Flows on South Yuba River to Increase as Snowmelt Increases

AUBURN, Calif. — Flows on the South Yuba River will be somewhat higher than seasonal normal as the snowmelt increases, and no water is being diverted from Spaulding Reservoir due to powerhouse repairs. 

Flows on the South Yuba River have been within 1,000 to 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is normal for the spring spill of Spaulding Reservoir and lower than this time last year, due to a combination of less snow and a few periods of cooler temperatures slowing melt. 

PG&E expects flows to rise and peak at around 2,500 cfs this week with the warmer weather, then is expected to continue a general downtrend for the remainder of May, barring any unusually warm or wet weather. 

Those recreating near the river are advised to stay out of the water and to exercise caution as flows can fluctuate and are cold. 

Spaulding Reservoir is expected to stop spilling into the South Yuba River in early to mid-July. The reservoir typically spills from about May to June in normal water years. PG&E will continue to release 10 cfs into the South Yuba River after spill ends.