Two major California canals – the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal – have been significantly impacted by subsidence which the state says is caused by groundwater pumping in the Central Valley. Land subsidence happens, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, when large amounts of groundwater have been withdrawn from certain kinds of rocks, such […]
With a break in the weather and increased outflow from Oroville Dam’s heavily damaged spillway, state officials said Friday morning they no longer believe the swollen reservoir will breach the dam’s emergency spillway. After a grim assessment late Thursday, officials announced Friday morning they think they can avoid using the dam’s emergency spillway, which they’ve […]
Going, going, but not gone yet. About 47 percent of California still faces a drought, and the conditions are severe in 11 percent of the state, according to the most recent weekly report from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Some 83 percent of the state was in the monitor’s second-most severe category one year ago. The dramatic […]
The strongest of this week’s drenching storms moved ashore Thursday in Northern California, raising the risk of flooding and mudslides in the region of already soggy hillsides and swollen rivers. Flood and wind warnings were in place again north of San Francisco, where residents along the Russian River stacked sandbags to protect their properties. The […]
California water regulators on Wednesday extended emergency drought regulations, despite calls to eliminate them after heavy rain and snow this winter. The action by the State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento extends the drought rules which were set to expire at the end of this month, until the agency can reassess the state’s water situation in […]
Gov. Jerry Brown devoted most of last month’s State of the State address to excoriating Donald Trump, who had been president for just four days. “We have seen the bald assertion of alternative facts,” Brown complained. “We have heard the blatant attacks on science. Familiar signposts of our democracy – truth, civility, working together – […]
How Land Subsidence Could Reduce Surface Water Deliveries In California
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Western Farm Press (Fresno)by Todd FitchetteTwo major California canals – the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal – have been significantly impacted by subsidence which the state says is caused by groundwater pumping in the Central Valley. Land subsidence happens, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, when large amounts of groundwater have been withdrawn from certain kinds of rocks, such […]
After Frantic Night, Officials Say Lake Oroville May Not Top Emergency Spillway
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Ryan Sabalow, Dale Kasler and Phillip ReeseWith a break in the weather and increased outflow from Oroville Dam’s heavily damaged spillway, state officials said Friday morning they no longer believe the swollen reservoir will breach the dam’s emergency spillway. After a grim assessment late Thursday, officials announced Friday morning they think they can avoid using the dam’s emergency spillway, which they’ve […]
Only 11 Percent Of California Remains In Severe Drought
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /SFGate (San Francisco)by Amy GraffGoing, going, but not gone yet. About 47 percent of California still faces a drought, and the conditions are severe in 11 percent of the state, according to the most recent weekly report from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Some 83 percent of the state was in the monitor’s second-most severe category one year ago. The dramatic […]
Strongest Storms Hits Already Soggy Northern California
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Associated Press (as published by Santa Cruz Sentinel)The strongest of this week’s drenching storms moved ashore Thursday in Northern California, raising the risk of flooding and mudslides in the region of already soggy hillsides and swollen rivers. Flood and wind warnings were in place again north of San Francisco, where residents along the Russian River stacked sandbags to protect their properties. The […]
California Water Regulators Extend Emergency Drought Regulations
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Wall Street Journalby Jim CarltonCalifornia water regulators on Wednesday extended emergency drought regulations, despite calls to eliminate them after heavy rain and snow this winter. The action by the State Water Resources Control Board in Sacramento extends the drought rules which were set to expire at the end of this month, until the agency can reassess the state’s water situation in […]
OPINION: Brown’s Big Legacy Projects Could Be Trump’s Targets
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Fresno Beeby Dan Walters Mentioned: San Diego County Water AuthorityGov. Jerry Brown devoted most of last month’s State of the State address to excoriating Donald Trump, who had been president for just four days. “We have seen the bald assertion of alternative facts,” Brown complained. “We have heard the blatant attacks on science. Familiar signposts of our democracy – truth, civility, working together – […]