Title
a. Consider receiving an update on the implementation of the Interim Operations Plan for San Antonio and Nacimiento Reservoirs; and
b. Provide direction to staff as appropriate. (Staff Presenting: Peter Kwiek)
Report
SUMMARY
On November 21, 2022, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors (BOD) adopted the Interim Operations Plan for Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs (IOP). During the first year of implementation early season storm activity resulted in the attainment of all IOP triggers beginning on January 5th, 2023. However, natural flows had by then established passage conditions which persisted continuously beyond the IOP passage day goal (sixteen days) and so no IOP action was needed.
In 2024, the second year of IOP implementation, all triggers were met on February 1st and staff determined that an immediate release action presented a high probability of meeting threshold flows in the lower Salinas River as identified in the Flow Prescription (260 cfs at the USGS gage, Salinas River near Chualar) to successfully provide conditions favorable to upstream passage of adult Steelhead. A release of 300 cfs was initiated on February 1st. By February 3rd, weather and river forecasts indicated the imminent certainty that storm flows would indefinitely provide and sustain passage flow targets, prompting the immediate termination of the IOP release action.
DISCUSSION:
IOP Development and Adoption
The Salinas Valley Water Project Flow Prescription for Steelhead Trout in the Salinas River (Flow Prescription), was incorporated into water rights licenses 7543 and 12624, and Permit 21089. It targets providing steelhead migration to and from the lower Salinas River Basin, which includes the Arroyo Seco and the lower Nacimiento River, and Monterey Bay, through the mainstem of the Salinas River. Steelhead Trout passage and habitat is known to occur in the upper Arroyo Seco. Spawning and rearing habitat in the Arroyo Seco is recognized to be the ...
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