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State Water Board hydrologic update: northern Sierra snowpack near normal, Scott and Shasta curtailments remain suspended
Summary
At its April 2 meeting the State Water Resources Control Board heard a hydrologic update showing mixed statewide precipitation, near‑normal snow water equivalent statewide, major reservoirs above average and suspended curtailments in the Scott and Shasta rivers under an emergency regulation.
Abby Warner, an environmental scientist in the Division of Water Rights, told the State Water Resources Control Board on April 2 that statewide hydrologic conditions are mixed but not critically dry: northern Sierra cumulative precipitation was 116% of average as of March 31, the San Joaquin was 72% of average, and the Tulare Basin 89% of average.
Warner said statewide snow water content stands at 96% of normal. By region she reported Northern Sierra at 118% of average, Central Sierra 91% and Southern Sierra 84%. Major reservoirs statewide are at 117% of average.
The board also received an update on the Scott and Shasta River emergency regulation, readopted Jan. 27, 2025 and effective for one year. Warner said curtailments remain suspended in both watersheds because recorded flows in March exceeded the emergency minimum flows—Scott River maximum daily flow this year peaked at 4,970 cubic feet per second on Jan. 4, and Shasta River peaked at 2,200 cfs on Feb. 4. Warner said the Division of Water Rights is compiling information to support an economic analysis and scientific basis report for baseline minimum flows in the Scott and Shasta watersheds and invited public feedback by April 25.
Warner closed with an update on water‑rights annual reporting for the 2023–24 water year: 54% of water‑right holders filed by the Feb. 1 deadline, another 8% filed within the 30‑day grace period and a further 7% have filed since; 31% of holders remain outstanding and are subject to late fees if required by their post‑1914 status.
Vice Chair Doreen D'Adamo requested follow‑up analysis on whether the emergency regulation has had observable effects on water use in those basins, particularly in wetter years; Executive Director Eric Oppenheimer said staff would follow up as able. Warner answered procedural questions and the update was provided for information only—no board action was taken on the hydrology presentation.
The board's hydrology briefing included an announcement of the public comment window for Scott and Shasta baseline work and an invitation to stakeholders to submit data and models by April 25.
