Russian River Weekly Update 9/14/26
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Reservoir Storage & Operations:
Water supply information provided by Sonoma Water (find more water storage info here).
Future of the Eel River to Russian River Trans Basin Diversion (Potter Valley Project)
- FERC has noticed two additional public scoping sessions on September 15th and 16th to collect comments on the scope of the environmental issues that should be analyzed in the NEPA document. All interested individuals, resource agencies, Native American Tribes, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are invited to attend one or both of the sessions. See the RRFC webpage on the Future of the Eel River to Russian River Diversion for more information on the additional scoping meetings and more.
- FERC has extended the comment period on the Scoping Document 1 for the Proposed Surrender, Decommissioning, and Non-Project use of Project Lands (NERF) to September 18, 2026 at 2 PM Pacific Time. Agency/Organization submitted comments to FERC on scoping document are linked on RRFC webpage on the Future of the Eel River to Russian River Diversion
Related Articles
- Lost Coast Outpost: Dam Removal Activists to Rally Ahead of Eureka Public Input Sessions Next Week 9/10/26
- Mendocino Voice: Potter Valley dam comments close Friday as Southern California district keeps fighting to join case 9/13/26
Russian River Clean-Up – Saturday, September 19, 2026
Black Oak is supporting the annual Russian River Clean up: “Join us and an amazing group of humans for a couple hours of river beautification. All volunteers will be provided fresh brewed Black Oak Coffee, plus a coupon for a free drink at our cafes. It's a lot of fun” Sign up for Sonoma and Mendocino Counties Registering is required for Sonoma County, and slots will fill up fast.
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Opens 30 Day Comment Period – Coyote Valley Dam Discharge
A 30-day public comment period has officially opened for Draft Water Code Section 13267 Investigative Order No. R1-2026-0029 directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to submit technical and monitoring reports pertaining to discharges from Coyote Valley Dam and Lake Mendocino. The technical and monitoring reports required under the draft order largely mirror the monitoring framework established in the 2025 Biological Opinion. Linked below are the draft order and public notice. The draft order public notice is also available here.
The public comment period runs from September 9, 2026, through October 9, 2026. Written comments may be submitted by emailing NorthCoast@waterboards.ca.gov with the subject line "Comments on draft CVD Order No. R1-2026-0029". All timely submitted comments will be reviewed by Regional Board staff prior to the consideration of a final order.
2026-09, NCRWQCB Public NoticeUSACE.pdf2026-09, NCRWQCB Findings-USACE.pdf
2026 Water Policy Center Fall Convening: Buckle Up: A Roadmap to Water Solutions for California’s New Governor Friday, November 13, 2026 • 12:00–1:30 p.m. PT
Nothing is as fundamental to life in California as water. Yet delivering clean, reliable, and inexpensive water to every Californian is becoming an increasingly delicate balancing act. What does the next governor need to know in this changing climate? Join us for a solutions-oriented presentation and panel discussion with some of the state’s foremost water experts. More information and registration.
North Coast Resource Partnership – Next Meeting October 15 & 16 in Ukiah
Join your partners and colleagues in the north coast region to identify actionable solutions for community and watershed resilience. The North Coast Resource Partnership is updating the Vision for North Coast Resilience – an actionable priority plan for regional resilience that was informed by hundreds of partners in the region through interviews, one-on-one meetings, workshops, conferences, and surveys. The NCRP Leadership Council, Technical Peer Review Committee, and staff deeply value partner collaboration and insights to evolve this adaptive shared regional vision, and would appreciate your active participation in this updating process. More information.
Mendocino County Inland Water & Power Commission Seeks Executive Director
The Mendocino County Inland Water & Power Commission (IWPC) is seeking an Executive Director. The role presents a unique opportunity to make a significant regional impact at a pivotal moment as IWPC advances multiple high-profile initiatives with expanded resources and strong professional support. For more information, visit the job listing webpage here.
In the press:
- DWR Weekly Water Highlights — September 9, 2026
- Maven's Notebook Weekly Edition 9/8-9/11/26
- Maven's Notebook Weekend Edition 9/13/26
El Niño:
- PPIC: Supercharged Sea Levels This Winter Will Forecast the Future 9/8/26
- Scripps Institute (via Maven's Notebook): How does El Niño impact the weather? 9/9/26
- Water Education Foundation: (Various Articles) This year’s unusual El Niño just got even stronger 9/10/26
Other: