This week, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) held a workshop to hear comments on a proposed temperature management plan for the Sacramento River developed by state and federal officials to preserve cool water behind Shasta Dam to protect winter-run Chinook salmon. Implementation of the temperature management plan could result in historically low levels in two key reservoirs - Oroville and Folsom - and less water than expected this summer for cities and farms south of the Delta. It is estimated that the proposed change in operations could result in the loss of about 250,000 acre-feet of water for summer deliveries.
At the workshop, the temperature management plan was criticized by growers and representatives from irrigation districts and water districts south of the Delta. Comments included that the proposed changes in operations threaten crops already planted, and could undo arranged water transfers and other water planning decisions that have been made for the season.
Federal and state fisheries officials said the changes in operations are crucial to preserving this year’s winter-run Chinook salmon. Last year, high temperatures resulted in the death of nearly all of the 2014 juvenile winter-run Chinook salmon. Officials also stated that Shasta Lake is running warm this year making it difficult to attain the 56 degree target for the fish.
The State Water Board will consider the issue and deliver a letter to the fishery agencies in coming weeks that will state the State Water Board’s position on the temperature plan.