Evening Update on Don Pedro Reservoir and Tuolumne River
Stanislaus County – Turlock Irrigation District (TID) opened one of the three Controlled Spillway Gates at Don Pedro Reservoir at 3 p.m. This was a result of the size and magnitude of the current storm, which forecasted Don Pedro Reservoir to exceed its maximum capacity of 830 feet. The Controlled Spillway Gate is operating as designed and onsite technical experts with TID continue to monitor operations.
The initial water releases to the Tuolumne River are expected to be approximately 18,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which equates to about 60 feet as measured at the 9th Street Bridge at Modesto. It takes approximately 23 hours for the release from Don Pedro to reach the 9th Street Bridge at Modesto. These releases will continue for a minimum of four days.
In the interest of electrical safety near the River, TID and MID de-energize power lines along the Tuolumne River channel today. Approximately 1,000 electrical service connections along the Tuolumne River channel from La Grange to the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers will lose power. Power will be restored at a yet undetermined time when power restoration is deemed safe.
Sheriff’s Deputies, California Highway Patrol Officers and Officers from Modesto and Ceres Police Departments were out along Tuolumne Rivers making notification to residents who potentially would be impacted. Landowners, growers and those living along the Tuolumne River, out of an abundance of caution, should undertake necessary steps to protect their property and livestock as Tuolumne River levels will rise quickly. We will continue to strongly advise residents near the rivers to move property and animals to keep them safe.
Residents should be prepared for the potential of additional regionalized flooding events in the coming days. Always avoid flooded roads, remain clear of fast-moving creeks and rivers, and follow all emergency signage.
RESOURCE REMINDERS:
• For emergencies, dial 911
• Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services Public Information Line 6AM-10PM: 209-552-3899 or 1-877-216-5702
• Flood Safety Checklist: http://www.stanemergency.com/naturalDisasters/weather.shtm
• Information on mold/moisture in the home (California Department of Public Health): https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/IAQ/Documents/MMIMH_English_201610.pdf
• Don Pedro levels and Tuolumne River releases at www.tid.org/flows
• Red Cross Shelter Patterson: 1-844-236-0153
Stay Updated on Current Information: To sign up for emergency notification from Stanislaus OES please register at www.stanaware.com. You can receive emergency notification via text, phone call or email for your residence or another family member’s residence.
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