Sacramento River

CASGEM Alternative Monitoring Plan Fact Sheet

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | August 15th, 2023

Causes of the Extreme Dry Conditions over California During Early 2013

American Meteorological Society (AMS) | September 30th, 2014

The state of California experienced extreme dry conditions during early 2013. In particular, January and February received 28% and 15%, respectively, of their nor

The state of California experienced extreme dry conditions during early 2013. In particular, January and February received 28% and 15%, respectively, of their normal monthly rainfall. When January and February are combined, January/ February 2013 is ranked as the driest of the period 1895–2014. Such large precipitation deficits exerted enormous stress on water resources in an already high water-demand region. Thus, it is of practical importance to investigate the causes of this extreme climate event so as to assess its predictability. *Chapter 3, Explaining Extreme Events of 2013 from a Climate Perspective, Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 95 (9)

Central Valley Basin: A Comprehensive Report on the Development of the Water and Related Resources of the Central Valley Basin for Irrigation, Power Production and Other Beneficial Uses in California, and Comments by the State of California and Federal Agencies

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | August 15th, 1949

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (2012)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | June 12th, 2012

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) is a critical document to guide California’s participation (and influence federal and local participation) in managing

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) is a critical document to guide California’s participation (and influence federal and local participation) in managing flood risk along the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River systems. The CVFPP proposes a system-wide investment approach for sustainable, integrated flood management in areas currently protected by facilities of the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC). The CVFPP will be updated every five years, with each update providing support for subsequent policy, program, and project implementation. The State of California (State) conducted planning and investigations for the 2012 CVFPP from 2009 through 2011, representing the most comprehensive flood evaluations for the Central Valley. Following the anticipated adoption of the CVFPP in 2012 by the Central Valley Flood Protection Board (Board), preparation of regional- and State-level financing plans will guide investments in the range of $14 billion to $17 billion during the next 20 to 25 years.  These financing plans are critical to CVFPP implementation, given the uncertainty in State, federal, and local agency budgets and cost-sharing capabilities.

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan 2022 (draft)

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | April 21st, 2022

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) describes a programmatic vision for improving flood risk management throughout the Central Valley. Prepared by the Calif

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) describes a programmatic vision for improving flood risk management throughout the Central Valley. Prepared by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in accordance with the Central Valley Flood Protection Act of 2008 (Act) and adopted by the Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) in June 2012, the CVFPP guides the State’s participation in managing flood risk in areas protected by the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC). The Public Draft 2022 CVFPP Update is the second update required every five years by the Act. The CVFPP recommends actions and policies informed by engagement with stakeholders and partners and prioritizes investments over a 30-year horizon. Click here for the comment form, supporting documents, and DWR links.

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Appendix K. Synthesis of Fish Migration Improvement Opportunities in the Central Valley Flood System

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | July 14th, 2016

Many instream structures in the Central Valley adversely affect native anadromous fish migration. These structures, often referred to as fish passage barriers, reduce or

Many instream structures in the Central Valley adversely affect native anadromous fish migration. These structures, often referred to as fish passage barriers, reduce or eliminate longitudinal habitat connectivity; prevent or limit access to critical spawning, rearing, and refuge habitat; create migration delays; and create lethal or sublethal conditions for native anadromous species (California Department of Water Resources [DWR] 2012a, 2014; National Marine Fisheries Service [NMFS] 2014). Fish passage barriers associated with the Central Valley flood system trigger compliance requirements under the federal and California Endangered Species Acts; necessitate recurring fish rescues; and impel additional permitting requirements, such as long-term mitigation (NMFS 2009; Vogel 2011; DWR 2012b; Johnson and Vincik 2012; Cannon 2013; Heise 2013; Hendrick and Swart 2013).  Identification of migration impediments and associated improvement opportunities in the flood system is needed for integrated flood management planning. Fish migration improvements can be integrated into flood risk reduction projects1 to yield cost efficiencies in the project planning and implementation phases, and they may result in long-term economic and environmental benefits (DWR 2014). Two documents, the Fish Passage Assessment (Attachment 9C of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan [CVFPP]) and the Draft Central Valley Flood System Fish Migration Improvement Opportunities (FMIO) report have been prepared to assist in identifying and prioritizing fish migration improvement opportunities in the flood system. 

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan Conservation Strategy 2022 Update

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | November 4th, 2022

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) Conservation Strategy (Conservation Strategy or Strategy) is a primary component of the CVFPP in accordance with the Cent

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) Conservation Strategy (Conservation Strategy or Strategy) is a primary component of the CVFPP in accordance with the Central Valley Flood Protection Act of 2008. It aligns with and contributes to the attainment of all CVFPP goals, while focusing on improving ecosystem quality, quantity, function, and sustainability within the Systemwide Planning Area (SPA). Its purpose is to provide actionable and measurable targets to improve riverine, aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitat in the flood system through the integration of ecological principles with flood risk reduction projects, operation and maintenance activities, institutional support, and other means (e.g., the remediation of fish passage barriers). The Conservation Strategy also provides data, information, and guidance to floodplain managers to assist in the development of multi-benefit flood infrastructure improvement projects by integrating project components and management strategies that benefit native species and their habitats.

