Flows on the South Yuba River will increase significantly once the dam at Lake Spaulding begins to spill as early as Tuesday, February 4.
Spaulding Reservoir is expected to start spill soon due to the heavy, high-elevation rain that fell over the past weekend. Rain and snow are expected to return to the area later today.
The spill will cause flows in the South Yuba River to go from about 60 cubic feet per second to between 2,000 and 8,000 cfs. The spill is expected to drop considerably by the weekend as weather clears and temperatures cool.
During winter storms, flows in the river can go as high as 10,000 cfs, so the river channel is able to handle these very high flows and no flooding is expected.
Those recreating near the river are advised to stay out of the water and to exercise caution as flows can fluctuate and are cold.
Spill is expected to continue throughout February but could extend longer depending on weather.