Russian River Weekly Update 6/8/26

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Vineyard in Mendocino County RR watershed, June 2026 by E Salomone
Vineyard in Mendocino County RR watershed, June 2026 by E Salomone

 Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

Data on water storage for Lake Mendocino, Lake Pillsbury, and Lake Sonoma as of early June, including current levels and changes.
Graph depicting Lake Mendocino's water storage levels from 2019 to 2026, showing trends in acre-feet over time.
The chart shows Lake Pillsbury's water storage levels and target scenarios from 2019 to 2026, with specific data for June 2026.
The image shows Lake Sonoma's water storage levels over the years 2019-2026, with specific data noted for June 8, 2026.

 

PG&E Requests Time Extension on PVP License Amendment Application

In a letter dated December 19, 2025, PG&E notified FERC that it would be providing a supplement to its pending request for a license amendment of the minimum flow requirements from the Eel River to the Russian River through the current Potter Valley Project. On June 4th, PG&E submitted a time request to FERC noting PG&E is intending to provide the draft supplemental to the appropriate agencies for review by June 30, 2026. In order to allow for a 60-day agency review period and time to address any comments, PG&E requests to submit the supplemental to FERC by September 30, 2026.

2026,64PGE let to FERC re extension of time on lic amendment app.pdf

 

REMINDER: State Water Board Approves Russian River Temporary Urgency Change Petition

On March 20, the SWRCB issued an order approving the TUCP. More information on the District's website.

 

REMINDER: FERC Approves Potter Valley Project Flow Variance, Effective Friday, May 15th

On May 14, 2026, FERC issued an order approving the 2026 temporary flow variance for the Potter Valley Project flows from the Eel to the Russian River. This means that starting May 15th, flows to the Russian River will remain at 25 cfs and will fluctuate between a range of 5-25 cfs based on Lake Pillsbury storage forecasts and water temperature data. Visit the RRFC Webpage for more information.

 

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

REMINDER: FERC Notice of Scoping Document, Meetings, and Comments 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a Notice of Scoping Meeting and Request for Comments on the Proposed Surrender, Decommissioning, and Non-Project use of Project Lands (NERF) dated May 22, 2026.

Comments are due Friday, July 24, 2026. Two meetings will also be held in Ukiah. Visit the RRFC webpage on the Future of the Eel River to Russian River Diversion for more information.

 

Recent comments and articles:

 

REMINDER: SWRCB Notice of Availability of the Scoping Report for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning Project

On May 12, 2026, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board or SWRCB) posted the Scoping Report for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning Project (Scoping Report). The Scoping Report summarizes comments received during the State Water Board’s Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning Project public comment period, which closed on November 3, 2025. Visit the RRFC webpage on the Future of the Eel River to Russian River Diversion for more information.

 

North Coast Resource Partnership Quarterly Meeting – July 17, 2026 on Zoom (9am-noon)

Join for updates on projects and initiatives. Zoom meeting will be recorded and available on the NCRP website. More meeting information and registration.  

North Coast Resource Partnership Quarterly Meeting logo, NCRP

 

In the press:

 

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