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Russian River Weekly Update 5/5/25

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Lake Mendocino, April 2025, by CJ Watt
Lake Mendocino, April 2025, by CJ Watt

 

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

Storage data for Lakes Mendocino, Pillsbury, and Sonoma, showing current storage, targets, and 7-day changes in acre-feet.
Lake Mendocino Storage chart from 2018-2025 in acre-feet, showing various storage levels and projections.
Graph of Lake Pillsbury storage trends and target scenarios for 2018-2025, showing acre-feet levels over months.
Graph showing Lake Sonoma storage in acre-feet from 2016 to 2025, with varying levels and a highlighted point on May 5, 2025.

 

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

Articles Uploaded recently:

 

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

Lake Mendocino Festival of Light poster featuring illuminated lanterns on water at sunset.

 

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:

 

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