Area farmers report that any flooding of their nut and fruit orchards during the current El Niño condition would likely do more good than damage to their trees. In fact, some farmers plan to deliberately flood their orchards as part of testing the benefits of winter flooding. By doing so, they not only ensure the […]
Following a warm, dry February in California, a shift in the weather pattern will open the door for several storms to soak the state during the second week of March. Enough rain may fall to put a noticeable dent in the drought across the state.By the end of this weekend, storms will usher in moderate […]
In the past, powerful El Niños have typically delivered about 22 inches of rain to the city by this time; the current amount is far below that. To reach the El Niño average of 30 inches by the beginning of summer, the NWS writes, “we would need more than two tenths of an inch every […]
The Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) recent release of draft emergency regulations for developing and evaluating groundwater sustainability plans marks continued progress toward implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), California’s comprehensive groundwater regulatory framework enacted in 2014. SGMA and its implementing regulations are likely to impact availability of groundwater throughout California, especially for […]
Even though the region is going into a wet cycle, that news isn’t enough to lift California out of its four-year drought. While the snow survey at Phillips Station today was the best March reading since 2011, statewide the water content is below average. At the field adjacent to the road leading to Sierra-at-Tahoe the […]
During recent winter storms, many Sacramentans had the same thought: How can I save some of that rain for later? Forget buckets; instead, rethink your flow. Traditionally, most of our home landscapes were designed for maximum runoff, whisking any excess water away from homes into streets, then rivers and out to the ocean.
Wet Winter Invites Flooding Research on Valley Farms
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Business Journal (Fresno)by By Chuck HarveyArea farmers report that any flooding of their nut and fruit orchards during the current El Niño condition would likely do more good than damage to their trees. In fact, some farmers plan to deliberately flood their orchards as part of testing the benefits of winter flooding. By doing so, they not only ensure the […]
El Nino-Driven Storms to Dent California’s Drought with Inches of Rain Next Week
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /AccuWeather (State College, Penn.)by By Brett RathbunFollowing a warm, dry February in California, a shift in the weather pattern will open the door for several storms to soak the state during the second week of March. Enough rain may fall to put a noticeable dent in the drought across the state.By the end of this weekend, storms will usher in moderate […]
Drought-Struck California Finally Looks Due for an Epic Soaking
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /CityLab (Washington, D.C.)by By John MetcalfeIn the past, powerful El Niños have typically delivered about 22 inches of rain to the city by this time; the current amount is far below that. To reach the El Niño average of 30 inches by the beginning of summer, the NWS writes, “we would need more than two tenths of an inch every […]
California Department of Water Resources Makes Progress in SGMA Implementation by Releasing Draft Regulations for Groundwater Sustainability Plans
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The National Law Review by By Courtney A. DavisThe Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) recent release of draft emergency regulations for developing and evaluating groundwater sustainability plans marks continued progress toward implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), California’s comprehensive groundwater regulatory framework enacted in 2014. SGMA and its implementing regulations are likely to impact availability of groundwater throughout California, especially for […]
California on Course for Another Drought Year
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Lake Tahoe Newsby By Kathryn ReedEven though the region is going into a wet cycle, that news isn’t enough to lift California out of its four-year drought. While the snow survey at Phillips Station today was the best March reading since 2011, statewide the water content is below average. At the field adjacent to the road leading to Sierra-at-Tahoe the […]
Save the Rain – And Your Yard
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The Sacramento Beeby By Debbie ArringtonDuring recent winter storms, many Sacramentans had the same thought: How can I save some of that rain for later? Forget buckets; instead, rethink your flow. Traditionally, most of our home landscapes were designed for maximum runoff, whisking any excess water away from homes into streets, then rivers and out to the ocean.