Russian River Weekly Update 3/2/26

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Coyote Valley Dam flood release, Jan 16, 2023, by Kenneth James (DWR)
Coyote Valley Dam flood release, Jan 16, 2023, by Kenneth James (DWR)

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

Data on water storage levels for Lake Mendocino, Lake Pillsbury, and Lake Sonoma with recent changes in acre-feet.
Graph showing Lake Mendocino water storage levels over multiple years, indicating trends and projections for water supply.
The graph shows Lake Pillsbury's water storage levels over multiple years, highlighting variations and the target storage curve.
The graph shows Lake Sonoma's water storage levels over time, comparing various years from 2021 to 2025 and highlighting key thresholds.

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

Recent articles:

 

Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Approve Budget Item for Water Security

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors earmarked $500,000 for efforts by the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission and the Eel-Russian Project Authority relating to securing a continued diversion of water to the Russian River from the Eel River and improving storage in the watershed. The motion to accept the budget passed unanimously. County staff will provide a report to the board at the next meeting expanding on the possible expenditures.

 

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).docx

Recently Submitted Comments:

SWRCB MOI under P-77-334, 2-24-26.txt

More information on 2026 PVP operations: More information on 2026 PVP operations..

 

State Water Resources Control Board Supply and Demand Assessment (SDA) Information

The SWRCB recently held a webinar on Supply & Demand Assessment Program: LSPC Watershed Modeling Presentation. the full video series is now available: 

Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/supply-and-demand/ 

YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb4ywLqRQSoqj2nSB0pxzzGBDGGKFdm-T 

The series is organized into individual segments (Introduction & Overview, Running the Model, Calibration & Validation, and more) to make it easier to navigate specific topics. 

These videos provide an overview of our watershed-scale modeling approach, including supply estimation, demand representation, QA/QC procedures, and how these components support transparent, data-driven water management decisions. 

 

DWR Invites You to Celebrate Groundwater Awareness Week March 8-14, 2026

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) invites you to kick off National Groundwater Awareness Week 2026 by joining virtual events during the week focused on DWR’s Basin Characterization Program Highlights, interactive conversations with groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs), connections with GSAs and DWR staff by region, and updates from DWR. DWR will also release its final California’s Groundwater: Bulletin 118 – Update 2025 (CalGW Update 2025) during Groundwater Awareness Week. 

Check out the summary of events and find registration links in the flyer linked here: Groundwater Awareness Week 2026 Events Flyer.pdf

The image features a blue bear shape with a star, promoting water conservation with the text "SAVE OUR WATER" and a website.

 

Department of Water Resources (DWR) Water Tank Program

This program helps households obtain water tanks for domestic use and water security; please note that it is not intended for agricultural use.  The DWR Water Tank Program covers the costs of purchasing and delivering 2,500-gallon water tanks. However, please be aware that funding is not available through this program for water tank installation or water hauling. The following organizations are eligible to apply: Public agencies, Public utilities, Special districts, Colleges and universities, Mutual water companies, Nonprofit organizations – 501(c)(3), Federally recognized Tribes, State Tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission’s California Tribunal Consultation List.

Each applicant can apply for a minimum of five water tanks for households in their jurisdiction or service area. There is no maximum limit of water tanks that can be requested.

Deadlines: The last possible tank delivery is May 1st, 2026, and the Water Tank Program expires on June 30, 2026. Eligible Applicants: Please reach out to Alena Misaghi from the DWR at Alena.Misaghi@water.ca.gov for more information and application materials.

 

North Coast Resource Partnership Quarterly Meeting – April 17, 2026

North Coast Resource Partnership Quarterly Meeting logo, NCRP

Join us April 17, 2026, 9:00am - 3:00pm in the Eureka area for presentations from partners in the region, updates on NCRP projects and initiatives, and resource fair networking. Registration link

Meeting Topics:

  • Tribal Welcome | County Welcome | Co-Chair Welcome
  • Partner Presentations
  • NCRP Capacity Grant Awards
  • NCRP Project Updates
  • Funding Updates

 

In the press:

 

Launch of California Water Plan 2028

Other

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