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SFPUC reports strong storage, explains dam safety work; Mountain Tunnel repairs show early improvement
Summary
SFPUC briefed commissioners that system storage is at about 91% and snowpack is above historic benchmarks; staff described dam inspection, hazard classifications, and recent repairs to Mountain Tunnel that have reduced outage risk. The agency noted the governor's call for updated emergency plans and potential legislation funding dam safety.
San Francisco — Commissioners received an operational briefing Feb. 28 showing improved water supply conditions and a detailed dam-safety update that nonetheless urged continuing investment and oversight.
Steve Ricci, Assistant General Manager for Water, opened with reservoir and precipitation data and said total system storage was approximately 91% full, supported by substantial snowpack upcountry. Ricci noted Calaveras Reservoir was above the Division of Safety of Dams' (DSOD) restriction and staff were actively moving water to comply with the restriction and manage risks.
Ricci described the SFPUC's dam-safety program, including jurisdictional classifications, inspection schedules and emergency action plans. He explained federal hazard designations (low, significant, high) and noted many of the agency's dams are classified as "high hazard" because of downstream habitation, not because the dams are in poor condition. Ricci also summarized the governor's recent announcement seeking legislation to require more frequent updates to emergency action plans, improved inundation mapping, and additional funding for flood control and emergency response.
Wholesale-customer representatives and outside agencies commented on specific facilities. Nicole Sankula, CEO of Bosco, reported on the Bear Gulch Dam (a Cal Water facility serving parts of San Mateo County) and praised SFPUC's response to Mountain Tunnel issues, saying early indications show the tunnel is in better condition than originally feared and that repairs and improved access have reduced outage risk for wholesale customers.
What happens next: SFPUC will continue inspections and capital work on high-priority dams, refine emergency action plans as needed, and monitor state legislative developments on dam safety and flood control funding.
