Kern River Status Update
Last week the Department of Water Resources issued their March 1 B-120 forecast. Utilizing manual ground measurements, automatic remote sensors, and approximately ten days of forecasted precipitation from the California-Nevada River Forecast Center and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes. The 50% exceedance (which assumes normal precipitation for the remainder of the year) is showing 400,000 acre-feet of runoff for the Kern River during the months of April through July. This is about 88% of the long term historical average for the Kern River. The 90% exceedance shows 300,000 acre-feet, approximately 66% of the long term historical average for the Kern River. While the District does not use the March B-120 to estimate proration allocations, it does give us insight into how long surface water may be available.
The Eastside Canal will begin operations later this week to begin delivering Utility water this Friday, March 15. Eastside Canal growers, as well as growers district wide, are encouraged to reach out to the Dispatch Office to let us know of any potential demand.
At the end of last year water applications for 2024 went out to all water users. All growers are required to review these applications to ensure the information we have on file is correct. A fillable form version of the cover page can be found on our website here (Simply complete, print, and include with your application). If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to our Operations Department at (661) 834-4653 and speak to Antonio. We ask that growers complete the applications and submit them as soon as possible as the water applications are essential to ensuring appropriate prorations when applicable. |
