In the years before California’s drought, it wasn’t unusual for Sacramentans to spend winters worrying about floods. After more than five years with little rain, the past two weeks delivered a bracing reminder that the region remains vulnerable to rising waters and overtopped levees. The recent rainstorms flooded scattered sections of greater Sacramento, from the […]
The Sacramento Weir opened its gates Jan. 10 to reduce water levels in the Sacramento River, but now those gates may begin closing as early as Monday. Thirty-five of the 48 gates are open. The weir acts as a bridge between West Sacramento and Interstate 5 on Old River Road. Most bridges are over water, […]
Since 1971, the city of Ventura has been paying to help maintain the water system that delivers imported state water. On Monday night, Ventura took a step toward obtaining some of that product after the City Council voted 7-0 to authorize a comprehensive study that considers design, water flow, the environmental impacts and costs. The up to […]
The third and most powerful in a series of storms pounded Southern California on Sunday, dropping nearly 4 inches of rain south of Los Angeles, flooding freeways and raising concerns about damaging mudslides. Commuters could expect a messy drive to work Monday in several areas, with rainfall expected to ease slightly but not taper off […]
California’s five-year drought has brought new urgency to balancing our water use — and, even in wet years, water issues always hover close to the political boiling point. Thus the state’s proposal that San Francisco significantly reduce water imports from the Sierra has the water world bubbling. Cutbacks will require political will, creative thinking and […]
Storm after storm has pummeled California over the past few weeks as a series of so-called atmospheric rivers has come ashore. Given the massive amounts of rain and snow that have fallen, people want to know if California’s five-year-long intensive drought is finally over. The answer, of course, depends on what people mean by “drought” […]
After Years Of Drought, Sacramento Confronts An Old Foe: Flood Risk
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby Dale Kasler, Phillip Reese and Ryan SabalowIn the years before California’s drought, it wasn’t unusual for Sacramentans to spend winters worrying about floods. After more than five years with little rain, the past two weeks delivered a bracing reminder that the region remains vulnerable to rising waters and overtopped levees. The recent rainstorms flooded scattered sections of greater Sacramento, from the […]
Department Of Water Resources To Begin Closing Sacramento Weir Gates
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Capital Public Radio (Sacramento)by Bob MoffittThe Sacramento Weir opened its gates Jan. 10 to reduce water levels in the Sacramento River, but now those gates may begin closing as early as Monday. Thirty-five of the 48 gates are open. The weir acts as a bridge between West Sacramento and Interstate 5 on Old River Road. Most bridges are over water, […]
Ventura Moves To Join State Water
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Ventura County Starby Arlene MartinezSince 1971, the city of Ventura has been paying to help maintain the water system that delivers imported state water. On Monday night, Ventura took a step toward obtaining some of that product after the City Council voted 7-0 to authorize a comprehensive study that considers design, water flow, the environmental impacts and costs. The up to […]
Southern California Pounded by Intense Storm and Flooding
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /AP NewsThe third and most powerful in a series of storms pounded Southern California on Sunday, dropping nearly 4 inches of rain south of Los Angeles, flooding freeways and raising concerns about damaging mudslides. Commuters could expect a messy drive to work Monday in several areas, with rainfall expected to ease slightly but not taper off […]
OPINION: SF Needs To Plan For Drier Future
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Francisco ChronicleCalifornia’s five-year drought has brought new urgency to balancing our water use — and, even in wet years, water issues always hover close to the political boiling point. Thus the state’s proposal that San Francisco significantly reduce water imports from the Sierra has the water world bubbling. Cutbacks will require political will, creative thinking and […]
OPINION: A Wet Year Won’t Beat California’s Never-Ending Drought
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Wired (Boone, IA)by Peter GleickStorm after storm has pummeled California over the past few weeks as a series of so-called atmospheric rivers has come ashore. Given the massive amounts of rain and snow that have fallen, people want to know if California’s five-year-long intensive drought is finally over. The answer, of course, depends on what people mean by “drought” […]