NOTICE: San Joaquin River Restoration Program increases Restoration Flows to benefit salmon during winter

From the San Joaquin River Restoration Program:

The San Joaquin River Restoration Program Restoration Administrator has adjusted the scheduled of Restoration Flows on the San Joaquin River. On November 25, Friant Dam will increase releases to an additional 100 cfs flowing past Gravelly Ford (from 265 cfs to 365 cfs). This flow rate will be held through January 2023. Flows at Friant Dam will vary between approximately 550 cfs and 630 cfs to maintain the scheduled flow rate at Gravelly Ford 38 miles downstream of the dam. As a result of increased releases, those recreating on the river will experience deeper and faster river flows.

These adjustments to the Restoration Flow Schedule will produce higher flow throughout the Restoration Area and are intended to improve the survival of juvenile and yearling spring-run Chinook salmon as they make their way to the Pacific Ocean.

The Reclamation-approved Restoration Flow schedule is as follows:
 

Date

Friant Dam Releases

Restoration Flows at
Gravelly Ford

Through November 24

500 cfs

265 cfs

November 24 – January 31

550 – 630 cfs

365 cfs

February 1 – February 28

550 – 650 cfs

425 cfs


For Information about Restoration Flows, please visit http://www.restoresjr.net/restoration-goal/restoration-flows/.  

For the Restoration Administrator recommendations, please visit http://www.restoresjr.net/documentsreports/ra-recommendations/
 

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.