PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (CA) high flows from Santa Maria to San Diego

Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2023 12:57:22 EST

Summary: high flows from Santa Maria to San Diego

A strong storm dropped high precipitation over a large swath of the counties of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and a western section of San Bernardino County. Soils throughout the state were already saturated by storms earlier in the season. Over the last 24 hours, many areas in this swath received over 10 inches of precipitation, and the National Weather Service issued numerous flash flood advisories. Streamgages from Santa Maria to San Diego are at high flow for today. Across the state, over 120,000 people are without power.

Due to higher than expected rainfall amounts, high flows were released from Lake Cachuma into the Santa Ynez River. The high release in combination with high runoff from other parts of the basin potentially flooding the city of Lompoc. The Santa Ynez River at Narrows near Lompoc (11133000) is expected to reach flood stage this afternoon. Several gages in the Santa Ynez Basin may exceed the ratings.

Today, 8 crews totaling 12 people from the Santa Maria and Poway Field Offices are measuring high flows and address gage issues. Five gages are not functioning at this time.