Russian River Weekly Update 5/5/25
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Reservoir Storage & Operations:
Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).




NOTICE of Petitions for Temporary Urgency Change Petitions for Sonoma County Water Agency
The State Water Resources Control Board has formally noticed Sonoma Water Agency’s submission of Petitions for Temporary Urgency Change (TUCP) to modify the criteria for establishing the water supply conditions and the minimum instream flow requirements for the Russian River watershed that were established by Decision 1610. More information on RRFC website.
Previous Temporary Urgency Change Order Expiring
On October 31st, the State Water Resources Control Board issued the Order approving Sonoma Water’s Temporary Urgency Change Petition to implement an alternative hydrologic index based on storage values in Lake Mendocino.
Per the Order, Sonoma Water issues weekly hydrologic status reports covering the current hydrologic condition of the Russian River system, including current reservoir levels and the rate of decline for Lake Mendocino, Lake Pillsbury, and Lake Sonoma; a 16 day cumulative rainfall forecast; current inflow from the Potter Valley Project; and a summary of the available water quality data. Russian River Hydrologic Status Report
Following the expiration of the Order on April 30, 2025, no further reports will be issued. Access to previous hydrologic status reports and additional information about the Temporary Urgency Change Petition can be found on Sonoma Water’s TUCP webpage and TUCP archive.
2025 Potter Valley Project Operations – Comment Period Opened by FERC
On April 16, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) opened the comment period on PG&E’s Application for Temporary Variance of Flow Requirements. With this notice, FERC is inviting federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues affected by the proposal, that wish to cooperate in the preparation of any environmental document, if applicable, to follow the instructions for filing such requests. Cooperating agencies should note the Commission's policy that agencies that cooperate in the preparation of any environmental document cannot also intervene. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests is May 16, 2025. More information on RRFC website.
Comments Submitted to FERC:
2025, 4-18 SWRCB Motion to Intervene 2025 Flow Variance.txt2025, 4-23 PCFFA-IFR comment to FERC on 2025 Flow Variance.pdf2025, 5-5 Dept Interior Motion to Intervene 2025 Flow Variance.pdf2025, 5-5 Forest Service Motion to Intervene 2025 Flow Variance.txt
PG&E also filed a temporary flow variance request to perform repairs in November 2025.
2025, 5-1 PG&E flow variance request for Nov 2025 repairs.pdf
PG&E and PVP
- RRFC's website page on the PG&E Draft Surrender Application & Decommissioning Plan for PVP. (including public comments submitted.)
- PG&E Submits License Amendment
- PG&E Submits 2025 temporary license flow amendment (flow variance.)
- RRFC's website page on the Partnership.
Articles Uploaded recently:
- Press Democrat: Amid pleas to ‘Santa Trump,’ dam removals remain on track as feds rule out takeover of PG&E’s Potter Valley plant 4/29/25
- MendoFever: Setting the record straight: Inviting Trump to interfere with the Potter Valley Project—An Op-Ed 4/29/25
- CA Sportfishing Protection Alliance: PG&E proposes “rapid removal” plan for Cape Horn and Scott dams on the Eel River 4/28/25
- Mendocino Voice Opinion from PG&E: Potter Valley Project decommissioning was economic; seismic concerns came afterward 5/3/25
Lake Mendocino’s Coyote Valley Dam General Investigation Study
“In a significant step toward securing a sustainable water future, the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC), the Lytton Rancheria Tribe, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have signed an agreement to investigate further reducing flood risk, incorporating habitat restoration, and increasing water supply storage in the Russian River Watershed. If successful, the study could lead to increased federal infrastructure investments in the watershed.” From IWPC Press Release
New Public Viewing Access for the Projects and Management Actions (PMA) Module on the SGMA Portal
The Department of Water Resources (Department) has updated the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Portal to include public viewing access for the Projects and Management Actions (PMA) Module. The public view of the PMA Module is a centralized place to view data about PMAs that are being implemented by Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) as part of their Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs).
This searchable database includes information and associated data on a broad range of PMAs such as groundwater recharge, allocations, land fallowing, data gap filling, and various other actions and activities. It also serves as a mechanism for GSAs to report on the current implementation status and progress of their PMAs through an implementation update feature, which both assists them in meeting their regulatory annual reporting requirements and helps inform the Department in evaluating a basin’s progress towards achieving sustainability.
The Department has developed additional resource documents which go over FAQs and provide step-by-step instructions about using the PMA Module and its key features. More information.
Restoring Rivers for Flood Protection Webinar: May 15, 2025
“In the third webinar of Sustainable Conservation’s Climate Resilience in Action series, we turn our focus to flooding. Building on earlier discussions about California’s latest devastating wildfires, the importance of forest health, and the need for ecosystem restoration, Restoring Rivers for Flood Protection will explore how natural floodplains and restored rivers can reduce the state’s increasing flood risk while providing critical habitat, safeguarding water supplies, and protecting communities.
“We're honored to have experts from River Partners and American Rivers join us to discuss how collaborative, nature-based approaches are redefining flood protection in California. Through smart river restoration and floodplain reconnection, we’ll explore how communities and ecosystems can leverage these approaches to be better prepared for a future shaped by extreme weather and complement existing drought and fire strategies to build a healthier, more resilient California. More information and registration.
Lake Mendocino Festival of Light at South Boat Ramp, May 23 6:30 PM

Join for an unforgettable evening filled with joy, hope, and meaningful moments at beautiful Lake Mendocino. This family-friendly celebration is open to all — friends, neighbors, and even strangers who quickly become part of the shared experience. As the sun sets, watch the lake come to life with hundreds of glowing lanterns, each carrying a personal message, a dream, or a memory. It’s a peaceful, heartwarming event where community and connection shine brightest. One lantern FREE per person (children included) Additional lanterns $5.00 each Lanterns can be decorated onsite prior to a dusk launch onto the lake. Please contact us, if you would like to make arrangements to pick up your lantern ahead of time. RSVP and more information
In the press:
- CA Water Plan eNews April 30, 2025
- Maven's Notebook April 27-May 2, 2025
- Maven's Notebook Weekend Edition 5/4/25
- The Abacela May Weather-Climate Summary and Forecast is now available here.
- Sustainable Groundwater Management Office April newsletter
- UC Santa Cruz: Research on dry-farmed tomatoes will better equip organic growers to adapt to climate change 4/25/25
- Mississippi State University: Nature Water study highlights global aridification, threat to agriculture 425/25
- Nature.com: Fallowed agricultural lands dominate anthropogenic dust sources in California 4/26/25
- CA Water Blog: Wet Season’s end for Water Year 2025 4/27/25
- Weather West: Mild and occasionally unsettled spring conditions to persist into mid-May, with hotter/drier conditions still likely thereafter 4/28/25
- Maven's Notebook: The growing impact of ENSO on extreme drought and flood events 4/28/25
- PPIC: How California Partners with the Federal Government on Water and Weather Forecasts 4/29/25
- Sierra Daily News: California Farmland Values Plummet as Water Concerns and Market Pressures Intensify 4/29/25
- Union of Concerned Scientists: Ten Vital Services Provided by NOAA (Beyond the National Weather Service) 4/30/25
- Inside Climate News via Maven's Notebook: USGS Water data centers may soon close, threatening states’ water management 4/30/25
- Farm Progress: UC adviser helps North Coast vineyards adapt to climate challenges 5/3/25
- NY Times; (gift article) One of the Weather World’s Biggest Buzzwords Expands Its Reach (Atmospheric Rivers) 5/3/25
- CA Water Blog: The Power of Mimics in Aquatic Management and Beyond 5/4/25