Flow Conditions

Friant Dam Releases

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
  • February 14, 2020
    • Restoration flows increased to meet the RA recommendation of 375 cfs total at Gravelly Ford to supply water for a flow bench evaluation in Reach 4A.
  • February  1, 2020
    • Restoration flows decreased to 210 cfs (215 cfs total flow) at Gravelly Ford.
  • January 1, 2020
    • Restoration flows continue at the RA recommendation of 250 cfs at Gravelly Ford (for a total flow at Gravelly Ford of 255 cfs including holding contracts)
2019
  • July 30, 2019
    • The Friant Dam flow rate will be modified as needed to meet the RA recommendation of 195 cfs at Gravelly Ford, which is the targeted flow rate through September 30, 2019
  • July 11, 2019
    • Restoration flows resume
  • Flood Control Releases (May 20, 2019 – July 11, 2019)
    • July 7, 2019 at 10:30 pm – Flood flows from Friant Dam increased to 1500 cfs
    • July 2, 2019 at 6:00 pm – Flood flows from Friant Dam increased to 1250 cfs
    • May 24, 2019 at 12:00 pm – Flood flows from Friant Dam increased to 6500 cfs
    • May 22, 2019 – Flood flows from Friant Dam will increase in 500 cfs increments every 2 hours, starting with an increase to 3500 cfs at 8:00 am, and ending at 5000 cfs at 2:00 pm
    • May 21, 2019 – Flood flows to increase to 3000 cfs from Friant Dam
    • May 20, 2019 at 6:00 pm – Flood flow releases from Friant Dam began, with an increase to 1750 cfs
  • May 19, 2019 at 12:30 pm
    • Restoration flows decreased from 1150 cfs to 1050 cfs to maintain flows below seepage thresholds while meeting the RA recommendation of maximizing recapture at Mendota Pool.
  • May 14, 2019 at 3:00 pm
    • Restoration flows increased from 1000 cfs to 1250 cfs to reflect an increased RA recommendation designed to maximize recapture at Mendota Pool.
  • May 14, 2019 at 1:00 pm
    • Restoration flows increased to 1000 cfs to reflect an increased RA recommendation designed to maximize recapture at Mendota Pool.
  • April 17, 2019 at 6:30 am
    • Restoration flows increased from 460 cfs to 510 cfs to maintain the RA’s target of 335 cfs at Gravelly Ford.
  • April 10, 2019 at 8:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased from 375 cfs to 425 cfs to maintain the RA’s target of 335 cfs at Gravelly Ford.
  • April 5, 2019 at 12:00 pm
    • Restoration flows resumed from Friant Dam at 375 cfs.
  • Flood Control Releases (March 15, 2019 –  April 5, 2019)
    • April 5, 2019 at 10:00 am – Flood flows decreased to 750 cfs.
    • April 5, 2019 at 08:00 am – Flood flows decreased to 900 cfs.
    • April 2, 2019 at 2:00 pm – Flood flows decreased to 1500 cfs.
    • April 2, 2019 at 10:00 am -Flood flows decreased to 1750 cfs.
    • April 1, 2019 at 01:00 pm – Flood flows decreased to 2000 cfs.
    • April 1, 2019 at 09:00 am – Flood flows decreased to 2250 cfs.
    • March 29, 2019 at 02:00 pm – Flood flows decreased to 2500 cfs.
    • March 19, 2019 at 10:00 am – Flood flows increased to 3000 cfs.
    • March 19, 2019 at 08:00 am – Flood flows increased to 2750 cfs.
    • March 18, 2019 at 10:00 am – Flood flows increased to 2500 cfs.
    • March 18, 2019 at 08:00 am – Flood flows increased to 2250 cfs.
    • March 17, 2019 at 10:00 am – Flood flows increased to 2000 cfs.
    • March 17, 2019 at 08:00 am – Flood flows increased to 1750 cfs.
    • March 16, 2019 at 10:00 am – Flood flows increased to 1500 cfs.
    • March 16, 2019 at 08:00 am – Flood flows increased to 1250 cfs.
    • March 15, 2019 at 03:00 pm – Flood flows increased to 1000 cfs.
    • March 15, 2019 at 01:00 pm – Flood flow releases from Friant Dam began, starting at 750 cfs.
  • March 1, 2019 at 01:30 pm
    • Restoration flows decreased to 350 cfs.
  • February 28, 2019 at 02:30 pm
    • Restoration flows decreased to 400 cfs.
  • February 19, 2019 at 08:30 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 606 cfs.
  • February 13, 2019 at 07:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 526 cfs.
  • February 10, 2019 at 07:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 750 cfs.
  • February 8, 2019 at 04:00 pm
    • Restoration flows increased to 350 cfs.
  • February 8, 2019 at 09:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 325 cfs.
  • February 7, 2019 at 08:30 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 350 cfs.
  • February 2, 2019 at 03:00 pm
