Flows on the South Yuba River will periodically flow higher next week while Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) performs routine tests of radial spill gates at the Spaulding Reservoir spillway in Nevada County.

PG&E urges those recreating near the river to stay out of the water when conditions seem unsafe during high flows and to exercise caution.  Flows may be higher than usual but are within normal seasonal range. In addition, the flows are cold due to snow melt.

Flows on the South Yuba River at the Emerald Pools ranges throughout the day as the spring snowmelt is underway but are anticipated to average about 1,150 cubic feet per second on June 10.  From Tuesday, June 11 to Thursday, June 13 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, flows will at times be higher, as much as an additional 550 cfs as PG&E raises and lowers one spill gate a day for three days.

Due to PG&E’s ongoing repair work at Spaulding 1 powerhouse and to the South Yuba Pipe, the spring runoff spill from Spaulding Reservoir into the South Yuba River started earlier than usual and will continue later than usual.  The reservoir began spilling in early April and is expected to continue spilling until sometime in July.

With the Spaulding 1 powerhouse and South Yuba Pipe not operating, water that normally would be diverted through the Spaulding 1 and 2 powerhouses and into the Drum and South Yuba canals remains in Spaulding Reservoir, increasing the spill.

Most California rivers are fed by snowmelt, making them cold even in summer. Simple actions can save lives, such as recognizing if the water is too cold or swift, knowing your limits, wearing a life jacket or simply by not entering the water when conditions seem unsafe.

Below are some water safety tips:

Stay Out and Stay Alive – Stay Out of Canals and Flumes

  • Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay off of elevated flumes and out of these water conveyances, regardless of who owns them, as they are dangerous due to slippery sides and fast-moving cold water.  Be mindful of signs and warnings. Stay out of areas that are posted as restricted, fenced-off or buoy-lined.

Know the Risks

  • Prevention is the best way to save a person from drowning. By the time a person is struggling in the water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk.
  • Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers can be easily overwhelmed.
  • Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This can confuse swimmers, potentially causing them to venture deeper into the water.
  • Cold water also reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air does at the same temperature and causes impairment that can be fatal.

Learn About Self-Rescue Techniques

  • If you do fall into the water, here are some survival tips:
  • Don’t panic. Try to control your breathing; don’t gasp. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in a person’s lungs to drown. If you remain calm, you have a greater chance of self-rescue.
  • If you have a boat, stay with it. It will help you stay afloat and will be seen more easily by rescuers. If it’s capsized and a portion of the craft is above water, try to climb on top.
  • Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket, regain control of your breathing and keep your head above water in view of rescuers.
  • If possible, remove heavy shoes. Look for ways to increase buoyancy such as by holding onto seat cushions or an ice chest.
  • If you’re in the water with others, huddle together facing each other to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.
  • If you do fall into a river without a life jacket, keep your feet pointed downstream and turn onto your back.
  • If you fall into the water with waders on, roll onto the shore. Wear a belt with waders.

Know your Limits

  • Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
  • Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface – this is especially the case during spring and early summer snowmelt. Rising water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are recommended.

Wear a Coast Guard-approved Life Jacket

  • Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming.

Adult Supervision

  • Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Use the buddy system and never swim alone.