Russian River Weekly Update 5/4/26

May contain: creek, nature, outdoors, stream, water, gravel, road, path, trail, land, plant, vegetation, and wilderness
Orrs Creek on May 3, 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 levels and changes.
The chart shows Lake Mendocino's water storage levels over time, tracking various years and projected storage curves.
The graph shows Lake Pillsbury water storage levels from 2019 to 2026, comparing actual data and target scenarios.
The chart shows Lake Sonoma storage levels from 2019 to 2026, highlighting changes in acre-feet over time.

 

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

 Recent comments and articles:

 

Webinar: Sustainable Conservation presents Connecting Solutions for Groundwater Resilience

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 10-11 AM. California’s water system is complex, and so are the challenges it faces. From groundwater overdraft to flooding and ecosystem decline, these issues are deeply interconnected and can’t be solved in isolation. Join Sustainable Conservation on Wednesday, May 6 at 10:00 AM for the second webinar in our Spring 2026 Voices from the Field webinar series as we explore how groundwater recharge and multi-benefit land repurposing work in tandem to support long-term groundwater sustainability and climate resilience across California. Overview and registration link.

 

Webinar: Northern California’s Role in Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future May 22, 2026, 12 PM

Speaker: David J. Guy, President of the Northern California Water Association (NCWA)
When: Friday, May 22, 12 pm to 1 pm Information and registration link.

 

Updated Climate Projections from California’s Fifth Climate Change Assessment

“Preparing for Impact: Unveiling California’s New Climate Change Projections to Guide Action”
Webinar: Tuesday, May 26, 1–5 p.m. Location: CNRA Headquarters (715 P St., Sacramento) and online via Zoom
This hybrid event will kick off the rollout of California's Fifth Climate Change Assessment, with a presentation of updated data and projections on climate, sea level rise, water systems, and wildfire risk across the state.
These projections provide the foundation for the Assessment’s research and will help guide policy and investment decisions to protect communities and strengthen climate resilience across the state.In person registration. Zoom registration

 

Mendocino County Drought Resilience Plan

Learn more about the plan that aims to facilitate water shortage preparedness.

2026 Mendocino Drought Resilience Plan.pdf

 

Groundwater & Surface Water Interactions in the Ukiah Valley

Learn more about the study that aims to improve understanding of interactions under varied climate and management scenarios.

Poster Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions Study.pdf

 

Dashboard to Explore Rivers, Creeks, and Domestic Wells Susceptibility of the Ukiah Valley Basin

Ukiah Valley Basin Dashboard: Rivers, Creeks, and Domestic Wells Susceptibility

 

 

In the press:

 

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