The Russian River drains the
sparsely populated, forested coastal area that stretches from San
Francisco to the Oregon border.
Along the Russian, federally funded dams have created Lake
Mendocino (at the Coyote Dam) and Lake Sonoma (Warm Springs Dam).
Locally built aqueducts channel water from these lakes into
growing Marin and Sonoma counties.
The Russian River is one of the most flood-prone rivers in
California, routinely overflowing during wet years. As storm
systems approach California, the wet bands of clouds are uplifted
by the Coast Range, releasing precipitation first and most
intensely on the coastal streams. One flood control dam is on the
Russian River and one on Dry Creek, a tributary to the Russian
River, which can capture about 20 percent of flood flows.
In addition to flooding issues, the Russian River faces other
challenges to balance competing demands for its water. In an area
that was once legacy to massive numbers of salmon and steelhead,
restoring the fishery has been a key focus, while water providers
must accommodate municipal needs as well as those of grape
growers in one of the world’s most prized wine-producing regions.
At the Redwood Valley County Water District board meeting on
September 19, 2024, members discussed significant challenges,
including a nearly 10,000 acre-foot drop in Lake Mendocino’s
water level compared to last year. With only 600 acre-feet sold
this year, the district is grappling with reduced inflows from
the Potter Valley Project while preparing for the City of Ukiah
to take over billing services. So far this year, approximately
600 acre-feet of water have been sold. Lake Mendocino’s water
level is approximately 10,000 acre-feet lower than at the same
time last year, according to the chart on the Russian River
Flood Control weekly update. There is less water coming into
the lake because of reduced flows through the Potter Valley
Project. Mandatory releases are made from Lake Mendocino to
satisfy minimum stream flow requirements into the Russian River
south of the lake.
At the August 15, 2024 meeting of the Redwood Valley Redwood
Valley County Water District Board, General Manager Jared
Walker reported a sharp drop in water flows into Lake Mendocino
after PG&E received permission from FERC to reduce the flow
to 5 cubic feet per second. The City of Ukiah and the Ukiah
Valley Water Authority have protested this drastic cut, arguing
it creates an artificial drought and harms the Russian River.
The Board also reviewed recent water use, consolidation with
Ukiah, and upcoming audits at their latest meeting.
The Mendocino County Public Health Department, along with the
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, have issued
health warnings about toxic mats found in three local rivers:
the East Fork of the Russian River, the Navarro River at Philo,
and Standish-Hickey State Park Recreation Area. Toxic Algae
Alert signs have been posted in all three locations to alert
the public recommending that all swimmers and waders,
particularly children and dogs, should avoid touching any algal
material or scum along the riverbanks or in the water. The
potentially toxic algal mats composed of cyanobacteria may be
attached to the river bottom, floating in the water, or lying
on the riverbanks. The algae colors range from bright to dull
green, orange, or maroon.
Many of California’s watersheds are
notoriously flashy – swerving from below-average flows to jarring
flood conditions in quick order. The state needs all the water it
can get from storms, but current flood management guidelines are
strict and unyielding, requiring reservoirs to dump water each
winter to make space for flood flows that may not come.
However, new tools and operating methods are emerging that could
lead the way to a redefined system that improves both water
supply and flood protection capabilities.
California is chock full of rivers and creeks, yet the state’s network of stream gauges has significant gaps that limit real-time tracking of how much water is flowing downstream, information that is vital for flood protection, forecasting water supplies and knowing what the future might bring.
That network of stream gauges got a big boost Sept. 30 with the signing of SB 19. Authored by Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), the law requires the state to develop a stream gauge deployment plan, focusing on reactivating existing gauges that have been offline for lack of funding and other reasons. Nearly half of California’s stream gauges are dormant.
This 25-minute documentary-style DVD, developed in partnership
with the California Department of Water Resources, provides an
excellent overview of climate change and how it is already
affecting California. The DVD also explains what scientists
anticipate in the future related to sea level rise and
precipitation/runoff changes and explores the efforts that are
underway to plan and adapt to climate.
A new look for our most popular product! And it’s the perfect
gift for the water wonk in your life.
Our 24×36-inch California Water Map is widely known for being the
definitive poster that shows the integral role water plays in the
state. On this updated version, it is easier to see California’s
natural waterways and man-made reservoirs and aqueducts
– including federally, state and locally funded
projects – the wild and scenic rivers system, and
natural lakes. The map features beautiful photos of
California’s natural environment, rivers, water projects,
wildlife, and urban and agricultural uses and the
text focuses on key issues: water supply, water use, water
projects, the Delta, wild and scenic rivers and the Colorado
River.
The Russian River is one of the major northern streams that drain
the sparsely populated, forested coastal area that stretches from
San Francisco to the Oregon border.
Other North Coast waterways include the Klamath, Trinity, Eel and
Smith [see also North
Coast Rivers]. These rivers and their tributaries flow west
to the Pacific Ocean and account for about 40 percent of the
state’s total runoff.
Travel most anywhere in California and there is a river, creek or
stream nearby. Some are highly noticeable and are an integral
part of the community. Others are more obscure, with intermittent
flows or enclosed by boxed concrete flood channels that conceal
their true appearance. No matter the location, each area shares
some common themes: cooperation and conflict regarding water
allocations, greater water conservation, an awareness of
environmental stewardship, and plans that ensure long-term
sustainability.
This printed issue of Western Water examines the Russian and
Santa Ana rivers – areas with ongoing issues not dissimilar to
the rest of the state – managing supplies within a lingering
drought, improving water quality and revitalizing and restoring
the vestiges of the native past.
