Russian River Weekly Update 8/4/25

Cape Horn Dam on the Eel River in March 2025 by E Salomone

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

Mendocino Voice: Lake Mendocino tests safe from toxic bacteria, but everyone should be aware of risks 7/29/25

“Last week, water samples were collected from the South Boat Ramp, North Boat Ramp, and Pomo-A Swimmers Area,” the Army Corps said. “The good news is that while some cyanobacteria are present, the levels found were low, and we didn’t detect any of the common toxin-producing cyanobacteria.”

Testing a few days later from the East Fork of the Russian River also detected no cyanobacteria. “Right now, we aren’t issuing any advisories, and the results we’re seeing are typical for this time of year,” the Army Corps concluded.

Storage data for Lakes Mendocino, Pillsbury, and Sonoma with current levels, target curves, and 7-day changes (in acre-feet).

Graph showing Lake Mendocino storage over various years, with a peak at 89,347 acre-feet on August 4, 2025.

Lake Pillsbury storage levels (2018-2025) with target lines A, B, C. August 2, 2025, storage noted at 35,029 acre-feet, below Target B.

Graph of Lake Sonoma storage levels (2018-2025) in acre-feet, showing year lines with a peak in 2025 at 244,383 acre-feet on August 4.

THIS JUST IN: FERC Approves PG&E 2025 Flow Variance, Reducing Water Diversions to the Russian

PG&E filed a request in February 2025 for a temporary variance of the release requirements for the Potter Valley Project. FERC states it found that approval of PG&E’s temporary variance request would help ensure that it has adequate water storage capacity in Lake Pillsbury to provide flows and temperatures necessary for the protection of threatened species in the Eel River. The order states the proposed variance conserves limited water resources, minimizes the risk of bank sloughing, which would result in impaired outlet operation and could affect the stability of the dam abutments at Lake Pillsbury, and maintains flows within the bounds of Article 52 of the license.

FERC states that while the Russian River watershed would receive reduced flow allocations, the proposed variance would appropriately balance competing interests by only further reducing flows to the Russian River below 25 cfs as necessary for the protection of Eel River salmonids or the project outlet works. In addition, the proposed variance would avoid additional effects to Eel River environmental resources while minimizing any effects to aquatic resources in the East Branch Russian River. Finally, approval of the proposed variance would allow additional time for the Commission to review and complete its analysis of the July 31, 2023 PG&E license amendment request.

2025, 8-4 FERC approval of PG&E 2025 flow variance.pdf

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR RUSSIAN RIVER WATER USERS: Water right holders in the Russian River watershed that divert from the mainstem are encouraged to review the terms of their State Water Board issued water right and monitor the availability of source water. As the inflows decrease under the approved variance, more of the water being released from Lake Mendocino will be stored water and not eligible for diversion under most water rights. In Mendocino County, the only water right for diversion of stored water is the Russian River Flood Control District (rrfc.net) and water users can contact the District for more information. In Sonoma County, Sonoma Water Agency holds rights to stored water, as well as do some post 1949 water right holders that fall within the “10,000 acre foot reserve.” For more information on the reserve, contact the State Water Board.

The State Water Resources Control Board has developed a tool for water right holders:

State Water Resources Control Board Supply and Demand Assessment tool for the Russian River

PG&E Files Final Surrender Application for Potter Valley Project

On July 25, 2025, Pacific Gas and Electric Company filed its Final Surrender Application and Final Non-Project Use of Project Lands Application (NPUPL) for the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. P-77) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC.) If you have any questions regarding this filing, please email Tony.Gigliotti@pge.com. More information here: RRFC webpage on the Future of the Eel River to Russian River Diversion

Online Town Hall for Potter Valley Project Surrender Application and Decommission Plan on August 11

On August 11, from 3 to 5 p.m., PG&E will host an online meeting (link below) to share information on the Potter Valley Project Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan. The plan will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by July 29. During the town hall PG&E will discuss the overall regulatory process and note opportunities for public participation in the regulatory process.

LINK: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDViYTRlY2UtN2QyMS00YzAwLWExNTYtNDRjMDk1NTkzOTNk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22201d63c4-1e77-40f4-817d-17442619a108%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22304455f8-5983-481b-ab61-44ab050ca50b%22%7d

FERC Opens Comment Period on PG&E Application for Temporary Flow Modifications in November 2025 for Repairs

Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: August 25, 2025.

FERC issued notice for submitting comments, motions to intervene, and protests regarding PG&E's request for a temporary flow variance in November 2025 to conduct repairs. More information: RRFC webpage on 2025 PG&E Flow Variance Request for Repairs

2025, 7-25 FERC Comment Period for PG&E November 2025 Min Flow Variance.pdf

PVP related articles uploaded recently:

Conversation with Deputy Director for SGMA, Paul Gosselin

Invitation to a conversation with Paul Gosselin, Deputy Director at California Dept. of Water Resources, on August 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.

