Communities just downstream of California’s Lake Oroville dam would not receive adequate warning or time for evacuations if the 770-foot-tall dam itself — rather than its spillways — were to abruptly fail, the state water agency that operates the nation’s tallest dam repeatedly advised federal regulators a half-decade ago. The state Department of Water Resources […]
Starved of freshwater inflow from the Central Valley rivers that feed it, the San Francisco Bay-Delta is on the verge of collapse. This iconic estuary, which defines our region, has been neglected for too long. Fortunately, the state Water Board is poised to provide relief by updating the Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan. Phase […]
In fall of 2013, Protect Our Water Rights (POWR), a group of North County landowners, united to, “protect its members’ legally predominant rights to reasonably use the water beneath their lands.” After three years of litigation, the window for landowners to join the lawsuit as part of the POWR group is closing.
These three graphs show key California reservoir conditions and river stages for the upper and lower Sacramento Valley. The images are from the California Department of Water Resources’ Data Exchange Center and the National Weather Service.
After six years of drought and a few months of flooding, California’s decades-long political commitment to ideology of being either for the environment or against progress has endangered the state’s water supply system and is threatening public safety, environmental health and economic stability. Rather than upgrade California’s water collection and delivery systems, for 50 years […]
A new train of storms has arrived along the Pacific coast, and a potent one is set to hit California hard with heavy rain, mountain snow and strong winds during the latter part of this week. The first storm will focused on areas from Northern California to Washington during Wednesday and Thursday. The second storm […]
AP Exclusive: If California Dam Failed, People Likely Stuck
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Associated Pressby Ellen KnickmeyerCommunities just downstream of California’s Lake Oroville dam would not receive adequate warning or time for evacuations if the 770-foot-tall dam itself — rather than its spillways — were to abruptly fail, the state water agency that operates the nation’s tallest dam repeatedly advised federal regulators a half-decade ago. The state Department of Water Resources […]
OPINION: California Can Revive San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Mercury News (San Jose)by Peter DrekmeierStarved of freshwater inflow from the Central Valley rivers that feed it, the San Francisco Bay-Delta is on the verge of collapse. This iconic estuary, which defines our region, has been neglected for too long. Fortunately, the state Water Board is poised to provide relief by updating the Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan. Phase […]
Feb. 28 Is Final Day To Join Water-Rights Lawsuit
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /A-Town Daily News (Atascadero)In fall of 2013, Protect Our Water Rights (POWR), a group of North County landowners, united to, “protect its members’ legally predominant rights to reasonably use the water beneath their lands.” After three years of litigation, the window for landowners to join the lawsuit as part of the POWR group is closing.
How Full Are Northern California Reservoirs and Rivers?
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento BeeThese three graphs show key California reservoir conditions and river stages for the upper and lower Sacramento Valley. The images are from the California Department of Water Resources’ Data Exchange Center and the National Weather Service.
OPINION: Oroville Shows Officials Have Focused On False Choices Over California’s Water System
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Aubrey BettencourtAfter six years of drought and a few months of flooding, California’s decades-long political commitment to ideology of being either for the environment or against progress has endangered the state’s water supply system and is threatening public safety, environmental health and economic stability. Rather than upgrade California’s water collection and delivery systems, for 50 years […]
‘Biggest Storm Of Winter’ To Unleash Flooding Rain In California At Week’s End
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /AccuWeather (State College, Pa.)by Alex SosnowskiA new train of storms has arrived along the Pacific coast, and a potent one is set to hit California hard with heavy rain, mountain snow and strong winds during the latter part of this week. The first storm will focused on areas from Northern California to Washington during Wednesday and Thursday. The second storm […]