San Joaquin River Restoration Program Resumes Restoration Flows
In case you missed it, the Restoration Administrator for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program has announced the resumption of Restoration Flows on the San Joaquin River.
This schedule includes two brief pulses in late February, followed by a steady flow through the spring which utilizes the available channel capacity. Restoration Flows decline in the summer and increases in autumn into winter coinciding with salmon reproduction, incubation, and juvenile fry emergence.
The Restoration Allocation will be updated several times between now and May, and in response, the Restoration Administrator may adjust flows or add additional features to the hydrograph such as pulses or ramp-downs.
The public is encouraged to monitor flow conditions if recreating on or near the San Joaquin River. Natural storm runoff and changes to the Restoration Flow schedule may occur at any time. After months of low flows due to drought, it may be tempting to underestimate the power of the river and the effects of cold water.