Tulare Lake Receding Due to Coordinated Action & Favorable Weather

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Lake Tulare has started receding, with new data released by state officials showing that the lake has diverted at least 66,692 acre-feet of water due to favorable weather conditions and slowed snowmelt. The government’s efforts to combat flooding have been ongoing for months.

Officials from the state of SACRAMENTO have released new maps and data, which indicate that Lake Tulare has started to recede, marking a significant turning point in the government’s efforts to protect against flooding.

By taking early and aggressive action, including state emergency executive orders, strategies to divert upstream flows to Lake Tulare, at least 66,692 acre-feet of water was protected and replenished through groundwater recharge.

If state, local, and federal officials had not taken action, an additional 66,692 flooded football fields worth of water would have ended up in the Tulare Lake. The 21.7 billion gallons of water is equivalent to 66,692 acre-feet. Here is a breakdown of the measures implemented to redirect water away from the Tulare Lake.

  • Governor Newsom’s executive order on floodwaters led to the diversion of 21,465 acre-feet of water from Tulare Lake.
  • The state activated temporary pumps, leading to the diversion of 20,517 acre-feet of water from Tulare Lake.
  • The Kern River Intertie redirected 24,710 acre-feet of water from Tulare Lake.

    • Here’s how previous projections of Tulare Lake compare to the current estimates by the state:

    Click here for more information on the forecasted conditions for July 31, comparing May 1 and June 28.

    California, under Governor Newsom’s guidance, safeguarded the lives and means of subsistence due to unprecedented precipitation, resulting in widespread flooding across the state. Consequently, California experienced a dramatic shift in weather conditions, transitioning from a period of three exceptionally dry years to sudden and extreme fluctuations.

  • The State Flood Operations Center activated, working around the clock to coordinate response and conduct missions to protect against this year’s record-breaking rainfall and flooding.
  • The state government declared a state of emergency in January, mobilizing the National Guard to provide response, relief, and disaster support to the 53 counties affected by the winter storms.
  • President Biden issued a Presidential Disaster Declaration and a Presidential Emergency Declaration to request the Governor’s efforts to strengthen local and state recovery.
  • In the Tulare Lake Basin, a directive was given to accelerate the process of preparing for and responding to floods, including diverting floodwater, clearing debris, and repairing levees.
  • Governor Newsom visited the Tulare Lake Basin to emphasize the state’s commitment to supporting counties affected by flooding, firsthand impacting community leaders.
  • The government has declared a financial commitment of $17.2 million to enhance the Corcoran Levee, protecting vital infrastructure, correctional and medical facilities, and other significant regions.
  • Set aside over $500 million in the state budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year to support flood response endeavors and projects focused on protecting communities from future inundations.

    • Click here for video from the Tulare Lake reaction.

    EMERGENCY RESPONSE: An all-encompassing government plan was put into action, with personnel and resources deployed to protect communities and assist in the recovery endeavor, which includes:.

  • More than 1.88 million sandbags and approximately 23,000 supersacks were distributed to assist in the prevention of flooding.
  • 12,000 feet of Muscle Barriers deployed.
  • More than 59 million pounds of stone and sand were utilized to reinforce rivers and embankments.
  • More than 60 shelters were established for individuals affected by flooding and snowfall.
  • More than 850 care packages given out to affected families.
  • Over 3.5 million miles of California roads cleared or kept in good condition.
  • 590 million cubic yards of snow cleared.
  • Over 2 million phone calls were placed to individuals residing in the impacted region of California in order to provide details regarding flood awareness and readiness.
  • Utilized by on-site messengers to enroll over 46,000 households for community emergency notifications.

    • WHAT’S NEXT:.

  • The Administration continues to collaborate with the individuals and businesses that have been affected and remains dedicated to ongoing efforts for restoration.
  • Affected by floods but lacking access to government initiatives, the state declared a $95 million fund to aid undocumented Californians.
  • California’s capacity to store excess water underground and in reservoirs has already begun the work to prepare for future flooding. If we have another wet year next year, we will not be in the same position as we were during years of drought.

    • The state is committed to taking aggressive action to prepare for climate-driven impacts on water supplies and to build water resilience. In the last two budget cycles, the Legislature and Governor Newsom have leveraged more than $8.5 billion.