Maven's Notebook
@mavensnotebook.com
Your website for up-to-the-minute California water news and information.
There is a 75% chance that the current La Niña conditions, which bring a cascade of global weather impacts, will fade out between now and the end of March, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center reported on Thursday. #cawater www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...
La Niña could end soon. Here's what California can expect.
The climate pattern has mismatched assumptions so far.
www.sfgate.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:06 PM
There is a 75% chance that the current La Niña conditions, which bring a cascade of global weather impacts, will fade out between now and the end of March, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center reported on Thursday. #cawater www.sfgate.com/bayarea/arti...
Much of the western U.S. has started 2026 in the midst of a snow drought. That might sound surprising, given the record precipitation from atmospheric rivers hitting the region in recent weeks, but those storms were actually part of the problem. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/t...
THE CONVERSATION: The western US is in a snow drought – here’s how a storm made it worse
By Alejandro N. Flores, Boise State University Much of the western U.S. has started 2026 in the midst of a snow drought. That might sound surprising, given the record precipitation from atmospheric ri...
mavensnotebook.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Much of the western U.S. has started 2026 in the midst of a snow drought. That might sound surprising, given the record precipitation from atmospheric rivers hitting the region in recent weeks, but those storms were actually part of the problem. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/t...
This week, operators at Oroville Dam opened the spillway gates and began releasing billions of gallons of water down the massive concrete spillway into the Feather River below. The reason? It’s not to waste water. But to prevent floods. #cawater www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/07/w...
Watch: Water pours down Oroville Dam spillway as reservoir rises following big storms
The 770-foot dam, America’s tallest, opened its spillway gates this week.
www.mercurynews.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:04 PM
This week, operators at Oroville Dam opened the spillway gates and began releasing billions of gallons of water down the massive concrete spillway into the Feather River below. The reason? It’s not to waste water. But to prevent floods. #cawater www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/07/w...
California's DWR launched the Central Valley Flood-MAR Dashboard, a tool to manage floodwaters for groundwater recharge. It integrates forecasts, flood data, and diversion points to help identify when and where excess water may be available. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/d...
DWR: New Central Valley Flood-MAR dashboard integrates floodwater and groundwater management
From the Department of Water Resources: California is taking a new, data-driven approach to capturing floodwaters for groundwater recharge. The Department of Water Resources (DWR), in coordination wit...
mavensnotebook.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
California's DWR launched the Central Valley Flood-MAR Dashboard, a tool to manage floodwaters for groundwater recharge. It integrates forecasts, flood data, and diversion points to help identify when and where excess water may be available. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/d...
One year after the January 2025 fires devastated communities across Los Angeles, the region is still reckoning with how its infrastructure performed and whether it should be modified to perform under increasingly extreme conditions. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/l...
LUSKIN CENTER FOR INNOVATION: Urban wildfire: water system capacities and limitations
Researchers convene statewide experts to assess firefighting capacity, infrastructure gaps, and policy solutions By Mara Elana Burstein One year after the January 2025 fires devastated communities acr...
mavensnotebook.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:58 PM
One year after the January 2025 fires devastated communities across Los Angeles, the region is still reckoning with how its infrastructure performed and whether it should be modified to perform under increasingly extreme conditions. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/l...
UC Davis research on the 2021 Caldor Fire highlights effective pre-fire treatments like thinning and mastication, which tripled tree survival rates. However, unburned fuel piles worsened fire severity, emphasizing the need for better forest management #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/u...
UC DAVIS: Lessons from the Caldor Fire’s Christmas Valley ‘Miracle’
Study Reveals Which Pre-Fire Treatments Worked Best During a 2021 Fire in Tahoe By Kat Kerlin, UC Davis In what came to be called the “Christmas Valley miracle,” the Lake Tahoe Basin communities of Ch...
mavensnotebook.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:57 PM
UC Davis research on the 2021 Caldor Fire highlights effective pre-fire treatments like thinning and mastication, which tripled tree survival rates. However, unburned fuel piles worsened fire severity, emphasizing the need for better forest management #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/u...
