Nevada County Calif. April 4, 2024 – In response to a query from YubaNet, PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno provided an update on the progress of repairs at the Spaulding 1 powerhouse. The first deadline for restoration was April 30th, followed by a June 8th repair completion estimate after a closer inspection of the damage. Yesterday, we learned through a letter from the State Historic Preservation Office that two columns in the discharge pit were completely destroyed and had fallen to the ground. Now, the repair deadline has moved to August, or a 50% capacity sometime in June. On top of it, repairs for PG&E’s South Yuba Pipe can’t be completed before late summer/fall.
The latest update on the Spaulding Powerhouse 1 reads as follows:
On April 3 PG&E further developed designs to repair the Spaulding 1 powerhouse after earlier discovering more extensive damage as the water discharge horns were removed and allowed for better evaluation. We continue to expedite repairs by working around the clock and continue to keep water agencies updated.  We have as many crews as possible in the powerhouse who can safely and efficiently work. Â
Based on this information, the completion of repairs will take longer than first expected. Â To repair both discharge horns and structural columns, we anticipate the estimated schedule and return to service date for Spaulding 1 powerhouse is now early August as there is not enough space to work on both discharge horns and make structural repairs at the same time. Â Â Â
An alternative option is to complete repairs to the first discharge horn and structural columns then restore water flows through the powerhouse.  We believe that this alternative might allow us to meet a completion date closer to the previously communicated June 8th estimated return to service date, but with reduced water capacity of about 400 cfs versus full capacity of 760 cfs.  We could return in the fall or winter to repair the second discharge horn when demand for water deliveries is lower. Â
We are coordinating with NID and PCWA for their input and support on this option to restore one discharge horn and resume partial water flows.Â
PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno
YubaNet received the update late this afternoon, after normal business hours. We were able to reach NID’s General Manager Jennifer Hanson for an initial reaction to PG&E’s information:
NID is aware of this third schedule change and proposed alternative to repair only one horn. Based on preliminary calculations, the District will run out of critical water supply for the community if the restoration of water delivery is delayed into August. The District is working quickly to analyze impacts to delivery based on partial flow being restored by June 8, 2024.
The District has requested that PG&E also expedite the required repairs to the South Yuba Pipe.Â
The public should be aware that this is a very dynamic situation, and NID has not yet received a final construction schedule from PG&E. The District appreciates the community’s patience with this evolving emergency and commitment to ongoing conservation.
NID General Manager Jennifer Hanson
We’re asking both NID and PCWA to quantify the impacts on their raw water deliveries and the impacted industries. Look for a story on this tomorrow.
Raging Yuba, dry Bear
The twin-failures of both PG&E’s powerhouse and conveyance canal make it impossible to distribute water to Deer Creek and Bear River. PG&E’s usual alternative to provide water to the South Yuba Canal and Bear River are dependent on the South Yuba Pipe which is currently out of service due to damage from a rockslide during an early February storm. The repairs for that failure have an extended deadline as well.
According to the latest update we just received:
We call that the South Yuba Pipe.  Once repaired it would allow for the movement of additional water into the South Yuba Canal and Bear River starting this fall. The tentative schedule for the South Yuba Pipe repairs is currently estimated to be late summer/fall based on the procurement of long lead time pipe and couplers, which have been ordered. We have not been able to safely access and assess the stability of the slope where the rockslide that caused the damage occurred. As soon as weather permits, our team will initiate assessment of the pipe and slope stability.  
PG&E spokesperson Paul Moreno
What this means is the snowmelt will come down through the South Yuba alone. PG&E has issued an advisory that flows on the South Yuba will increase significantly and persist for longer.
Peak flows may be as high as 4,000 to 6,000 cfs and potentially higher if there is a significant rain-on-snow event or multi-day heatwave accelerating snowmelt. The South Yuba River flows go as high as 10,000 feet during winter storms.  [Source: PG&E]
The Bear River, on the other hand, is likely to dry up and be reduced to a trickle. With no water flowing from Spaulding, NID will have to draw on Rollins Reservoir to provide irrigation water for the farmers, ranchers and others who rely on raw water for their livelihoods and to maintain minimal flows for fish and wildlife.
Given the 50% capacity reduction in water delivery to the Bear River and Drum systems through the fall, replenishing Rollins Reservoir or storing any excess (carry-over capacity) is unlikely to occur this year. This will extend impacts on the economy and the environment beyond the emergency.
This is a developing story, we will continue reporting on this emergency and its impacts to the communities.