    • Restoration flows decreased to 365 cfs.
  • January 23, 2019 at 09:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 415 cfs.
  • January 14, 2019 at 11:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 395 cfs.
  • January 12, 2019 at 09:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 415 cfs.
  • January 8, 2019 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 395 cfs.
2018
  • Oct 30, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 410 cfs.
  • Oct 24, 2018 at 02:00 pm
    • Restoration flows decreased to 375 cfs.
  • Oct 7, 2018 at 07:30 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 375 cfs.
  • Oct 12, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 395 cfs.
  • September 22, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 410 cfs.
  • August 25, 2018 at 08:30 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 430 cfs.
  • August 16, 2018 at 12:30 pm
    • Restoration flows increased to 455 cfs.
  • June 24, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 425 cfs.
  • June 19, 2018 at 03:00 pm
    • Restoration flows increased to 410 cfs.
  • May 16, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 385 cfs.
  • May 12, 2018 at 07:30 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 400 cfs.
  • May 9, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 380 cfs.
  • May 6, 2018 at 09:30 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 360 cfs.
  • March 28, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 350 cfs.
  • March 24, 2018 at 01:00 am
    • Restoration flows were increased to 300 cfs.
  • March 3, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 300 cfs.
  • March 1, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 320 cfs.
  • February 23, 2018 at 09:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 300 cfs.
  • February 23, 2018 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration flows decreased to 350 cfs.
  • January 16, 2018 at 10:00 am
    • Restoration flows increased to 395 cfs.
2017
  • November 21, 2017 at 08:00 am
    • Restoration Flows increased to 395 cfs.
  • July 21, 2017 at 12:00 pm
    • Restoration Flows resumed from Friant Dam at 350 cfs.
  • Flood Control Releases (Jan 4, 2017 – July 20, 2017). See CDEC for plot.
    • May 30, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam will increase in 500 cfs increments from 6,500 cfs to 8,000 cfs starting at 8:00 AM.
    • May 26, 2017 – Starting May 26 at 7:00 AM, flood releases from Friant Dam will increase in 500 cfs increments from 2,500 cfs until they reach 6,500 cfs on May 29, 2017. Increased flood releases beyond 6,500 cfs may occur based on hydrologic conditions.
    • March 20, 2017 – Starting March 22, flood releases from Friant Dam will drop 1,000 cfs per day for four days. Releases for flood control will continue at 4,000 cfs after this decrease.
    • February 17, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were decreased to 7,500 cfs at 3:40 pm due to tributary inflow below Friant Dam. Downstream tributary inflow plus Friant Dam releases will be managed so the total flow below Little Dry Creek remains under 9,500 cfs.
    • February 16, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were decreased to 8,000 cfs at 3:00 pm.
    • February 12, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were increased to 9,000 cfs at 7:00 am.
    • February 11, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were increased to 8,000 cfs at 7:00 am.
    • February 8, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were increased to 7,000 cfs at 11:30 am.
    • February 7, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were decreased to 5,000 cfs at 5:00 pm due to high tributary inflow below Friant Dam.
    • February 6, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were increased to 6,000 cfs.
    • January 30, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were reduced to 2,000 cfs.
    • January 13, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were increased to 5,000 cfs at 7:00 am for flood control. Flow from Little Dry Creek has reduced to normal levels (See: LDC CDEC gauge data for hourly information).
    • January 12, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were reduced to 4,000 cfs at 4:30 pm due to a flash flood on Little Dry Creek.
    • January 7, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were increased to 6,000 cfs at 4:00 pm for flood control.