Research reveals California wildfires can boost bird populations, like black-backed woodpeckers, by creating habitats and food sources. However, megafires and smoke harm many species, highlighting the need for balanced fire management #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/m...
MONGABAY: When flames feed life: Birds and wildfire in California
By Gloria Dickie, Mongabay KEY POINTS: Long-term research in California shows that many bird populations increase after wildfires and can remain more abundant in burned areas for decades, especially f...
mavensnotebook.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Research reveals California wildfires can boost bird populations, like black-backed woodpeckers, by creating habitats and food sources. However, megafires and smoke harm many species, highlighting the need for balanced fire management #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/m...
Farmers in the Klamath Basin are facing uncertainty as climate change impacts their ability to grow local produce. Rayas, a resident of Merrill, has witnessed significant changes over the years, including the 2001 water shutdown that devastated many farmers. #cawater www.kdrv.com/news/top-sto...
Warmer winters, less snow is making farming harder in the Klamath Basin
Merrill, OREGON -- Farmers in the Klamath Basin, like Fernando Rayas, are facing uncertainty as climate change impacts their ability to grow local produce.
www.kdrv.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Farmers in the Klamath Basin are facing uncertainty as climate change impacts their ability to grow local produce. Rayas, a resident of Merrill, has witnessed significant changes over the years, including the 2001 water shutdown that devastated many farmers. #cawater www.kdrv.com/news/top-sto...
Beaches were closed Wednesday along the Sonoma County coast and warnings were posted urging people to keep out of the water as untreated wastewater continued to spill into the Russian River from a sewage treatment plant in Guerneville. #cawater www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/01/07/s...
Beaches close along Sonoma Coast as untreated wastewater continues to spill into Russian River
The spill, a result of overflow from the region’s storms, has yet to be contained, prompting an urgent response by county health and water officials.
www.pressdemocrat.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Beaches were closed Wednesday along the Sonoma County coast and warnings were posted urging people to keep out of the water as untreated wastewater continued to spill into the Russian River from a sewage treatment plant in Guerneville. #cawater www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/01/07/s...
After a storm coupled with record king tides swept the Bay Area, residents are now processing the reality that this can happen again. "As far as we know, it's the biggest tide and storm at the same time that we've had in about 30 years here." #cawater abc7news.com/post/experts...
Experts examine how climate change will create more king tides in Bay Area
"King tides give us a good picture into what future sea levels can look like and the problems that that creates," UC Santa Cruz Professor Mike Beck said, noting these problems will be coupled with rai...
abc7news.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:48 PM
After a storm coupled with record king tides swept the Bay Area, residents are now processing the reality that this can happen again. "As far as we know, it's the biggest tide and storm at the same time that we've had in about 30 years here." #cawater abc7news.com/post/experts...
The Chiquita Canyon Landfill faced violations after 8,000 gallons of hazardous leachate leaked into the Santa Clara River following storms. Despite mitigation efforts, the spill raises community concerns and could lead to fines of up to $10,000 per day #cawater signalscv.com/2026/01/wate...
Water Boards: Chiquita let hazardous material in river for days
The State Water Boards on Tuesday became the latest agency to cite the Chiquita Canyon Landfill for violations related to hazardous leachate being put into the Santa Clara River. The incident that s...
signalscv.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:46 PM
The Chiquita Canyon Landfill faced violations after 8,000 gallons of hazardous leachate leaked into the Santa Clara River following storms. Despite mitigation efforts, the spill raises community concerns and could lead to fines of up to $10,000 per day #cawater signalscv.com/2026/01/wate...
Most years, when storms roll through SoCal during the winter holiday, local mountains transform into a wonderland blanketed in snow. But instead, the recent storms featured relentless rains, bringing a downpour of destruction — and disappointment. #cawater www.ocregister.com/2026/01/08/m...
