PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (CA) Flooding continues for California

Date: Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:24:19 EST

Summary: Flooding continues in California as storms move out of the region.

The last of the recent storm system moves out of region today, with lingering showers expected over the next few days. Another storm system is predicted to bring 1-3 inches of rain to the region on Sunday.

Statewide, streamflows and river stage remain high in response to recent rainfall, runoff, and snow melt. Currently, 61 percent of USGS streamgages in CA are reporting streamflows more than 90 percent above normal flow for this time of year. The NOAA/NWS California Nevada River Forecast Center reports many California rivers remain above flood or monitor stage today, including 13 gage locations along the Sacramento River, and 4 gages on the San Joaquin River. The San Joaquin River near Vernalis (11303500) remains above danger stage today and will continue to exceed this level for several days.

The California Water Science Center (CAWSC) has 7 crews responding to this event today from the following service areas: Santa Maria, CA (2); Sacramento, CA (2); and Santa Cruz, CA (3).

Yesterday, rising floodwater from Coyote Creek caused the evacuation of about 14,000 residents in San Jose. The peakflow (8,440 cfs) recorded yesterday at USGS streamgage 11172175 on Coyote Creek was more than 3 times larger than the highest peakflow (2,550 cfs) recorded in 2000. The USGS will be hosting a media event tomorrow at USGS streamgage 11172175, Coyote Creek at Milpitas, CA where reporters can accompany a USGS field crew as they measure streamflow.

Managers from the CAWSC remain in contact with water resource managers from the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the California Department of Water Resources to coordinate USGS sampling or high-water measurements.

No safety issues have occurred during this series of storms and all staff have followed USGS field reporting and safety protocols. Updates will continue to be provided during the course of this event.