    • January 5, 2017 – Flows from Friant Dam were increased to 5,000 cfs at 4:00 pm for flood control.
    • January 4, 2017 – Flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 1,250 cfs at 8:00 pm for flood control. Flows will continue to ramp up in roughly 500 cfs increments until they reach 3,500 cfs on 1/5/2017 at 2:00 pm.
    • January 4, 2017 – Releases from Friant Dam for flood control began at 4:00 pm with an increase to 720 cfs.
  • January 3, 2017 at 10:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 220 cfs to meet the flow target of 80 cfs at Gravelly Ford.
2016
  • December 20, 2016 at 7:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 237 cfs to meet the flow target of 80 cfs at Gravelly Ford.
  • December 2, 2016 at 4:00 pm
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 200 cfs due to meet the flow target of 80 cfs at Gravelly Ford.
  • November 27, 2016 at 8:30 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 175 cfs due to increased flows caused by a rain event over the weekend.
  • November 18, 2016 at 9:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 230 cfs to accommodate the Mendota Pool dewatering and maintenance that will begin the evening of November 23, maintenance at Arroyo Canal, and installation of the Red-top pipeline near Sack Dam.
  • November 14, 2016 at 6:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 435 cfs due to a PG&E requested shutdown of the Friant power plant, which modified the valve configuration at the dam. The power plant is expected to remain offline until Friday, November 18.
  • November 8, 2016 at 11:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 415 cfs to meet the flow target of 225 cfs at Gravelly Ford.
  • November 4, 2016 at 12:30 pm
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 365 cfs to meet the flow target of 225 cfs at Gravelly Ford. *Previous report of 410 cfs release was an error at the dam*
  • October 30, 2016 at 9:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 437 cfs to meet the flow target of 225 cfs at Gravelly Ford.
  • October 27, 2016 at 4:00 pm
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 484 cfs per the RA recommendation, in anticipation of increased flow releases below Sack Dam.
  • September 20, 2016 at 3:00 pm
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were reduced to 390 cfs for Restoration Flows and holding contracts, following the conclusion of maintenance.
  • August 12, 2016 at 8:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were reduced to 455 cfs for Restoration Flows and holding contracts.
  • August 7, 2016 at 8:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam increased to 800 cfs, for the Exchange Contractors, Restoration Flows, and holding contracts
  • August 6, 2016 at 11:00 am
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were reduced to 462 cfs, stopping releases for the Exchange Contractors.
  • August 4, 2016 at 8:00 am
    • Restoration Flows resumed, targeting 180 cfs at Gravelly Ford. Flows for the Exchange Contractors were reduced to maintain a total Friant release of 800 cfs.
  • July 29, 2016 at 3:00 pm
    • Flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 800 cfs for the Exchange Contractors.
  • July 28, 2016 at 12 noon
    • Restoration Flows were stopped at Friant Dam. Releases for the Exchange Contractors continued.
  • July 21, 2016 at 8:00 am
    • flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 1,200 cfs for the Exchange Contractors
  • July 20, 2016 at 7:00 pm
    • flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 1,000 cfs for the Exchange Contractors
  • July 11, 2016 at 8:00 am
    • flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 492 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • February 26, 2016 at 3:00 pm
    • flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 270 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • February 19, 2016 at 9:00 am
    • flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 285 cfs to meet the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • February 16, 2016 at 9:00 am
    • flows released from Friant Dam increased to 235 cfs as power issues were resolved.
  • February 15, 2016 at 9:00 am
    • flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 168 cfs to start Restoration Flows.
2015