Mountain towns eagerly await snow as recent rains put damper on busy season
Concern is growing as the lack of snow and storm damage impacts businesses in mountain tourist towns.
www.ocregister.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Most years, when storms roll through SoCal during the winter holiday, local mountains transform into a wonderland blanketed in snow. But instead, the recent storms featured relentless rains, bringing a downpour of destruction — and disappointment. #cawater www.ocregister.com/2026/01/08/m...
Farmers are adopting advanced irrigation technologies like the Rubicon system to combat Colorado River water scarcity. These efforts, including water recycling and fallowing programs, aim to conserve resources while sustaining agriculture #cawater www.farmprogress.com/farm-operati...
Farmers pioneer water solutions as Colorado River dwindles
Over 5 million acres of Western farmland depends on the declining river system.
www.farmprogress.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:43 PM
Farmers are adopting advanced irrigation technologies like the Rubicon system to combat Colorado River water scarcity. These efforts, including water recycling and fallowing programs, aim to conserve resources while sustaining agriculture #cawater www.farmprogress.com/farm-operati...
With farmland prices sagging and new irrigation rules coming, farmer Michael Vander Dussen didn’t hesitate to spend $1.4M for 321 acres in west Fresno County. He admits he isn’t as interested in the land as much as its access to water. #cawater www.fresnobee.com/news/busines...
Fresno County farmer buys land, not for what’s planted, but for what’s underneath
As farmland prices fall in west Fresno County, one farmer bought property for its access to groundwater.
www.fresnobee.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:40 PM
With farmland prices sagging and new irrigation rules coming, farmer Michael Vander Dussen didn’t hesitate to spend $1.4M for 321 acres in west Fresno County. He admits he isn’t as interested in the land as much as its access to water. #cawater www.fresnobee.com/news/busines...
A GAO report highlights Reclamation's $308M grants for large-scale water recycling projects in California and Utah, addressing water scarcity. It recommends documenting challenges and improvements to enhance program efficiency and future policymaking #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/g...
GAO REPORT: Freshwater supply: Interior should continue to identify improvements to the large-scale water recycling program
From the Governmental Accountability Office: Water recycling treats wastewater so it can be used for drinking water, farming, housing, and industry. Communities across the U.S. also turn to water recy...
mavensnotebook.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:37 PM
A GAO report highlights Reclamation's $308M grants for large-scale water recycling projects in California and Utah, addressing water scarcity. It recommends documenting challenges and improvements to enhance program efficiency and future policymaking #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/08/g...
UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab has been tracking snow for nearly 150 years, offering vital insights into climate change and water management. ❄️🌍 Learn how this historic lab is shaping the future #cawater www.sfchronicle.com/weather/arti...
These California scientists maintain one of the world’s most vital snow datasets
Scientists at UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Laboratory provide insights into long-term trends, including climate change impacts.
www.sfchronicle.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:52 PM
UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab has been tracking snow for nearly 150 years, offering vital insights into climate change and water management. ❄️🌍 Learn how this historic lab is shaping the future #cawater www.sfchronicle.com/weather/arti...
6PPD, a chemical in tires that extends the's tire lifespan, has raised environmental concerns due to its breakdown product, 6PPD-quinone. A webinar provided updates on research, mitigation, and resources for addressing challenges posed by this chemical. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/07/n...
NOTEBOOK FEATURE: From roadways to waterways: The environmental toll of 6PPD-quinone
6PPD, a chemical widely used in tires to prevent rubber degradation and extend tire lifespan, has raised environmental concerns due to its breakdown product, 6PPD-quinone. When 6PPD reacts with ozone,...
mavensnotebook.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:48 PM
6PPD, a chemical in tires that extends the's tire lifespan, has raised environmental concerns due to its breakdown product, 6PPD-quinone. A webinar provided updates on research, mitigation, and resources for addressing challenges posed by this chemical. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/07/n...
The Groundwater Recharge Estiamtion factsheet serves to provide landowners and GSAs with simple approaches for estimating recharge and for collecting data that will be most beneficial for improving those estimates of recharge moving forward. #cawater #floodmar mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/07/n...
