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State Water Board hears hydrology update: north–south precipitation split, diminished snowpack and risk of mid‑summer low flows in Scott and Shasta rivers
Summary
At its May 6 meeting the State Water Resources Control Board received a detailed hydrologic update: a pronounced north–south precipitation dipole, snowpack statewide at ~67% of normal, major reservoirs at or above average, but local declines in snowpack for the Scott River raise a mid‑July low‑flow risk for fish and possible curtailments.
A State Water Resources Control Board presentation on May 6 described a statewide hydrology pattern with more precipitation in the north than the south, a statewide snow water equivalent at about 67% of normal, and major reservoir storage generally at or above average — but with localized risks for summer low flows in northern tributaries.
Board staff reported that as of May 3 the statewide precipitation index was slightly above average in the Northern Sierra (about 111% of average) but below average in the San Joaquin (about 71%) and mixed in the Tulare region (about 87%). Snow water equivalent was reported at roughly 71% of normal in the north, 71% in the central Sierra and about 50% in the southern Sierra.
Staff focused on the Scott and Shasta river watersheds. The Shasta River flow at the Yreka gauge on May 5 measured roughly 232 cubic feet per second (cfs); the Shasta River Yreka minimum flow requirement is 50 cfs (May–Sept). The Shasta watershed’s Duinell reservoir was about 90% full, which staff said should help carry flows through the warm months.
By contrast, the Scott River’s May 1 snowpack had fallen to about 85% of average — down from 131% in April — and analysis of comparably dry years suggests the Scott could drop below its flow requirements in mid‑July and remain below required flows through the summer. Staff said only four years in the past 25 met minimum Scott River flow requirements; with the current trend curtailments are possible though exact timing was uncertain.
Board staff also reported on operational items: 54% of water‑right holders had submitted required annual reports by the Feb. 1 deadline; late‑reporting fees will be assessed and invoiced in November. The board also briefed members on the Groundwater Local Cooperative Solutions program (37 applications in 2025, roughly 60 meters reported, covering an estimated 6,200 irrigated acres) and that cooperative solutions covered close to 11,000 acres (~61% of total irrigated acreage in Scott Valley) — lower than last year.
Ending: Board members asked staff to share the material with regional stakeholders and to anticipate further discussion at regional board meetings where Scott and Shasta will be on the agenda. Staff said they will continue biweekly outreach with local coalitions and monitor snowpack and flow trends closely.