Water Year 2015 was a Critical-Low Restoration Year type.

No Restoration Flows were released.

2014
  • UPDATE TO FLOW RELEASES – January 31, 2014
    • On February 1, 2014, flows released from Friant Dam will be decreased to 360 cfs to begin ceasing restoration flows due to a critical low water year beginning March 1, 2014. Reductions of 50 cfs will be incrementally applied daily until flows reach 200 cfs, and then incrementally adjusted until all restoration flows stop. Unless conditions improve, the Program will not receive any restoration flows until March 2015
    • Link to press release announcing the early reduction
  • UPDATE TO FLOW RELEASES – January 21, 2014
    • At noon on January 21, 2014, flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 410 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • UPDATE TO FLOW RELEASES – January 17, 2014
    • At noon on January 17, 2014, flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 430 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • UPDATE TO FLOW RELEASES – January 13, 2014
    • At noon on January 13, 2014, flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 450 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • UPDATE TO FLOW RELEASES – January 9, 2014
    • At noon on January 9, 2014, flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 435 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • UPDATE TO FLOW RELEASES – January 6, 2014
    • At noon on January 6, 2014, flows released from Friant Dam were decreased to 450 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
  • UPDATE TO FLOW RELEASES – January 2, 2014
    • At noon on January 2, 2014, flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 475 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
2013
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – December 3, 2013
      • At 1 p.m. on December 3, 2013, flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 445 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – November 19, 2013
      • At noon on November 19, 2013, flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 430 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – November 15, 2013
      • At noon on November 15, 2013, flows released from Friant Dam were increased to 400 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – November 6, 2013
      • At 8:00 a.m. on November 6, 2013 flows released from Friant Dam were reduced to 350 cfs, and should remain at that level until Feb. 28, 2014.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – October 31, 2013
      • At 8 a.m. on October 31, 2013, flows released from Friant Dam were reduced to 700 cfs for the fall pulse flows, and will remain at that level through Nov. 6.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – October 29, 2013
      • At 8:00 a.m. on October 29, 2013 the fall pulse flows began. For two days 1,050 cubic feet per second (cfs) will be released from Friant Dam, followed by 700 cfs from Oct. 31st through Nov. 6th.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – October 18, 2013
      • On Friday, October 18, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 380 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – October 1, 2013
      • On Tuesday, October 1, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 395 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – September 13, 2013
      • On Friday, September 13, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – September 1, 2013
      • On Sunday, September 1, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam will increase to 365 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – July 5, 2013
      • On Friday, July 5, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – July 1, 2013
      • On Monday, July 1, at 12:30 p.m., flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 360 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – June 17, 2013
      • On Monday, June 17, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 380 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – June 10, 2013
      • Below is the new default flow schedule based on DWR’s most recent forecast:
        DateEstimated Interim Flow Release (cfs)Estimated Riparian Release (cfs)Total Release from Friant Dam (cfs)
        June 10 – June 30160190350
        July 1 – August 31120230350
        September 1 – September 30140210350
        October 1 – October 31190160350
        November 1 – November 10570130700
        November 11 – December 31230120350
        January 1 – February 28, 2014250100350
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – June 5, 2013
      • On Wednesday, June 5, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 370 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford. The Gravelly Ford compliance is back in effect since the spring pulse flows are completed.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – May 29, 2013
      • On Wednesday, May 29, flows released from Friant Dam will decrease to 350 cfs at noon based on the most recent default schedule from May 17.
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – May 17, 2013
      • On Friday, May 17, flows released from Friant Dam will increase to 450 cfs at 4 p.m. due to a change in the forecast. The flows will be re-evaluated next week when DWR releases its next forecast. The latest default flow schedule is below.
        DateEstimated Interim Flow Release (cfs)Estimated Riparian Release (cfs)Total Release from Friant Dam (cfs)
        May 17 – May 28260190450
        May 29 – June 30160190350
        July 1 – August 3138230268
        September 1 – September 30140210350
        October 1 – October 31190160350
        November 1 – November 10570130700
        November 11 – December 31230120350
        January 1 – February 28, 2014250100350
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – May 15, 2013
      • On Wednesday, May 15, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 295 cfs.
      • A new Interim Flows release schedule is posted below due to a lower volume of water available in the current dry year:
        DateEstimated Interim Flow Release (cfs)Estimated Riparian Release (cfs)Total Release from Friant Dam (cfs)
        May 15 – May 28105190295
        May 29 – June 3095190285
        July 1 – August 3130230260
        September 1 – September 30140210350
        October 1 – October 31190160350
        November 1 – November 10570130700
        November 11 – December 31230120350
        January 1 – February 28, 2014250100350
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – May 3, 2013
      • On Friday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m., flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 500 cfs
      • On Saturday, May 4, at noon, they decreased to 350 cfs
      • On Sunday, May 5, at noon, they decreased to 275 cfs
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – May 2, 2013
      • On Thursday, May 2, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 700 cfs
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – April 12, 2013
      • On Friday, April 12, at 3 p.m., flows released from Friant Dam increased to 1,060 as part of the spring pulse flows
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – March 27, 2013
      • On Wednesday, March 27, at 8 a.m., flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 600 cfs due to lower water delivery demands out of the Mendota Pool
    • Updated 2013 Interim Flows Schedule
    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – March 22, 2013
                    • On Friday, March 22, at 3 p.m., flows released from Friant Dam increased to 650 cfs
                    • 2013 Interim Flows Schedule
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – March 18, 2013
                      • On Monday, March 18, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 370 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – March 14, 2013
                      • On Thursday, March 14, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 400 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – March 10, 2013
                      • On Sunday, March 10, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 380 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – March 6, 2013
                      • On Wednesday, March 6, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 395 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – March 1, 2013
                      • On Friday, March 1, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 380 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – February 25, 2013
                      • On Monday, February 25, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 400 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – February 20, 2013
                      • On Wednesday, February 20, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 385 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – January 18, 2013
                      • On Friday, January 18, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 400 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – January 15, 2013
                      • On Tuesday, January 15, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 380 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                    • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – January 12, 2013
                      • On Saturday, January 12, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 400 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                      • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – January 11, 2013
                        • On Friday, January 11, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 380 cfs to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                      • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – January 8, 2013
                        • On Tuesday, January 8, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cft to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
                      • UPDATE TO INTERIM FLOW RELEASES – January 4, 2013
                        • On Friday, January 4, at noon, flows released from Friant Dam increased to 380 cft to maintain the flow target at Gravelly Ford
Previous Flow Changes
Updates To Interim Flow Releases For 2012

