PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (CA) N. California Storms, High Water and Flooding

Date: Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:15:10 EST

Summary: Second wave of heavy precipitation is passing through, with clearing behind it for 1.5 days. Some flooding in select locations.

This major storm event has still be centered in Northern Californa, from a latitudinal line even with the Monterrey Bay north to the latitude of the CA/OR border. The second wave of heavy rain hit the same areas, however the system moved through much more rapidly that the first, producing, in general, 2-4 in. of rain at the N. Coast, with up to 5 inches in the favored up slope areas of the Coast Range. Highest one day totals were for 5-7 inches, in some of the higher Shasta County mountains (Sac. River/Shasta Lake inflow), and in the N. Sierras in the Feather River basin.

No peaks of record have occurred, however significant flooding is forecast at locations in the Russian and Napa River basins, where flooding occurs with even 25 yr. RI events. Urban and small stream flooding, and high winds have made travel difficult in several areas.

USGS CAWSC has 16 crews in the field today, Sun. 12/2, 31 field staff total, from the Redding, Eureka, Ukiah, Sacramento, and Santa Cruz Field Offices, with 6 office staff members supporting their efforts with online data monitoring and data entry. Up to 50 site visits/measurements and or samples are planned for the day. At this time, no gages have been noted as being damaged. Two queries have been answered from the public on the web site.

Another strong storm wave is forecast for Tuesday, but more info will be needed for planning, and will be obtained at a NOAA briefing on Mon. 12/3.

Sub-Region: Pacific West; Region: Western United States