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan: Conservation Strategy

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | August 8th, 2017

In the Central Valley of California, flood risks, water supplies, and the functioning of ecosystems are linked, with actions in one area affecting the other areas. The ma

In the Central Valley of California, flood risks, water supplies, and the functioning of ecosystems are linked, with actions in one area affecting the other areas. The majority of flows that pass through the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC) are regulated by reservoirs operated for flood management, water supply, water quality, power generation, wildlife and fisheries habitat, and recreation. Similarly, the system of river and bypass channels, levees, and water control structures in the Central Valley does more than just contain floodwaters that previously flooded the valley floor for months at a time. It supports agricultural uses in the bypasses, serves as valued recreational areas and open space, helps in the management of surface water supplies and management of groundwater and water quality, and provides critical remnant riparian and floodplain habitats for numerous fish and wildlife species. The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) recognizes these interconnections in its approach to flood management. The CVFPP is a long-term planning document that provides a framework for prioritization of investments in the SPFC. It seeks to improve flood risk management (the primary goal), as well as improve operations and maintenance (O&M), promote ecosystem functions, improve institutional support, and promote multi-benefit projects where feasible (supporting goals) (California Department of Water Resources [DWR] 2012a). This Conservation Strategy (or Strategy) is an integral part of the CVFPP. It supports the attainment of all CVFPP goals, but focuses on the improvement of ecosystem functions through the integration of ecological restoration with flood risk reduction projects where feasible. This Conservation Strategy, including Appendices A-L, describes the basis for recommending various conservation actions and setting long-term objectives for the Central Valley flood management system as a whole. The integration of specific environmental restoration features with DWR’s proposed flood management system improvements is summarized in Chapters 2 and 3 of the CVFPP and will also be described further in the 2017 CVFPP update and supporting documents, such as the Sacramento River Basin-Wide Feasibility Study (BWFS) and the San Joaquin River BWFS. The Conservation Strategy and CVFPP as a whole would contribute to achieving the California Water Action Plan’s overarching goals of  reliability, restoration, and resilience (California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and California Environmental Protection Agency 2015, 2016). In particular, this Strategy and the CVFPP as a whole are integral to three of the 10 “key actions” identified in the California Water Action Plan: Increase flood protection. Protect and restore important ecosystems. Increase operational and regulatory efficiency. Note: This document has extensive appendices and errata. Appendix A: Regulatory Setting, Appendix B: Advance Mitigation; Appendix C: Description of Construction Activities for Structural Modifications; Appendix D: Vegetation Management Strategy; Appendix E: Invasive Plant Management Plan; Appendix F: Existing Conditions; Appendix G: Identification of Target Species and Focussed Conservation Plans; Appendix H: Central Valley Chinook Salmon Rearing Habitat Needed to Satisfy the Anadromous Fish Restoration Program (AFRP) Doubling Goal; Appendix I: Floodplain Restoration Opportunities Analysis; Appendix J: Existing Conservation Objectives from other Plans; Appendix K: Synthesis of Fish Migration Improvement Opportunities in the Central Valley Flood System; Appendix L: Measurable Objectives Development - Summary of Conservation Needs and Scale of Restoration Opportunities; 2016 CVFPP Conservation Strategy: Errata; Conservation Strategy Development Process Overview

Central Valley Project (CVP) Water Transfer Program Fact Sheet

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) | February 1st, 2015

Water transfers and exchanges are an integral part of CVP water operations, particularly in drought years, as long as transfers can occur consistent with stat

Water transfers and exchanges are an integral part of CVP water operations, particularly in drought years, as long as transfers can occur consistent with state and federal laws governing water transfers. In 2014, Reclamation facilitated the transfer of over 257,000 acre-feet of water. Of the 257,000 acre-feet, 213,220 acre-feet was considered “new water” to the system, meaning specific actions (such as reservoir reoperation, crop idling/shifting, groundwater substitution, or Yuba Accord purchases) were taken to make the water available. The remaining quantity was considered an in-basin transfer or a reallocation of contract supply. • §3405(a) of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act of 1992 (CVPIA) authorizes the transfer of all or a portion of a CVP contractors contracted water supply to any other California water user or water agency, State or Federal agency, Indian Tribe, or private non-profit organization for project purposes or any purpose recognized as beneficial under State law. • CVP water transfers are subject to the conditions prescribed in §3405(a), 1993 Interim Guidelines for Implementation of Water Transfers, and the Department of the Interior Final CVPIA Administrative Proposal on Water Transfers (1998). • Water transfer provisions of CVPIA do not apply to permanent contract assignments under which a CVP contractor relinquishes their contractual right to Project water; water banking and recharge actions outside of the contractors boundaries; water for water exchanges; forbearance actions whereby CVP contractors are paid not to exercise their right to water; and transfers of base supply water under settlement contracts which are carried out in accordance with State law. • Since 1992, the Region and the State of California Department of Water Resources, owners and operators of the two largest water projects in California, have collaborated to develop criteria to facilitate water transfers. • The Region facilitates both short and long-term transfers of CVP water. Long-term transfer approvals are accomplished through programmatic environmental documentation, with annual approvals of physical water transfers.

Central Valley Project and State Water Project Drought Operations Plan and Operational Forecast April 1, 2014 through November 15, 2014

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | April 8th, 2014