Causes of accelerated High-Tide Flooding in the U.S. since 1950

Nature Portfolio (Springer Nature) | December 15th, 2023

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 Update 2017

California Department of Water Resources (DWR) | August 29th, 2017

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) has guided the State’s participation in managing flood risk in areas protected by the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) has guided the State’s participation in managing flood risk in areas protected by the State Plan of Flood Control (SPFC) since the plan’s adoption pursuant to the Central Valley Flood Protection Act of 2008 in 2012. A strategic, long-range plan, the CVFPP and its updates describe a programmatic vision for flood system improvements over time in accordance with the requirements of the 2008 Act. The CVFPP was prepared by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and adopted by Central Valley Flood Protection Board (CVFPB) through Resolution 2012-25. As conceived by the legislature, the CVFPP is updated every 5 years, beginning in 2017.

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

Challenges Facing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Complex, Chaotic, or Simply Cantankerous?

Delta Stewardship Council (Delta Council) | April 9th, 2015

In 2014, the California Natural Resources Agency and the U.S. Department of the Interior asked the authors of this paper, as four former leaders of The Delta Science Prog

In 2014, the California Natural Resources Agency and the U.S. Department of the Interior asked the authors of this paper, as four former leaders of The Delta Science Program, to summarize the challenges faced by water supply and ecological resource managers in this critically important region of Northern California. They concluded that the challenges are so complex as to meet the definition of a “wicked” problem. Such problems can’t be ignored, defy straightforward characterization, and have no simple solutions. Yet they must be actively managed to maximize beneficial and minimize adverse outcomes. In this context, the following paper calls for Delta management to become more nimble and better coordinated.

Changes in Winter Atmospheric Rivers along the North American West Coast in CMIP5 Climate Models

American Meteorological Society (AMS) | April 1st, 2014

Most extreme precipitation events that occur along the North American west coast are associated with winter atmospheric river (AR) events. Global climate models h

Most extreme precipitation events that occur along the North American west coast are associated with winter atmospheric river (AR) events. Global climate models have sufficient resolution to simulate synoptic features associated with AR events, such as high values of vertically integrated water vapor transport (IVT) approaching the coast. From phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), 10 simulations are used to identify changes in ARs impacting the west coast of North America between historical (1970–99) and end-of-century (2070–99) runs, using representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5. The most extreme ARs are identified in both time periods by the 99th percentile of IVT days along a north–south transect offshore of the coast. Integrated water vapor (IWV) and IVT are predicted to increase, while lower- tropospheric winds change little. Winter mean precipitation along the west coast increases by 11%–18% [from 4% to 6% (8C)21], while precipitation on extreme IVT days increases by 15%–39% [from 5% to 19% (8C)21]. The frequency of IVT days above the historical 99th percentile threshold increases as much as 290% by the end of this century.

Changing Channels: Regional Information for Developing Multi-benefit Flood Control Channels at the Bay Interface

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | May 26th, 2017

Over the past 200 years, many of the channels that drain to San Francisco Bay have been modified for land reclamation and flood management. The local agencies that overse

Over the past 200 years, many of the channels that drain to San Francisco Bay have been modified for land reclamation and flood management. The local agencies that oversee these channels are seeking new management approaches that provide multiple benefits and promote landscape resilience. This includes channel redesign to improve natural sediment transport to downstream bayland habitats and beneficial re-use of dredged sediment for building and sustaining baylands as sea level continues to rise under a changing climate. Flood Control 2.0 is a regional project that was created to help develop innovative approaches for integrating habitat improvement and resilience into flood risk management at the Bay interface. Through a series of technical, economic, and regulatory analyses, the project addresses some of the major elements associated with multi-benefit channel design and management at the Bay interface and provides critical information that can be used by the management and restoration communities to develop long-term solutions that benefit people and wildlife. This Flood Control 2.0 report provides a regional analysis of morphologic change and sediment dynamics in flood control channels at the Bay interface, and multi-benefit management concepts aimed at bringing habitat restoration into flood risk management. The findings presented here are built on a synthesis of historical and contemporary data that included input from Flood Control 2.0 project scientists, project partners, and science advisors. The results and recommendations, summarized below, will help operationalize many of the recommendations put forth in the Baylands Ecosystem Habitat Goals Science Update (Goals Project 2015) and support better alignment of management and restoration communities on multi-benefit bayland management approaches.