April 2012 Updated Interim Flows Release Schedule
  • November 29, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs for lack of exchangeable demand in Mendota Pool.
  • November 28, 2012, 12 noon: Release from Friant Dam increased to 370 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 26, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 25, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 370 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 22, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 420 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 21, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 375 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 19, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 18, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 385 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 14, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 475 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 11, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 425 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance and Friant Dam operational constraints.
  • November 5, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 775 cfs for Gravelly Ford compliance.
  • November 1, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 750 cfs per the RA recommendation for the fall pulse and Gravelly Ford flow target compliance.
  • October 28, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 390 cfs for Gravelly Ford flow target compliance.
  • October 24, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 375 cfs for Gravelly Ford flow target compliance.
  • October 20, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 405 cfs for Gravelly Ford flow target compliance.
  • October 18, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 390 cfs for Gravelly Ford flow target compliance.
  • October 16, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 375 cfs for Gravelly Ford flow target compliance.
  • October 10, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 400 cfs for Gravelly Ford flow target compliance.
  • September 24, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam increased to 350 cfs for combined riparian diversion and Interim Flows.
  • September 4, 2012, 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 185 cfs of riparian diversion releases to allow for repairs of the Chowchilla Bypass Bifurcation Structure.
  • May 29, 2012: 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs.
  • May 28, 2012: 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 365 cfs.
  • May 27, 2012: 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 700 cfs.
  • May 26, 2012: 12 noon: Releases from Friant Dam decreased to 900 cfs.
  • May 7, 2012: 12 noon: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diversion releases from Friant Dam increased to 1100 cfs.
  • May 2, 2012: 12 noon: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diversion releases from Friant Dam increased to 1000 cfs.
  • April 24, 2012: 12 noon: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diversion releases from Friant Dam increased to 700 cfs.
  • April 17, 2012: 12 noon: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diversion releases from Friant Dam increased to 500 cfs.
  • March 7, 2012: CCID discharging Poso Canal water into the San Joaquin River at Washington Road.
  • March 1, 2012: Combined Friant Dam releases decreased to 365 cfs per the RA’s recommendation of 350 cfs plus additional flow to meet the Gravelly Ford flow target.
  • February 28, 2012: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diversion releases from Friant Dam increased to 435 cfs to meet the Gravelly Ford flow target.
  • February 14, 2012: 12:00 noon: Combined Friant Dam releases increased to 410 cfs to make up for prior emergency maintenance.
  • February 13, 2012: 12:00 noon: Combined Friant Dam releases increased to 375 cfs to make up for prior emergency maintenance.
  • February 6, 2012: 12:00 noon: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diversion releases from Friant Dam increased to 350 cfs.
  • January 22, 2012, 9:00 pm: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diverter releases from Friant Dam increased to 285 cfs as operators were made aware that the powerplant issues were not fixed. 285 cfs is the maximum release from the two 18″ valves at Friant Dam. Otherwise one large valve releases 460 cfs.
  • January 22, 2012, 3:00 pm: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diverter releases from Friant Dam decreased to 250 cfs in anticipation of the powerplant issues being fixed.
