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Record snowpack-April 2023-drought-California

Record Snowpack Conditions in California, Parts of Southwest

/in , /by by NRCS/WNN

After a three-year drought in California and throughout the Southwest, many states throughout the West are measuring record snowpack conditions at NRCS SNOTEL stations and snow courses. Utah especially has seen a benchmark year for snowfall levels throughout the state.

Record snowpack

In California, the statewide snowpack (April 5) was 243% of normal, with the Northern Sierra at 198%, Central Sierra at 242%, and Southern Sierra at 302%. The California Department of Water Resources reported that the 2022-23 season will go down as one of the largest snowpacks on record in California.

In Nevada and Utah, current SWE percentages of median for select basins are as follows: Central Lahontan 273%, Central Nevada Desert Basins 267%, Great Salt Lake 224%, Lower Green 202%, Upper Colorado-Dolores 207%, and Upper Colorado-Dirty Devil 219%, according to the NRCS SNOTEL network.

In Arizona and New Mexico, snowpack levels are above normal, especially in the ranges of northern and central Arizona. In Arizona, the total reservoir system (Salt and Verde River system) is currently 100% full as compared to 72% full at the same time last year, according to the Salt River Project. For the Colorado River system, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reporting (April 4) Lake Mead at 28% full and Lake Powell at 23% full.”

Agricultural weather highlights

“A significant Western warming trend during the weekend and early next week will increase streamflow due to melting snow. On April 10-11, temperatures should briefly top 95°F in lower elevations of the Desert Southwest. Periods of Northwestern precipitation will add to the runoff potential in that region. Meanwhile, little or no precipitation will fall during the next 5 days across a vast swath of the country, including southern California and the Plains, Southwest, Midwest, and Northeast.

Farther south, however, 5-day rainfall could total 1 to 3 inches or more from eastern Texas to the Carolinas, with the bulk of the rain falling by Saturday. The NWS 6- to 10-day outlook for April 11 – 15 calls for the likelihood of below-normal temperatures in California, the Great Basin, and the Northwest, while warmerthan-normal weather will dominate the central and eastern U.S. Meanwhile, above-normal precipitation from the Rockies into the Plains and upper Midwest should contrast with drier-than-normal conditions in the East (excluding Florida’s peninsula) and much of California.”

(Editor’s Note: The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces the weekly Water and Climate Update using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.)
Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Accepting WaterSmart Landscape Contest Entries

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Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District invites residents with water-efficient gardens to enter the 2023 WaterSmart Landscape Contest for a chance to win a $250 prize. An online application is available at www.landscapecontest.com, and the submission deadline is May 12.

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The Vallecitos Water District's series of videos on using water wisely are being distributed nationwide through the EPA WaterSense program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District/YouTube

Millions Still Available to Help Low-Income San Diegans With Water Bills

/in , /by /KPBS-FM/TV

A fund to help San Diego County residents pay their water bills still has $2.5 million sitting unclaimed. According to leadership of the nonprofit Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty, or MAAC, which manages the fund, many people may not realize they qualify for assistance.

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Sierra Nevada Snowpack: One of the Largest on Record

/in , /by /California Department of Water Resources / WNN

Following three consecutive years of drought in California, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of the most bountiful in more than 40 years. While the snowpack and snow water equivalent is great news for water supply, there are concerns the record snowpack could create flooding issues.

The California Department of Water Resources electronic readings from 130 snow sensors placed throughout the state indicate the statewide Sierra Nevada snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 61.1 inches, or 237% of average for April 3. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Sierra Nevada snowpack

This year’s April result from the statewide snow sensor network is higher than any other reading since the snow sensor network was established in the mid-1980s. Before the network was established, the 1983 April 1 statewide summary from manual snow course measurements was 227% of average. The 1952 April 1 statewide summary for snow course measurements was 237% of average.

“This year’s severe storms and flooding is the latest example that California’s climate is becoming more extreme,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth after the April 3 snow survey at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Fred Greaves/California DWR

“California’s climate is becoming more extreme”

“This year’s severe storms and flooding is the latest example that California’s climate is becoming more extreme,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “After the driest three years on record and devastating drought impacts to communities across the state, DWR has rapidly shifted to flood response and forecasting for the upcoming snowmelt. We have provided flood assistance to many communities who just a few months ago were facing severe drought impacts.”

