Russian River Weekly Update 12/22/25

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Gibson Creek in Ukiah, December 22, 2025 by E Salomone
Gibson Creek in Ukiah, December 22, 2025 by E Salomone

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

The image shows water storage data for Lake Mendocino, Lake Pillsbury, and Lake Sonoma, including current storage and 7-day changes.
The chart shows Lake Mendocino's water storage levels from 2018 to 2025, highlighting a forecasted level of 59,125 acre-feet on December 22, 2025.
The chart shows Lake Pillsbury's water storage levels from 2018-2025, with target scenarios indicated for future reference.
The graph shows Lake Sonoma's storage levels over years 2018-2025, with a notable forecast of 229,704 acre-feet on December 22, 2025.

 PG&E Announces End of 2025 Flow Variance

At 5:15 AM on Sunday, December 21, Lake Pillsbury reservoir reached 36,000 acre-feet. This ends the current variance, and flows have been adjusted to normal requirements. See RRFC Webpage on 2025 Potter Valley Project operations for more information.

 

PG&E’s Final Surrender Application for Potter Valley Project

Comments Submitted to FERC on Decommissioning:

Note: The number of comments became too cumbersome to track thoroughly. All submissions can be found on the FERC eLibrary website, docket number: P-77-332

PVP related articles and resources:

 

PG&E License Amendment Application to FERC

Note: All comment period submissions can be found on the FERC eLibrary website, docket number: P-77-318

PG&E submitted notice to FERC that it will be supplementing its pending license amendment application for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (Project), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. 77, no later than June 30, 2026. “Since the submission of the amendment application, further discussion with stakeholders and subsequent analysis in support of the upcoming 2026 temporary flow variance has highlighted that the amendment lacks adequate flexibility that has been included in previous annual temporary flow variances. PG&E’s supplemental filing for the License Amendment will include revisions to the requested flow requirements to provide a more flexible release strategy. PG&E’s initial focus is on preparing a temporary flow variance for 2026 that will incorporate the revised flexible release strategy. Once the temporary flow variance has been submitted to FERC, PG&E will file revisions to the pending amendment application.”

2025, 12-19 PGE License App Amd Supp Notice.pdf

 

North Coast Resource Partnership – Request for Proposals, Wildfire Resilience Capacity Grants Program

The North Coast Resource Partnership (NCRP) is seeking proposals for organizational capacity enhancement from Tribes, counties, NGOs, RCDs, special districts, and other eligible entities in the North Coast region of California. The NCRP Capacity Grants Program will offer at least $2 million in funding to enhance the capacity of partners in the North Coast region to plan and implement large scale, multi-benefit wildfire resilience projects in the North Coast region. Grant awards may range from $35,000 to $200,000. For application information, to sign up to receive updates on workshops and office hours, and to apply for technical advising for an application, please visit the: NCRP Capacity Grants Program webpage.

 

📢 State Water Board Announces New Water Rights Reporting System - CalWATRS

CalWATRS, short for California Water Accounting, Tracking, and Reporting System, is the State's new-and-improved water rights data system, replacing the legacy eWRIMS platform. With CalWATRS, water right holders will have a streamlined way to view all their water right records, file annual reports, and request water rights services. CalWATRS successfully launched on Oct. 7, as planned. Learn more about CalWATRS and get the latest updates, visit the CalWATRS webpage.

 

University of California’s Naturalist Class

Join the Mendocino California Naturalist Community. Are you looking to learn about the wonders of our local ecology? The University of California’s California Naturalist class is open for registration in Mendocino, at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC).  This spring, join HREC for an exploration of California's ecology, from the rocks to the habitats that thrive in our richly biodiverse state.  We'll focus on the ecology of the Coast Ranges, from the geologic formation of our state to the people, plants and animals that rely on our diverse landscape.  We include a variety of guest speakers, field excursions, and hands-on activities. The class runs across six Saturdays: 2/21, 3/7, 3/21, 4/11, 4/18, 5/2. Each class will include classroom and field time at HREC. Classes will run from 8:30am-4:30pm. Take a look at the draft syllabus here.

 

SPOTLIGHT: Nelson Family Vineyards Collaborates with UC Davis on Solar Project

Nelson Family Vineyards in Mendocino County, California, is powering 100% of its operations with renewable energy following the installation of a floating solar system on an irrigation pond. The innovative project enables the 74-year-old, 1,800-acre family-run farm to operate entirely on clean energy without taking any agricultural land out of production.

Solar Power World: California vineyard goes 100% solar with floating PV system 12/16/25

Nelson Family Vineyards floating solar system, 2025
Nelson Family Vineyards floating solar system, 2025

 

CA Natural Resources Agency Invites Californians to Help Guide Future of Trails

Calling all hikers and trail lovers: the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and California State Parks want to hear from you! Starting today, trail users, advocates and professionals can share their experiences and insights by completing an online survey that will help inform the future of trail access and connectivity throughout California.

This is your chance to help blaze a new path forward and guide critical trail investments included in the voter-approved Proposition 4 (Climate Bond). The online survey is open through February 2026, when virtual public meetings are also scheduled for further engagement. Read Full Press Release and link to the survey.

 

In the press:

Sounding the Alarm on Atmospheric Science and Safety

California officials and researchers across the country are sounding the alarm about the Federal administration’s plans to dismember a global hub for weather, wildfire and climate science: the Colorado-based National Center for Atmospheric Research.  

Weather:

Other

 

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