UPDATE: March 2, 2018, 11 a.m.
The main storm has passed our area yesterday, and stream flows have all remained below any level of concern. While unanticipated stream or storm drain blockages could always cause localized flooding during a rainstorm, we are not expecting any major flood issues from this storm event.
As of Friday morning, our ten reservoirs have a combined storage of just 26.9 percent of their full capacity. Since Thursday morning, storage in our reservoirs has increased by about 507 acre feet, which is more than 165 million gallons.
Visit our website (http://www.valleywater.org/floodready/) for flood safety tips, current reservoir levels and stream flows, and maps to free sandbag sites.
After a dismally dry February, March has come in like a lion. Rain and snow has fallen in the mountains surrounding Santa Clara Valley, and the forecast shows several more storms on their way. While unanticipated stream or storm drain blockages could always cause localized flooding during a rainstorm, we do not currently anticipate any creek flooding issues.
Santa Clara Valley Water District crews have worked all year to prepare our creeks for winter rains. We are dedicated to keeping residents and businesses safe through our flood protection programs.
In preparation for this series of storms, all five of our sandbag sites have been fully stocked. In addition, cities around the county operate an additional 18 sandbag sites.
Our maintenance staff stands ready with heavy equipment to respond to reports of downed trees or large debris flows in locations where we have property rights. We are monitoring streams for blockages at key bridges and culverts. We need the public’s help as our eyes and ears to alert us to obstructions in the creeks and to prevent flooding. To report issues in creeks, residents can call 408-630-2378 or submit a service request to Access Valley Water.
As of Thursday morning, our ten reservoirs have a combined storage of just 26 percent of their full capacity. This leaves a significant amount of storage space to capture the expected storm runoff. Therefore, we do not anticipate any possibility of our large reservoirs reaching capacity this week or next. The exception is the relatively small Vasona Reservoir in Los Gatos, which regularly reaches capacity during the rainy season.
Visit our website (http://www.valleywater.org/floodready/) for flood safety tips, current reservoir levels and stream flows, and maps to free sandbag sites.
This information has been shared with all cities in the county.
Richard P. Santos is chair of the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors. He can be reached at [email protected]