Russian River Weekly Update 10/6/26

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Russian River vineyard, 10-4-24 by E Salomone
Russian River vineyard, October 2024 by E Salomone

 Reservoir Storage & Operations:

Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).

Water storage data for Lake Mendocino, Pillsbury, and Sonoma, showing current levels and changes over the past week.
The image shows the water storage levels in Lake Mendocino from 2019 to 2026, measured in acre-feet over time.
The chart illustrates Lake Pillsbury's storage levels and projected targets from 2019 to 2026, showing fluctuations and target scenarios.
The chart displays Lake Sonoma's water storage levels from 2019 to 2026, with data points and trends in acre-feet.

 

PVP Flow Variance Extends and the Flows Drop October 1st 

PG&E held a Drought Working Group meeting as required by the FERC issued flow variance. As of 9/23/26, Lake Pillsbury storage level is now below 36,000 acre feet, meeting the threshold to remain in the variance until water level exceeds 36,000 acre feet after November 1, 2026. Minimum instream flow requirement will reduce from 25 cfs down to 5 cfs beginning September 30th and for the remainder of variance. Flow change protocol is to decrease the morning of 10/1 by 8 or 9 AM. Median forecast shows possibly late December for exiting the variance. PVID will still have its contract water available from 10/1-10/15, 15 cfs. More information on the RRFC Website here.

 

Russian River Temporary Urgency Change Petition filed by Sonoma Water

On August 31, 2026, Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) filed temporary urgency change petitions (TUCPs) with the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), Division of Water Rights (Division) requesting approval of temporary changes to water rights related to Lakes Mendocino and Sonoma. More information on the District's website.

 

Future of the Eel River to Russian River Trans Basin Diversion (Potter Valley Project)

More information on the District's website.

Related Articles

 

State Water Board Staff Workshops in October: Getting Ready for Recharge

Please be advised that the State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights will host virtual public workshops on October 19 and October 26 to share information and answer questions about temporary water right permits for groundwater recharge and the rules regarding flood recharge diversions. The workshops are meant for anyone who intends to divert surface water for groundwater recharge this winter. Scientists are observing intensified El Niño conditions in the equatorial Pacific, which could lead to increased winter precipitation with high-water storms in California. The notice and registration links for the workshops can be viewed on the Division of Water Rights’ website at: https://waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/applications/groundwater_recharge/wetwinter.html

 

Save the Date for the Fall 2026 GSA Forum: November 18, 2026

DWR hosts Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Forums for GSA members and representatives, typically on a biannual basis. Link to full bulletin

 

North Coast Resource Partnership – Next Meeting October 15 & 16 in Ukiah

North Coast Resource Partnership logo, NCRP

PLEASE JOIN YOUR PARTNERS & COLLEAGUES IN THE NORTH COAST REGION TO IDENTIFY ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS FOR COMMUNITY AND WATERSHED RESILIENCE

The North Coast Resource Partnership is updating the Vision for North Coast Resilience – an actionable priority plan for regional resilience that was informed by hundreds of partners in the region through interviews, one-on-one meetings, workshops, conferences, and surveys. The NCRP Leadership Council, Technical Peer Review Committee, and staff deeply value partner collaboration and insights to evolve this adaptive shared regional vision, and would appreciate your active participation in this updating process.  More information.

Mendocino County Inland Water & Power Commission Seeks Executive Director

The Mendocino County Inland Water & Power Commission (IWPC) is seeking an Executive Director. The role presents a unique opportunity to make a significant regional impact at a pivotal moment as IWPC advances multiple high-profile initiatives with expanded resources and strong professional support. For more information, visit the job listing webpage here.

 

EL NIÑO Related News:

NOAA Drought Seminar Series- From Hazards to Consequences: Toward Impact-Based Drought Monitoring and Prediction Monday October 19 10:00 AM

This presentation explains impact-based drought monitoring, an approach that links drought to its physical and societal impacts, such as lost crops, food availability, lower energy output, or job losses.

More information and registration

 

California-Nevada Drought Early Warning System October Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar Wednesday, October 14, 2026 11 AM

The October Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar will provide an update on current conditions, a refresher on the Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI), and share potential impacts of El Niño on the region. More information and registration

 

 

In the press:

 

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