California may have to release water from reservoirs

A Late Season Winter Storm Could Impact California’s Reservoirs

A late season winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California this weekend. The storm could potentially lead to the release of water from the state’s reservoirs in order to prevent flooding.

Potential Impact on Reservoirs

The Sierra Nevada mountains are forecasted to receive widespread amounts of more than 12 inches of snow, with some areas potentially seeing between 18 and 24 inches. Lower elevation areas are expected to receive rain. This storm comes at the beginning of California’s dry season and could provide one last boost to the state’s major reservoirs before the dry weather sets in.

California’s reservoirs faced dangerously low levels in the summer of 2022 due to years of drought. However, an abnormally wet winter last year helped alleviate this problem. Snowpack levels at the start of this year were lower than expected, but they recovered earlier this year after a series of atmospheric rivers brought heavy rain and snowfall to the state. By April, the snowpack was above average. Despite being well into spring, California is now expecting more snow, which could further increase the water levels in the reservoirs just before the dry season begins.

The Role of Atmospheric Rivers

Atmospheric rivers are weather phenomena that resemble rivers in the sky. When they make landfall, they can bring intense rainfall and snowfall.

NWS Weather Prediction Center meteorologist Bob Oravec explained that May marks the start of California’s dry season, and the late season snowfall will help supplement the reservoirs. California relies on snowpack melt for 30 percent of its fresh water supply, which typically begins in April. Many of the state’s reservoirs are already near capacity, which is higher than average for this time of year. The additional water from this weekend’s storm could lead to water officials releasing water for flood operations.

Actions by Water Officials

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is currently releasing water from Lake Oroville at a rate of 4,000 cubic feet per second. However, this may change during the weekend. A spokesperson from DWR stated that they may increase releases starting Friday to account for the expected elevated inflows into the reservoir.

The DWR is currently transitioning from releasing water to capturing it during the wet season. In April, they reduced total releases from Lake Oroville due to reduced inflows. As the summer months approach and the frequency of rain and snowstorms driven by atmospheric rivers decreases, the DWR focuses on maximizing water storage in the reservoir while still meeting water delivery and environmental requirements.

The DWR continues to monitor lake and snowpack levels in order to optimize water storage and ensure carryover storage for the following year. As of Wednesday, Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, the state’s two largest reservoirs, were at 96 percent and 98 percent capacity, respectively.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
   • Indicator 6.4.2: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.

Analysis

The article discusses a late-season winter storm in California that could prompt water officials to release water from reservoirs for flood prevention. This issue is connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Specifically, Target 6.4 focuses on increasing water-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.

The storm and potential release of water from reservoirs also relate to SDG 13: Climate Action, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Target 13.1 focuses on strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

The article mentions the current capacity of California’s reservoirs, indicating that they are already near capacity. This information can be used as an indicator (Indicator 6.4.2) to measure progress towards Target 6.4 of SDG 6. Additionally, the potential release of water for flood operations can be considered as an indicator (Indicator 13.1.1) to measure progress towards Target 13.1 of SDG 13.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Fuente: newsweek.com

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