American Flows - 8000 cfs?

[Jeff C.]

I think they are still using the old maximum storage regime established over 30 years ago. Even with the new spillway, I understand that it takes years to establish a new regime. We probably will be seeing further increases in flow over the weekend depending on what the inflow into Folsom is.

[JasonB]

I hope with the new overflow spillway in place they don't need so spill as much prematurely and preserve a higher pool level -- maybe leading to lower temps in the summer outflow -- maybe allowing more summertime trout.

Does anyone know if they've already altered their calculations to reflect the new spillway?

Nothing “premature” about releasing 20,000cfs (or maybe more?) if the lake is nearly full and projected inflows are looking to hit 80,000-90,000cfs.
There is of course more snowmelt yet to come, even though it might not be particularly substantial compared to other years it is still a lot of water to plan for. Those flow projections are just that of course; it is quite possible that the actual inflow might only go up to 40,000cfs? Thing is, if we do get a big “pineapple express” rain up on the passes they will have no choice but to ramp up the dam release substantially. Spillway or not. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/mobile/ri...BAC1&type=Fcst

[STEELIES/26c3]

ABSOLUTELY...
It's been a long time since we had 82% capacity in April before even a hint of the first summer thaw...
Don't expect typical flows on any of our valley rivers for months...

[hwchubb]

I believe that the maximum levels at different times in the spring are a federal mandate, so I’m not sure that the spillway would change that at all without some legislative action, so I wouldn’t hold my breath. I don’t know that for sure, maybe those of you closer to that than I am know a bit more?

[Morgan]

ABSOLUTELY...
It's been a long time since we had 82% capacity in April before even a hint of the first summer thaw...
Don't expect typical flows on any of our valley rivers for months...

We have had a thaw for the last few weeks. The last few days we have had very high night time temps. No where near freezing. And with all the rain the last couple weeks its melting more than you may think. Today they were calling for rain up to 11k feet. The snow is melting at a rapid rate. Id imagine the flows for the American will continue to rise the next couple days.

[tascaso]

Yep, the Merced at Happy Isles, Yosemite went from 800cfs to 8000cfs, the park is closed. Now thats a blow out. Guess I will head to the surf in the morning and hunt for stripers.

[STEELIES/26c3]

Yep, the Merced at Happy Isles, Yosemite went from 800cfs to 8000cfs, the park is closed. Now thats a blow out. Guess I will head to the surf in the morning and hunt for stripers.

Plot of Reservoir, Scheduled Release

Date / Time REL SCH
2018-04-16 01:00 6400.0 CFS
2018-04-15 23:00 6700.0 CFS
2018-04-15 21:00 7000.0 CFS
2018-04-15 01:00 7300.0 CFS
2018-04-14 23:00 7600.0 CFS
2018-04-14 21:00 7950.0 CFS
2018-04-14 01:00 8300.0 CFS
2018-04-13 23:00 8700.0 CFS
2018-04-13 21:00 9100.0 CFS
2018-04-13 01:00 9500.0 CFS
2018-04-12 23:00 10000.0 CFS
2018-04-12 21:00 10500.0 CFS
2018-04-12 01:00 11000.0 CFS
2018-04-11 23:00 11600.0 CFS
2018-04-11 21:00 12300.0 CFS
2018-04-11 01:00 13000.0 CFS
2018-04-10 23:00 14000.0 CFS
2018-04-10 21:00 15000.0 CFS
2018-04-10 01:00 16000.0 CFS
2018-04-09 23:00 17300.0 CFS
2018-04-09 21:00 18650.0 CFS
2018-04-09 00:00 20000.0 CFS
2018-04-06 09:00 25000.0 CFS
2018-04-06 08:00 22500.0 CFS
2018-04-05 14:00 20000.0 CFS
2018-04-05 13:00 17500.0 CFS
2018-04-05 11:00 15000.0 CFS
2018-04-05 10:00 12500.0 CFS
2018-04-04 09:00 10000.0 CFS
2018-04-04 08:00 9300.0 CFS