Just as the drought years demonstrated that California’s water system is facing new climate challenges, this year is showing how the state’s flood infrastructure will continue to face climate-driven challenges for moving and storing as much of these flood water as possible.

Sierra Nevada snowpack-snow survey-DWR-

“This year’s result will go down as one of the largest snowpack years on record in California,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. (R-to-L: de Guzman, Jacob Kollen, Water Resources Engineer in Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit, and Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer in Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit.) Photo: Kenneth James/California DWR

“One of the largest snowpack years on record”

“This year’s result will go down as one of the largest snowpack years on record in California,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. “While 1952’s snow course measurements showed a similar result, there were fewer snow courses at that time, making it difficult to compare to today’s results. Because additional snow courses were added over the years, it is difficult to compare results accurately across the decades with precision, but this year’s snowpack is definitely one of the biggest the state has seen since the 1950s.”

Sierra Nevada-snowpack-April 2023-DWR

Snowpack varies by region

For California’s snow course measurements, only 1952, 1969 and 1983 recorded statewide results above 200% of the April 1 average. While above average across the state this year, snowpack varies considerably by region. The Southern Sierra snowpack is currently 300% of its April 1 average and the Central Sierra is at 237% of its April 1 average. However, the critical Northern Sierra, where the state’s largest surface water reservoirs are located, is at 192% of its April 1 average.

Flooding and spring snowmelt

The size and distribution of this year’s snowpack is also posing severe flood risk to areas of the state, especially the Southern San Joaquin Valley. DWR’s State-Federal Flood Operations Center (FOC) is supporting emergency response in the Tulare Lake Basin and Lower San Joaquin River by providing flood fight specialists to support ongoing flood response activities and by providing longer-term advanced planning activities.

The FOC and DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit are helping local agencies plan for the spring snowmelt season by providing hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and snowmelt forecasts specific to the Tulare Lake Basin that are informed by DWR’s snowmelt forecasting tools, including Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) surveys.

Storms this year have caused impacts across the state including flooding in the community of Pajaro and communities in Sacramento, Tulare, and Merced counties. The FOC has helped Californians by providing over 1.4 million sandbags, over 1 million square feet of plastic sheeting, and over 9,000 feet of reinforcing muscle wall, across the state since January.

State Water Project deliveries increased

On March 24, DWR announced an increase in the forecasted State Water Project deliveries to 75%, up from 35% announced in February, due to the improvement in the state’s water supplies. Governor Gavin Newsom has rolled back some drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed due to improved water conditions, while maintaining other measures that continue building up long-term water resilience and that support regions and communities still facing water supply challenges.

Sierra Nevada Snowpack-April 2023-Reservoir conditions

Water supply challenges

While winter storms have helped the snowpack and reservoirs, groundwater basins are much slower to recover. Many rural areas are still experiencing water supply challenges, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies which have been depleted due to prolonged drought.

Water conservation ‘a way of life’

Long-term drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin will also continue to impact the water supply for millions of Californians. The state continues to encourage Californians to make water conservation a way of life as more swings between wet and dry conditions will continue in the future. The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies provide rebates and programs to encourage water conservation.

Given the size of this year’s snowpack with more snow in the forecast, DWR anticipates conducting a May snow survey at Phillips Station. That is tentatively scheduled for May 1.

Hamid Pezeshkian of Flametree Farms in Vista is among 2,000 growers enrolled in the PSAWR program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Special Water Rates Program Reduces Costs for San Diego County Growers

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The San Diego County Water Authority and 13 of its member agencies offer growers a special agricultural water rate program: providing lower-cost water in return for lower reliability.

The Water Authority’s Board of Directors approved the Permanent Special Agricultural Water Rate Program (PSAWR) in 2020. It helps support commercial farms driving the economic engine of rural San Diego County. PSAWR gives farmers a choice of what level of water service works best for their operations.

Although San Diego County’s economy is best known for tourism and biotechnology, agriculture accounts for $2 billion yearly in regional economic activity, according to the most recent county assessment.

