Russian River Weekly Update 9/21/26

<Click to view content on website>

May 6, 2024 Russian River at Riverside Park by CJ Watt
May 6, 2024  Russian River at Riverside Park by CJ Watt

 

Reservoir Storage & Operations:

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

Storage levels for three lakes as of September 2021: Mendocino (61,368 ac-ft), Pillsbury (36,354 ac-ft), Sonoma (235,022 ac-ft).
The graph shows Lake Mendocino storage levels (in acre-feet) from 2019 to 2026, highlighting trends and forecasts over the years.
The chart shows Lake Pillsbury's water storage levels from 2019 to 2026, with target scenarios for management.
The graph shows the storage levels of Lake Sonoma over several years, indicating trends and projections for 2026.

 

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

 Related Articles:

 

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 Findings-USACE.pdf2026-09, NCRWQCB Public NoticeUSACE.pdf

 

Expanding Storage Capacity at Lake Mendocino

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2026, a bipartisan funding bill that would improve ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection and other water infrastructure.

The legislation authorizes 133 new feasibility studies for locally proposed water resources infrastructure projects and 14 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-vetted projects that are ready for congressional authorization. It also includes policy changes to speed up water infrastructure projects by giving local stakeholders more say in feasibility studies and helping them access Army Corps resources to get projects started. It includes the Coyote Valley Dam feasibility study to increase storage capacity at Lake Mendocino.

2026, 9-20 IWPC Press Release - WRDA, Coyote Dam.pdf

 

Governor Proclaims State of Emergency, Accelerates Flood Protection Measures Ahead of El Niño Event

Gov Newsom today proclaimed a state of emergency that will empower ACWA members to launch preventative flood protection actions as California faces a potentially historic El Niño event, widely forecasted to hit California during the 2026-’27 winter.

The proclamation contains several directives for state agencies that could affect, and help, government agencies, including:

  • Enabling local water agencies and governments to immediately start work on flood protection measures by prioritizing permitting, consultation and technical assistance on projects such as expediting levee and other flood management infrastructure repairs, sediment management and channel-capacity improvements
  • Directing the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to work with local and tribal governments to support emergency planning and resource supply coordination.
  • Ordering the Department of Water Resources, in coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, to conduct outreach to advance groundwater recharge projects and to use flood flows to recharge groundwater aquifers.
  • Pre-positioning and replenishing flood fight supplies and equipment, such as sandbags, riprap and pumps.
  • Identifying California National Guard personnel and resources that would be available to support state and local emergency operations.

Weather forecasters are predicting a greater than 90% chance of a historically strong El Niño event. For California, that could mean repeated atmospheric river storms bringing heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, mountain snow, landslides, debris flows and large waves flooding coastal areas.

Governor Newsom proclaims state of emergency to bolster statewide El Nino preparedness, protect California 9/21/26

More articles on El Niño at bottom of newsletter.

NOAA Drought Seminar Webinar Series: Drought, El Niño, and California Monday, September 28, 2026, 10 am pacific time

In this virtual seminar, Michael Anderson will compare the seven very strong El Niño events, exploring factors that separate wet and dry outcomes in California’s water year. For additional information, please visit the NOAA Drought Seminar Series page or email psl.drought.seminars@noaa.gov.

 

Save the Date for the Fall 2026 GSA Forum: November 18, 2026

DWR hosts Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) Forums for GSA members and representatives, typically on a biannual basis. These forums provide a platform for GSA representatives to engage with one another and exchange ideas on topics related to GSP implementation.  The forum also fosters professional networks and offers opportunities to learn about new or upcoming DWR assistance.

Please mark your calendars for this Fall’s GSA Forum to be held virtually on November 18, 2026 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The agenda and registration link will be shared once the details are finalized. For questions or more information, email sgmps@water.ca.gov. Links to recordings of previous forums and resources sheets can be found on DWR’s YouTube channel or on the Assistance and Engagement webpage. Link to full bulletin

 

Free Virtual Funding Fair, October 29th and November 4th

The California Financing Coordinating Committee (CFCC) is pleased to invite you to attend our free virtual funding fairs on October 29 and November 4, 2026 (More information: 2026 Fall Funding Fair Flyer). The funding fairs provide the opportunity to learn more about available grant, loan, and bond financing options for infrastructure projects from federal, state, and local agencies. Representatives from water industry professionals, public works, local governments, and California Native American Tribes should attend. This includes city managers and planners, economic development and engineering professionals, officials from privately owned facilities, water and irrigation district managers, financial advisors, and project consultants. We look forward to your attendance at the virtual funding fair. For more information about CFCC, please visit the website at www.cfcc.ca.gov. 

 

DWR September 24 - SB 552 Drought Resilience Symposium Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 1-5pm

DWR is excited to share about the upcoming symposium to recognize drought resilience accomplishments. Since the passing of SB 552 in 2021, California has made strides in strengthening drought preparedness for small water systems and rural communities through collaboration, innovation, and local leadership. The symposium will bring together local, regional, state, and community partners to share lessons learned, explore emerging opportunities, and build momentum for continued action and collaboration. Participation will be in-person and livestreamed on YouTube: In Person Registration. 

YouTube livestream 

 

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:

 

El Niño & Climate Change:

 

Other:

Join our mailing list