Reservoir will not only generate power for thousands of households, it will help California meet its energy goals. … ”  Read more from Channel 8 here:  Proposed San Vicente Reservoir hydro facility project aims to meet energy goals

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Along the Colorado River …

How Arizona cities work to keep golf courses environmentally friendly

What a unique spot we live in here in Phoenix, one of the fastest-growing cities, located right in the middle of a desert. Given that we’re in a drought, some might wonder how we have so many gorgeous, green golf courses when water is at a premium.  We talked to Cynthia Campbell, the Water Resource Management Advisor to the City of Phoenix, about this. She says they’ve been watching the Colorado River dwindle for years, and this year’s water cuts to parts of Arizona are not a huge surprise.  “I don’t think that anyone expected may be that the decline would go quite this quickly as it has,” said Campbell. “We really had to take some fairly extraordinary actions as a region to try to adapt.” Mainly dry winters and low snowpack in the Colorado Basin have shrunk Lake Power and Lake Mead. Under the Drought Contingency Plan, water from the Colorado River was cut to parts of Arizona starting this past January. … ”  Read more from Arizona Family here: How Valley cities work to keep golf courses environmentally friendly

Feds, 4 Colorado River states unveil draft drought operations plan as 2022 forecast shifts

As the crisis on the Colorado River continues, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the four Upper Basin states—Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming—have drawn up a proposed framework called the Upper Basin Drought Response Operations Plan. The framework would be used by water managers to create plans each year, as necessary, to maintain Lake Powell water levels.  The effort to keep Lake Powell healthy is critical to ensuring hydropower production from its turbines is maintained and to protect the Upper Basin states from violating their legal obligation to send Colorado River water to Arizona, California and Nevada, the Lower Basin states. … ”  Read more from Water Education Colorado here: Feds, 4 Colorado River states unveil draft drought operations plan as 2022 forecast shifts

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Sunday video …

Living with atmospheric rivers – What do they mean for California?

This video from Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) focuses on the benefits and hazards atmospheric rivers bring to California. It reviews some of the publicly available AR forecasting tools on the CW3E website that are used by many agencies across the state. The video also introduces a collaborative CW3E program called Forecast Informed Reservoir Management (FIRO) that uses real-time forecasts to help water managers make informed decisions about when to store or release water from their reservoirs.

Also on Maven’s Notebook this weekend …

DELTA STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: 2021 Annual Report: Building Resilience Amid Rapid Change

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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.