PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (CA) Minor flooding and elevated streamflow in CA

Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2018 13:43:29 EDT

Summary: Many streams in California are experiencing elevated streamflow in response to a cold storm system that has brought precipitation to many parts of the State over the past 3 days.

Many parts of California have experienced light-to-moderate intermittent precipitation, with some areas experiencing periods of heavy rainfall. A winter storm watch is in effect through today for higher altitudes. Yesterday, local flooding and mudslides occurred in areas of southern California that experienced short periods of heavy rainfall.

Today, streamflow in California is generally normal, with only a handful of sites experiencing above average streamflow. Yesterday, many Southern California streams responded quickly to this event and are now receding but are expected to peak again late today after another pulse of rainfall moves through the region. Northern California streams that are responding to this event are expected to peak today. Currently, only one site in California has streamflow above the flood monitor stage defined by the National Weather Service.

The California Water Science Center has a few (4-5) crews out today performing streamflow measurements for rating maintenance; however, no streamflows are elevated to a level of flood response. No crews are expected to deploy over the weekend.

No safety issues have occurred and no USGS data transmissions have been disrupted by this storm event.