Russian River Weekly Update 3/30/26

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Lake Mendocino on March 29, 2026 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 changes.

The image is a graph showing Lake Mendocino's storage levels from 2019 to 2026, including specific data for March 30, 2026.

The graph shows Lake Pillsbury's storage levels and target scenarios from 2019 to 2026, detailing storage in acre-feet.

The graph shows the storage levels of Lake Sonoma from 2019 to 2026 in acre-feet, highlighting fluctuations in water levels over time.

Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations Advances

Coyote Valley Dam flood release, Jan 16, 2023, by Karen Rifkin

UC San Diego/Scripps Institution: Groundbreaking Atmospheric River Forecasting Collaboration Crosses The Finish Line 3/26/26
Press Democrat: Tracking weather more accurately - Six new Bay Area radar facilities in $19.M project, one located in Sonoma County, are designed to better track atmospheric rivers and severe storms 3/28/26
NOAA Research (via Maven's Notebook): Groundbreaking atmospheric river forecasting collaboration crosses the finish line 3/27/26
Mercury News: Atmospheric river storms will be tracked more accurately with new Bay Area weather radar stations 3/26/26
ABC 7 News: Bay Area weather radar network aims to improve storm forecasting, flood prep and drought planning 3/28/26

Russian River Temporary Urgency Change Petition

On March 19, 2026, Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) filed temporary urgency change petitions with the State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Rights requesting approval of temporary changes to water right Permits in the Russian River watershed. For more information, visit:

2026, 3-19 SCWA TUCP Transmittal-Package.pdf

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

Recent comments and articles:

Western Water: Potter Valley Project debate draws attention 3/24/26

PG&E License Amendment of the Current Potter Valley Project License

PG&E submitted the letter below to FERC noting the requested analysis of the proposed amendment on water quality in the East Branch Russian River will be included in the supplement being prepared for June 30, 2026. Visit RRFC webpage for more information.

2026, 3-30_PGE let to FERC re addt'l wat qual info.pdf

Save the Date! Russian River Water Year 2026 Update – Rainfall and Supply Levels, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Register for the Zoom webinar at https://bit.ly/water-year

Join this insightful webinar that will review rainfall, reservoir conditions, and ongoing water supply forecasts for the Russian River watershed. Hear what local, state, and federal experts have to say about the water year we’ve had so far and what we might expect as summer approaches. The webinar will be conducted in English, with Spanish captions available on YouTube after the event.

Speakers: Rebecca Hermosillo, Chair, Sonoma Water Board of Directors. Nick Malasavage, Chief, Operations and Readiness Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District (invited). Donald Seymour, Deputy Chief Engineer, Sonoma Water. Jeanine Jones, Interstate Resources Manager, California Department of Water Resources

Sustainable Conservation: Turning Climate Challenges into Watershed Solutions Webinar April 8, 2026

Join Sustainable Conservation on April 8 to kick off the Spring 2026 season of theVoices from the Field webinar series. Starting with Turning Climate Challenges into Watershed Solutions (registration link), a conversation with state leaders on why healthy watersheds – above and below ground – are central to California’s climate future. We’ll explore how climate extremes are reshaping water management, why the San Joaquin Valley is often considered “ground zero” for both the state’s water challenges and opportunities, and how collaborative strategies like groundwater recharge, land repurposing, habitat restoration, and soil health practices can work together to build resilience.

Proposition 4 Workshop April 30, 2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Joint Workshop for the Proposition 4 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).

Also, The California Water Data Consortium released “Strengthening California’s Climate Bond Outcomes with Water Data Infrastructure”, a new report on data and information systems-focused strategies and approaches to maximize Proposition 4’s success. The report reflects insights from over 100 water leaders convened last June—representing state agencies, local water managers, nonprofits, academic institutions, and more.

From Report to Reality: Strengthening Grant Program Outcomes with Water Data Infrastructure, May 13

The CA Water Data Consortium is holding a Town hall to discuss what putting data to work for water and climate resilience actually looks like. They are bringing their new Proposition 4 recommendations report to life. Hear directly from the state and local leaders investing in water data and information systems—solving real problems, building trust, and strengthening California’s climate resilience. Speakers and panelists include: Robyn Grimm, Meredith Lee, Eddie Ocampo, Aaron Fukuda, Paul Gosselin, Greg Gearheart, Lacey McBride, and Jim Peifer. More information and registration

Check out the publication of “Strengthening California's Climate Bond Outcomes with Water Data Infrastructure,” a new report on data and information systems-focused strategies and approaches to maximize Proposition 4’s success (and beyond).

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.

CA Water Data Consortium - Data for Lunch: Using AI to Track SGMA Implementation Across California

Did you miss the event or want to tune in again? Watch the recording on YouTube and download the slide deck.

California-Nevada Drought Early Warning System March Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar

The March Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar held last week provided climate and drought updates and the outlook as well as a presentation on "Drought Indicators: Understanding Regional and Seasonal Significance."

The California-Nevada Drought Early Warning System March 2026 Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar is part of a series of regular drought and climate outlook webinars designed to provide stakeholders and other interested parties in the region with timely information on current drought status and impacts, as well as a preview of current and developing climatic events (i.e., El Niño and La Niña). Watch the webinar recording.