|
|
May 2025
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. | 
Yuba Water Agency's quarterly newsletter
|
|
Greetings,
As we head into summer, I’m pleased to share that our reservoir, New Bullards Bar, is at capacity and well above average in terms of water storage for this time of year.
A full reservoir tells the story of what Yuba Water Agency is all about. It means our reservoir did its job during winter storms, capturing runoff to reduce flood risk for our communities. Now, that stored water is supporting a productive irrigation season for local farmers and ranchers, flows for fish and the environment and helping us reliably generate hydroelectric power to meet our state’s clean energy needs this summer. It also means we’re in for a great recreation season.
That said, if you plan to get out on the water at Bullards Bar or Lake Francis this summer, please take a moment to help prevent the spread of invasive golden mussels. These destructive mussels were discovered in the Delta last fall and are already spreading to nearby waterways, primarily by contaminated boats and equipment. That’s why it’s critical to clean, drain and dry your vessels before and after every launch. You can read more about that below.
This is an evolving situation and we are evaluating options for additional measures that may be required at Bullards Bar later this season. To stay informed of any changes, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and follow us on our social media channels.
Thank you for staying connected with Yuba Water. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer ahead.
Willie Whittlesey
Yuba Water Agency General Manager
|
Stop the spread of invasive species. Clean, drain and dry your vessel before and after every waterbody, every time.
Clean. Drain. Dry. Three simple steps boaters can take to help stop the spread of invasive species like golden, zebra and quagga mussels to the Yuba River watershed and New Bullards Bar Reservoir. Check out our latest video, featuring Yuba Water Senior Environmental Specialist Jessica Nichols, to learn how to properly clean, drain and dry your watercraft, including small vessels like kayaks and stand-up paddle boards before and after recreating in every waterbody, every time. [Show me more]
|
|
Yuba Water, partners formalize Yuba River Resilience Initiative to benefit fish and water supplies
 Yuba Water, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries have formally signed the Yuba River Resilience Initiative. The landmark agreement, first announced in May 2023, is a comprehensive restoration plan for native fish in the Yuba River watershed that also safeguards water for Yuba County farmers for decades. [Read more]
|
Yuba Water commits more than $2.2 million for local levee and water projects, affirms safety of dams
 Several critical projects to improve levees and water supply reliability in Yuba County will move forward thanks to more than $2.2 million in grants approved by Yuba Water last week. The agency's chief dam safety engineer also shared an update on recent and planned safety projects, along with positive findings from a rigorous third-party inspection. [Read more]
|
|
Report shows changes in reservoir operations can further reduce flood risk
 A recently published technical report shows that changes to reservoir operations at Lake Oroville and New Bullards Bar Reservoir can further reduce flood risk for communities along the Yuba and Feather rivers during extreme atmospheric river storm events and potentially benefit water supply during drier periods. The approach, known as Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations, uses improved monitoring, weather, and runoff projections to build more flexibility and efficiency into reservoir operations. [Read more]
|
Hallwood Restoration Project earns prestigious civil engineering award
The multi-partner Hallwood Side Channel and Floodplain Restoration Project was honored in April with the American Society of Civil Engineers California Outstanding Environmental Project Award, recognizing it as one of the top civil engineering efforts in the state. Completed in 2023, the project transformed 157 acres along the lower Yuba River into thriving fish habitat. The project removed more than three million cubic yards of legacy hydraulic mining sediment, which also reduces flood risk by lowering water levels during major storms. [Read more]
|
|
Yuba and Feather rivers are still running cold and fast. Stay out and stay alive.
 The river may seem like the perfect place to cool off on a warm summer day but don't be fooled. Snowmelt from the Sierra is keeping waters in the Yuba and Feather Rivers fast and frigid, creating deadly conditions for even the most experienced swimmers. Stay out and stay alive. [Current river conditions]
|
Beneath the Surface with Land Management Programs Coordinator Doug Bortz
 It takes a good bit of land up and down the Yuba River watershed to successfully accomplish our missions. From Bullards Bar Reservoir and our hydropower plants in the foothills, to our water management and habitat restoration work on the valley floor, it’s a big job. But we know just the guy to help us manage it all. [Meet Doug]
|
|
Yuba Water in the news
Featured photo
Celebrate National Trails Day in the Yuba River Watershed
|
|
|
National Trails Day is Saturday, June 7! Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging trek, check out one of the trails at New Bullards Bar Reservoir, just 45 minutes east of Marysville. If you haven't visited this hidden gem yet, definitely add it to your list. Happy trails! [Show me more about recreation at New Bullards Bar]
- National Dam Safety Awareness Day (May 31)
- Yuba Water Board of Directors Meeting (June 3 and 17)
- National Trails Day (June 7)
- Juneteenth - offices closed (June 19)
- Yuba Water Board of Directors Meeting (July 1, 15)
- Independence Day - offices closed (July 4)
- City of Marysville Bi-County Fourth of July Celebration* (July 4)
- Marysville Peach Festival* (July 18-19)
- Board of Directors Regular Meeting (August 5 and 19)
- Plumas Lake Block Party* (August 16)
*Indicates Yuba Water booth or outreach presence
|
|
|
|