Vallecitos Water District and PSAWR Program

Vallecitos Water District is among the PSAWR participating agencies, working with growers like Hamid Pezeshkian of Flametree Farms in Vista. Pezeschkian is among 2,000 growers enrolled.

San Diego County production is largely the combined result of more than 5,000 family farms like Pezeshkian’s operation – the most of any county in the United States. In fact, 69% of all San Diego County farms are smaller than nine acres. Innovative practices – including water-use efficiency measures – allow local farms to be productive by focusing on high-value crops.

Healthy Ecosystem Built on Conservation

When he learned about the PSAWR program through the Vallecitos Water District, Pezeshkian discovered additional options plus a support system to help guide him through the process.

When he learned about the PSAWR program through the Vallecitos Water District, Hamid Pezeshkian discovered additional options plus a support system to help guide him through the process. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Originally from Iran, Pezeshkian grows citrus, avocados, and various fruits including passion fruit, dragon fruit, and pomegranates, at his small permaculture farm with 500 trees.

“Planting a diverse range of fruit trees, plants, and cover crops as well as a variety of animals and species that coexist together allowing for a prosperous and healthy ecosystem and healthy soil,” explains Pezeshkian.

Water Conservation for Growers

Water conservation is integral to his operation and an ongoing learning process. Flametree Farms has upgraded its irrigation systems, is implementing rainwater collection systems, and aggressively uses organic compost to keep soil soft and help it retain water. When he learned about the PSAWR program through the Vallecitos Water District, Pezeshkian discovered additional options, plus a support system to help guide him through the process.

Vallecitos Water District “incredible to work with”

“The Vallecitos Water District has been incredible to work with,” said Pezeshkian. “They’re encouraging, they’re positive, and they’ve got an amazing smile when you meet them. They are always there to provide you with guidance and information when you need it.”

Pezeshkian found his best fit by qualifying as an organic producer.

“The Organic Program definitely appealed to me,” he said. “It was the taste of these oranges that made me realize that there’s something really special here in the soil. We put not a single drop of any sprays. These trees are just doing amazing, they’re producing, and I can’t wait to continue to go this path and bring healthy nutritious organic food to the community here and share it with my friends and family.”

Agriculture Among San Diego County’s Leading Industries

Flametree Farms has upgraded its irrigation systems, is implementing rainwater collection systems, and aggressively uses organic compost to keep soil soft and help it retain water. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Flametree Farms has upgraded its irrigation systems, is implementing rainwater collection systems, and aggressively uses organic compost to keep soil soft and help it retain water. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Agriculture directly employs 56,000 people in San Diego County, including the second-largest number of farms operated by women and the largest number of part-time farmers in the U.S. Along with avocados, San Diego County farmers rank first in the nation in the production of nursery crops, and in the top five producers nationwide of lemons, limes, guavas, pomegranates, and macadamias.

In exchange for lower priced water, participants agree to have reduced water service when the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California cuts supplies to San Diego County. In turn, the Water Authority can reallocate those supplies as needed to commercial and residential customers who pay for full reliability benefits.

(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego region.)

Otay Water District Logo

Otay Water District Launches 2023 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

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Spring Valley, Calif. – The Otay Water District has launched its annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Given that more than half of residential water use occurs on landscape irrigation, the contest aims to encourage outdoor conservation during the drought. The District awards the title “Best in District” and a nursery gift card, among other prizes, to one resident for their attractive, drought-tolerant garden. The deadline to enter is Friday, May 12, 2023.

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Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019

Join Us for a Rate Study Workshop on April 19, 2023

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Chula Vista – Sweetwater Authority is hosting a Rate Study Workshop -Technical Session on April 19, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. This in-person workshop is being held at the Authority’s Administration Building located at 505 Garrett Avenue in Chula Vista.

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sea water-seawater desalination-desalination-Carlsbad Desalination Plant-Trason Bragg

Turning Seawater into Drinking Water

/in , /by /Atlanta News Now (CBS)by Trason Bragg Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The power and technology behind the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, which turns seawater into drinking water, is described in this video report from Reporter Trason Bragg.

The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is the largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient desalination plant in the nation, and it has produced more than 100 billion gallons of drinking water for San Diego County since operations began in December 2015.

