Home / Weather / California Dams Release Water Ahead of New Storm
California Dams Release Water Ahead of New Storm
3 Jan
Summary
- Agencies are releasing water from spillways to manage incoming atmospheric river.
- Yuba Water Agency is releasing water from Bullards Bar Dam and reservoir.
- Crews monitor levees, anticipating river levels to rise but not reach critical points.
As an atmospheric river targets Northern California, local water agencies are taking preemptive measures. The Yuba Water Agency has commenced releases from the Bullards Bar Dam and reservoir, a strategy updated since the 1997 flood. These actions are part of modern flood risk management, aiming to safely accommodate the anticipated storm.
Utilizing advanced forecasting and research partnerships, Yuba Water determines the optimal timing and volume for water releases. Initially anticipating up to 17,000 cubic feet per second, the agency has adjusted its projection to approximately 12,000 cubic feet per second due to a scaled-back storm forecast. Crews are actively monitoring the levees, which have undergone significant upgrades since the devastating 1997 event.
Officials caution the public about cold, fast-moving water near levees and urge vigilance for any unusual signs of flooding or erosion. Coordination with other agencies, like those at Oroville Dam, is underway to prevent downstream overwhelm. The public is reminded to prioritize safety around swollen waterways, adhering to the 'turn around, don't drown' principle.