  • January 22, 2012, 8:00 am: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diverter releases from Friant Dam increased to 460 cfs to compensate for the previous evening’s decrease.
  • January 21, 2012, 10:00 pm: Combined Interim Flow and riparian diverter releases from Friant Dam decreased to 195 cfs due to a power failure at the Friant Dam powerplant.
  • January 17, 2012: Interim Flow and riparian diverter release from Friant Dam increased to 350 cfs.
  • November 11, 2011: Interim Flow releases stopped below Sack Dam.
  • November 10, 2011: Interim Flow release from Sack Dam increased to 80 cfs.
  • November 6, 2011: 10:00 am: Interim Flow and riparian diverter release from Friant Dam decreased to 0 cfs.
  • October 27, 2011: Interim Flow release from Sack Dam increased to 50 cfs.
  • October 21, 2011: 10:00 am: Interim Flow and riparian diverter release from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs.
  • October 11, 2011: 10:00 am: Interim Flow and riparian diverter release from Friant Dam increased to 700 cfs.
  • July 16, 2011: 8:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 350 cfs for Interim Flows and riparian diversions.
  • July 15, 2011: 7:30 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 650 cfs.
  • July 15, 2011: 3:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 1000 cfs.
  • July 15, 2011: 1:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 1500 cfs.
  • July 15, 2011:7:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 2000 cfs.
  • July 14, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 3000 cfs.
  • July 13, 2011: 4:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 2500 cfs.
  • July 13, 2011: 9:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 2000 cfs.
  • July 13, 2011: 6:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam is re-established at 1000 cfs.
  • July 12, 2011: 11:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam terminated. Release is 350 cfs.
  • July 12, 2011: 10:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 1500 cfs.
  • July 12, 2011: 7:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 2000 cfs.
  • July 12, 2011: 4:30 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 3000 cfs.
  • July 12, 2011: 2:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 3500 cfs.
  • July 11, 2011: 9:30 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 4000 cfs.
  • July 11, 2011: 6:30 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 4500 cfs.
  • July 11, 2011: 8:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 5000 cfs.
  • July 10, 2011: 1:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 6000 cfs. Flow over the spillway stopped.
  • July 9, 2011: 1:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 7000 cfs. Estimated flow over the spillway at the time was 520 cfs.
  • July 7, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 6750 cfs. Estimated flow over the spillway as of July 7 at 2pm was 1100 cfs.
  • July 7, 2011: 11:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 6500 cfs.
  • July 7, 2011: 9:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 6000 cfs.
  • July 7, 2011: 2:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 5500 cfs. Estimated flow over the spillway is 850 cfs as of the morning of July 7.
  • July 6, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 5000 cfs.
  • July 6, 2011: 11:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 4500 cfs. Estimated flow over the spillway at the time was 600 cfs.
  • July 5, 2011: 3:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 4000 cfs.
  • July 5, 2011: 9:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 3500 cfs.
  • July 2, 2011: 4:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 2500 cfs.
  • June 28, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 3500 cfs.
  • June 28, 2011: 9:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 4000 cfs.
  • June 27, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 4500 cfs.
  • June 24, 2011: 9:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 5000 cfs.
  • June 23, 2011: 3:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam decreased to 5500 cfs.
  • June 21, 2011: 9:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 6000 cfs.
  • June 20, 2011: 4:00 pm: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 5500 cfs.
  • June 18, 2011: 9:00 am: Flood release from Friant Dam increased to 5000 cfs.