Seawater into drinking water

New intake and discharge facilities

The new intake and discharge facilities at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant will ensure the plant continues to meet California’s stringent Ocean Plan standards for protecting marine life. Work started in January 2023 and the new facilities are anticipated to be operational by December 2024. Except for a planned plant outage required near the end of the project to connect the new facilities to the existing intake system, construction is not expected to impact water production.

100 billion gallons-reverse osmosis-seawater desalination

Reverse osmosis is the heart of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. During this process, dissolved salt and other minerals are separated from the water, making it fit for consumption. This reverse osmosis building contains more than 2,000 pressure vessels housing more than 16,000 reverse osmosis membranes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Supply Allocation-Central Valley Project-Bureau of Reclamation

Reclamation Increases Central Valley Project 2023 Water Supply Allocations

/in , /by /Bureau of Reclamation

The Bureau of Reclamation March 28, announced an increase in Central Valley Project 2023 water supply allocations. After below average precipitation in February, Reclamation announced a conservative initial water supply allocation for the CVP on Feb. 22. Additional atmospheric river systems have since boosted hydrological conditions and storage volumes, allowing for a more robust water supply allocation.

Since making initial allocations last month, Shasta Reservoir, the cornerstone of the Central Valley Project, has increased from 59% to 81%, and San Luis Reservoir, the largest reservoir south-of-Delta, from 64% to 97%. Record-breaking snowpack conditions currently exist in the Southern Sierra coupled with significant snowpack in the Central Sierra and Northern Sierra/Trinity.

2023 Central Valley Project supply allocations increased

Based on current hydrology and forecasting, Reclamation is announcing the following increases to CVP water supply allocations:

North-of-Delta Contractors

  • Irrigation water service and repayment contractors north-of-Delta are increased to 80% from 35% of their contract total.
  • Municipal and industrial water service and repayment contractors north-of-Delta are increased to 100% from 75% of their historic use.

South-of-Delta Contractors

  • Irrigation water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta are increased to 80% from 35% of their contract total.
  • M&I water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta are increased to 100% from 75% of their historical use.

Friant Division Contractors

  • Friant Division contractors’ water supply is delivered from Millerton Reservoir on the upper San Joaquin River and categorized by Class 1 and Class 2. The first 800,000 acre-feet of available water supply is considered Class 1; Class 2 is considered the next amount of available water supply up to 1.4 million acre-feet. Class 1 remains at 100% and Class 2 was previously increased from 20% to 70% on March 7.

Friant Dam is currently being operated for flood control purposes; as long as these conditions exist contractors are able to take delivery of all available water from Friant Dam to the maximum extent of their respective contracts.

All other CVP water supply allocations remain the same as noted in the Feb. 22 announcement.

As the water year progresses, changes in hydrology, actions that impact operations, and opportunities to deliver additional water will influence future allocations. Reclamation will continue to monitor hydrology and may adjust basin-specific allocations if conditions warrant an update. Water supply updates and past year’s allocations are posted on Reclamation California-Great Basin Region’s website.

San Diego County Water Authority And its 24 Member Agencies

Water Authority Encourages Continued Investments, Efficiency as Drought Eases

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San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl today responded to Gov. Newsom’s announcement rolling back major elements of state drought regulations.

“Extraordinary amounts of rain and snow this winter have dramatically improved water supply conditions across California, and we support the Governor’s decision to end some statewide water restrictions.

“However, the past three years of extreme drought have highlighted fundamental challenges with water management statewide. We cannot and should not lose the urgency created by the drought to improve water transfer markets, increase state investments in water infrastructure, and continue adoption of low-water landscapes.

“And we must not forget that the Colorado River remains mired in decades of hot, dry weather that require new thinking about water use and conservation across the West. Fundamentally, we are no longer talking about drought but an entirely different reality than we were in decades past – the era of climate-driven impacts to our natural resources.

“Every person in San Diego and the western U.S. must continue to eliminate water waste, adopt low-water landscapes, capture rainwater, and take other steps to adapt to a hotter and drier future. It will not be easy or cheap. But the alternative is a return to more drought-related emergencies like California experienced over the past three years.”

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