Russian River Weekly Update 3/16/26

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Russian River at Riverside Park, March 15, 2026 by CJ Watt

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 levels and changes.

The graph shows Lake Mendocino's water storage over several years, highlighting trends and projected levels for 2023-2025.

The chart depicts Lake Pillsbury's water storage levels across multiple years, showing trends and comparisons to target curves.

The graph shows Lake Sonoma's water storage levels over various years, highlighting trends, pools, and conditions through seasons.

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

Recent comments and articles:

The SWRCB submitted a letter to FERC stating SWRCB staff do not consider the FERC Order’s extension for water quality certification information until June 30, 2026, to be adequate and respectfully request the Commission consider further extending the certification timeline for the Surrender Project until PG&E can apply for certification with sufficient information.

2026, 3-16 SWRCB let to FERC on PVP surrender 401 timeline.pdf

On FACEBOOK, David Rabbitt shared he was at U.S. Department of the Interior on March 8, 2026: "Providing water solutions for farmers in Potter Valley was the topic of discussion in Washington, D.C. with Department of Interior Associate Deputy Karen Budd-Falen. Representatives from Potter Valley, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties, and urban water users from throughout the region joined together to deliver solutions to funding and delivering long-term water supplies for agriculture. We are appreciative of the Trump Administration for working with us to protect our communities during this time of transition with the Potter Valley Project."

ERPA reps from Sonoma & Mendocino Counties visit DC, March 2026

PG&E 2026 Potter Valley Project Operations

FERC opened the public comment period on the 2026 Flow Variance.

Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: March 23, 2026, 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

2026, 2-20 FERC notice of comment period on flow variance (77-334).pdf

Recently Submitted Comments:

(Note, only comments and filings made by organizations will be linked to provide privacy to individuals.)

2026, 3-16 TU&CalTrout MOI on 2026 Flow Variance.pdf

Assemblymember Chris Rogers – Town Hall in Potter Valley, Saturday, March 21, 2026 10:00 - 11:30 am

Potter Valley Jr./Sr. High School, Multi-Purpose Room, 10401 Main St., Potter Valley, CA 95469
More information: Potter Valley Town Hall | Assemblymember Chris Rogers

Proposition 4 Workshop April 30, 2026

Save the Date: Joint Workshop for the Proposition 4 Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program & Watershed Resilience Grant Program - Date: April 30, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM PST

Please save the date for an upcoming joint workshop on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program and the Watershed Resilience Grant Program. This virtual workshop will provide a general overview of both programs, discuss upcoming Proposition 4 funding opportunities, and provide an opportunity for early input on program development ahead of developing Guidelines. Additional details, including the workshop agenda and registration link, will be shared soon via email and the respective program webpages (linked above).

Conversation and Coffee with John Watts, Water Policy Counsel for Senator Alex Padilla

Invitation to a conversation with John Watts, Water Policy Counsel for Senator Padilla, on April 15 at 10 a.m.

Hosted by RWA’s Manager of Strategic Affairs, Michelle Banonis, the discussion will examine how shifting federal priorities and budget decisions are shaping water policy across the West. The conversation will explore the outlook for federal water infrastructure funding, the outlook for Congressional appropriations, and how federal agencies are approaching water operations and environmental policy. With more than two decades of experience working on California water issues in the U.S. Senate and federal agencies, John Watts brings a unique perspective on how federal legislation, policy development, and funding decisions influence water management across the West. Please register at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H7rMextYSNaseIYpMLD6fA

Learn More About the Russian River Telemetry Study in a Video Featuring Local Farmers!

To learn more about the Pilot, watch one of the videos below and visit our webpage: RRFC Webpage on the State Water Board Russian River Telemetry Pilot.

Message from Paul Gosselin: DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Office Thanks You for Celebrating Groundwater Awareness Week

On behalf of the Department of Water Resources’ Sustainable Groundwater Management Office, we thank you for joining us in celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week. If you missed the activities, please check out our Assistance and Engagement webpage (under the ‘Sustainable Groundwater Management Program Events’ accordion dropdown) and the Basin Characterization Exchange Hub in the coming weeks to find recordings from this weeks’ events. YouTube: 2026 Groundwater Awareness Week Message from Paul Gosselin 3/12/26