  • June 17, 2011: 9:00 am: Flow released from Friant Dam increased to 4500 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • June 15, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flow released from Friant Dam increased to 3500 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • June 9, 2011: 9:00 am: Flow released from Friant Dam increased to 2900 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • June 6, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 2400 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • June 5, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 2500 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • June 4, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 2600 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • June 3, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 2700 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • June 2, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 2800 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • May 12, 2011: 12:00: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 2900 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • May 11, 2011: 12:00: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 3100 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • May 10, 2011: 12:00: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 3300 cfs. Releases controlled by flood.
  • May 9, 2011: 12:00: Flow released from Friant Dam decreased to 3500 cfs. Releases controlled by flood concerns.
  • May 8, 2011: 12:00: Flow released from Friant Dam controlled by flood space decreased to 3700 cfs.
  • May 7, 2011: 12:00: Flow released from Friant Dam controlled by flood decreased to 3900 cfs.
  • May 6, 2011: 12:00: Flow released from Friant Dam controlled by flood releases decreased to 4100 cfs.
  • May 5, 2011: 12:00 noon: Flow released from Friant Dam controlled by flood space decreased to 4300 cfs.
  • April 28, 2011: 9:00 am: Flow released from Friant Dam controlled by flood space decreased to 4500 cfs.
  • April 26, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flow released from Friant Dam controlled by flood space decreased to 5300 cfs.
  • April 20, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 6100 cfs for flood releases.
  • April 8, 2011: 4:30 pm: Flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 6500 cfs controlled by flood conservation space concerns. 750 cfs of flood releases was added to the Madera Canal for a total of 1000 cfs of flood in the Madera Canal.
  • April 4, 2011: 8:30 am: Flows released from Friant Dam decreased to 7250 cfs for flood releases. 250 cfs was routed through Madera Canal to Ash and Berenda Slough to the Eastside Bypass.
  • March 31, 2011: 12:00 pm: Flows released from Friant Dam increased to 7500 cfs for flood releases.
  • March 28, 2011: 8:30 am: Flows released from Friant Dam increased to 7000 cfs for flood releases.
  • March 25, 2011: 3:00 pm: Flows released from Friant Dam increased to 6000 cfs for flood releases.
  • March 24, 2011: 10:30 am: Flows released from Friant Dam increased to 5000 cfs for flood releases.
  • March 23, 2011: 5:00 pm: Flows at Friant increased to 4000 cfs for flood releases.
  • March 21, 2011: 2:00 pm: Flows at Friant increased to 2500 cfs for flood releases.
  • March 10, 2011: Interim Flows below Mendota Dam increased to 50 cfs as threshold constraint lifted.
  • March 7, 2011: Interim Flows below Mendota Dam decreased to 0 cfs for MW-10-75 thresholds.
  • March 4, 2011: 9:00 am: Flows at Friant increased to 700 cfs for Interim Flow releases.
  • February 1, 2011: 8:30 am: Flows at Friant decreased to 200 cfs for Interim Flow releases.
  • January 27, 2011: 9:00 am: Flows at Friant decreased to 700 cfs for flood releases.
  • January 24, 2011: 10:30am: Flows at Friant decreased to 1150 cfs for flood releases.
  • January 14, 2011: Flows at Friant decreased to 1850 cfs for flood releases.
  • January 11, 2011: Flows at Friant decreased to 3000 cfs for flood releases.
  • January 4, 2011: Flows at Friant increased to 6000 cfs for flood releases.
  • December 30, 2010: Flows at Friant increased to 4000 cfs for flood releases.
  • December 1, 2010: Flows at Friant reduced to only riparian demands.
  • November 22, 2010: Flows at Friant reduced to 310 cfs due to O’Neil pumping and maintenance
  • November 15, 2010, 3:00 pm: Flows at Friant increased to 700 cfs for fall pulse
  • October 26, 2010: Flows reached Washington Road
  • October 20, 2010: Flows below Sack Dam resumed.
  • October 13, 2010 1:00 pm: Flows at Friant decreased to 350 cfs
  • October 7, 2010 1:00 pm: Flows at Friant increased to 375 cfs to adjust for increased riparian diversions