Grab a cup and please join us for RWA’s virtual Coffee and Conversation with Paul Gosselin, Deputy Director for Sustainable Groundwater Management at the California Department of Water Resources

Hosted by RWA’s Director of Technical Services, Trevor Joseph, the conversation will explore how SGMA implementation is evolving—from the initial push to develop Groundwater Sustainability Plans to today’s focus on refinement, communication, and regional collaboration. Paul will share how DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management team has grown, what he sees as key priorities in this next phase, and how state and local agencies can work together to advance sustainable groundwater management through innovation, technical support, and adaptive strategies. Please submit any specific topics or questions for discussion by August 21 to Christine Kohn at christine@INprOnline.com. Please register at the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EoGXBhX7ShSbvKs5C6fCqg#/registration

SGMA July Newsletter

Capacity Needs Survey

The North Coast Resource Partnership (NCRP) invites partners to participate in the NCRP Regional Capacity Assessment, an online survey that assesses the capacity needs of Tribes, local fire and rescue service providers, RCDs, NGOs, and organizations focused on wildfire and climate resilience in the North Coast Region. Survey Link

ACWA Region 1 Presents: North Bay Water Innovations in Action

Friday, September 12, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Windsor, CA

Join Region 1 for a dynamic day of sustainability tours, education, and networking! Explore how local leaders are pioneering innovative solutions in water and wastewater management. The event includes:
✔ Educational program on regional water sustainability efforts
✔ Behind-the-scenes tour of Windsor’s water reclamation plant as they journey toward net-zero and sustainability
✔ Shone Farm lunch & learn highlighting water-smart agriculture
✔ Tours & brewery tasting at Russian River Brewing Company’s brewery & wastewater treatment plant

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY: Draft Environmental Assessment for Coyote Valley Dam-Lake Mendocino Water Control Manual Update

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq), as amended, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District (USACE) has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Coyote Valley Dam (CVD)-Lake Mendocino Water Control Manual (WCM) Update.

Current operations of the CVD-Lake Mendocino are governed by the existing WCM which was revised in 1986 and last updated in 2011 without the benefit of modern weather and streamflow forecasting information. The draft EA provides an evaluation and description of the proposed action to update the CVD-Lake Mendocino WCM to allow discretionary encroachment into Flood Control Space based on the 5-day deterministic streamflow forecasts provided by the National Weather Service as per Lake Mendocino Forecast-informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) procedures that have been vetted and tried through a series of USACE-approved major deviations during Water Years 2019, 2020 and 2021-2026. The encroachment would provide water storage of up to 11,650 acre-feet into the flood control space, and USACE reservoir operators retain full operational control and authority.

The USACE is providing this notice of availability of the draft EA for public review and comment. The public comment period will run until August 16, 2025 and feedback is invited. The Draft EA and associated appendices can be accessed by navigating your web browser to the website below and clicking on the “Draft Environmental Assessment” under the title called “Coyote Valley Dam-Lake Mendocino Water Control Manual Update” in the left-hand side of the page to open the report document.
Website: https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/

📢 State Water Board Announces New Water Rights Reporting System is Coming Soon!

The State Water Resources Control Board is launching a new and improved system called CalWATRS (short for California Water Accounting Tracking and Reporting System) to make reporting water rights easier and more efficient. This system will help the state manage water data better and make it easier for the public to access important information.

What You Need to Know

Early Access Starts in July 2025 You’ll be able to explore and get used to the new CalWATRS system from July through September 2025. This is your chance to try it out before official reporting begins. Look for more information on the CalWATRS website. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/upward/calwatrs/
Official Reporting Begins October 2025 You can start submitting your water rights reports to CalWATRS in October 2025. Reports for the 2024-2025 water year will be due by January 31, 2026. More details and instructions will be shared closer to October.
Current System (eWRIMS) Closed June 8, 2025 The current system, eWRIMS, will stop accepting reports on June 8, 2025. You’ll still be able to search for water rights information in eWRIMS after that, but you won’t be able to submit anything new.
No Changes to Old Reports from June 8 – September 30, 2025 During the switch to CalWATRS, you won’t be able to edit or amend past reports between June 8 and September 30, 2025. If you need to make changes to old reports, do it before June 8 in eWRIMS, or wait until after October 1 in CalWATRS.
CalWATRS Website and Email Updates The CalWATRS website is your go-to hub for the latest news, system updates, and helpful resources. While you’re there, sign up for the CalWATRS email list to receive important announcements and helpful information straight to your inbox.

“We appreciate your help and patience as we make this big improvement. Like with any new system, there may be a few bumps along the way, but we’re here to support you and make the transition as smooth as possible. More help and guidance will be available soon! For questions or assistance, please email CalWATRS-help@waterboards.ca.gov”