Flow Scheduling

Forecasts  |  Allocations  |  Recommendations  |  Evaluations  | Spreadsheet |  Notifications

The amount of water available for the SJRRP, the Restoration Allocation, depends upon the amount of runoff in the San Joaquin River watershed above Friant Dam. Using several water supply forecasts for the Friant Division of the Central Valley Project, the SJRRP estimates the total unimpaired inflow below Friant Dam to determine an allocation. The Restoration Administrator uses the Restoration Allocation to make recommendations on the timing of releases based on river conditions and the specific goals and objectives at that time. Prior to an increase in flow rates, the SJRRP analyzes the likely effects on the river and surrounding lands and documents the results with a Flow Bench Evaluation. Following an affirmative evaluation, the SJRRP issues a notification and changes the releases.

SJRRP Allocations  |  Top
The SJRRP develops Allocations and Default Flow Schedules for submittal to the Restoration Administrator to identify the annual volume of Restoration Flows available. Current and previous year allocations are available below.

Allocations

Restoration Administrator Flow Recommendations  |  Top
The Restoration Administrator recommends a Flow Schedule in response to the provided SJRRP allocation, which reflects current conditions and supports data collection goals and objectives. Current and previous year RA Recommendations are available below.

RA Recommendations

Groundwater Conditions  |  Top
The SJRRP conducts Flow Bench Evaluations prior to deciding on an increase in flow target. These consider channel conveyance limitations, operations call concerns, seepage hotline concerns, real-time and manually measured groundwater levels and their relation to thresholds, as well as seepage predictions.

Flow Bench Evaluations

Operations Spreadsheet  |  Top
Reclamation maintains a detailed spreadsheet that aggregates publicly available gauge data and other operational conditions through the Restoration Area, tracks and accounts for Restoration Flows, and contains other information relevant to implementation of the Settlement. The SJRRP Operations spreadsheet includes real-time data as well as quality-controlled flow data, when available, for the gauging locations between Friant Dam and the Merced River confluence.

Operations Spreadsheet

SJRRP Flow Change Notifications  |  Top
Prior to a significant change in flow target, the SJRRP issues a Flow Change Notification to a public distribution list. Examples are below.

Interim Flows Environmental Compliance

Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Water Year 2012 – September 2011
Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Water Year 2012 – July 2011
Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment – September 2010
Environmental Assessment – September 25, 2009

The Settlement identifies the releases of both Interim Flows and Restoration Flows. The Settlement stipulates the release of Interim Flows beginning October 1, 2009, and continuing until full Restoration Flows begin.
The purpose of the Interim Flows is to allow the Implementing Agencies to collect relevant data concerning flows, temperatures, fish needs, seepage losses, recirculation, recapture and reuse of flows.