NOW AVAILABLE: Groundwater Recharge Estimation factsheet
The Flood-MAR Network’s Estimating Recharge Action Team has created a Groundwater Recharge Estimation factsheet. The factsheet serves to provide landowners and groundwater sustainability agencies with...
mavensnotebook.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:45 PM
The Groundwater Recharge Estiamtion factsheet serves to provide landowners and GSAs with simple approaches for estimating recharge and for collecting data that will be most beneficial for improving those estimates of recharge moving forward. #cawater #floodmar mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/07/n...
The dreaded, destructive golden mussel has become an urgent topic among San Joaquin Valley water agencies prompting near daily meetings on how to combat the tiny mollusk that is clogging pipes and equipment from Stockton to Arvin. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/07/s...
SJV WATER: Invasive critters “musseling” in on valley waterways as managers struggle to stop the spread
By Lisa McEwen, SJV Water The dreaded, destructive golden mussel has become an urgent topic among San Joaquin Valley water agencies prompting near daily meetings on how to combat the tiny mollusk that...
mavensnotebook.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:42 PM
The dreaded, destructive golden mussel has become an urgent topic among San Joaquin Valley water agencies prompting near daily meetings on how to combat the tiny mollusk that is clogging pipes and equipment from Stockton to Arvin. #cawater mavensnotebook.com/2026/01/07/s...
Remington Bixby Hotchkis thinks fighting wildfires with water in California may be so yesterday. “I really see this acoustic suppression technology as replacing the need for water, which is a very valuable resource in our state,” said Hotchkis. #cawater www.ocregister.com/2026/01/05/t...
This startup’s concept promises to snuff out California’s wildfires with sound
Entrepreneurs with a fire suppression technology developed by a NASA engineer wants to prevent a repeat of L.A. wildfires by extinguishing fires with sound waves.
www.ocregister.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Remington Bixby Hotchkis thinks fighting wildfires with water in California may be so yesterday. “I really see this acoustic suppression technology as replacing the need for water, which is a very valuable resource in our state,” said Hotchkis. #cawater www.ocregister.com/2026/01/05/t...
against the January 2025 Southern California wildfires was water supply – or a lack thereof. A year has now passed, and some Altadena residents are still frustrated about the water situation. #cawater ktla.com/news/califor...
ktla.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:40 PM
against the January 2025 Southern California wildfires was water supply – or a lack thereof. A year has now passed, and some Altadena residents are still frustrated about the water situation. #cawater ktla.com/news/califor...
It's been a rough winter season for Southern California mountain resorts so far. Instead of much-needed snow, many of the resorts have only gotten rain. #cawater abc7.com/post/souther...
SoCal mountain resorts struggle with lack of snow to start winter season
It's been a rough winter season for SoCal mountain resorts so far. Recent storms brought plenty of rain to local mountains, but not so much snow.
abc7.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:39 PM
It's been a rough winter season for Southern California mountain resorts so far. Instead of much-needed snow, many of the resorts have only gotten rain. #cawater abc7.com/post/souther...
Top water officials from the seven Colorado River Basin states will return to the negotiating table next week, reportedly in sequestered fashion, to try to make headway over how to cut water use. #cawater #westwater #ColoradoRiver tucson.com/news/local/e...
Deadlocked Colorado River negotiators to meet, 'sequestered'
Top water officials from the seven Colorado River Basin states will return to the negotiating table next week, reportedly in sequestered fashion, to try to make headway over how to
tucson.com
January 7, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Top water officials from the seven Colorado River Basin states will return to the negotiating table next week, reportedly in sequestered fashion, to try to make headway over how to cut water use. #cawater #westwater #ColoradoRiver tucson.com/news/local/e...
Northern California saw a wet weekend that solidified the region’s water supply, but experts urged caution, noting that snowpack and reservoir levels still remain below average. #cawater www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
Weekend storms boost California water, but thin snowpack poses risk
Northern California’s rainy surge eased drought worries, but below average Sierra snowpack could still spell trouble later the year.
www.sacbee.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Northern California saw a wet weekend that solidified the region’s water supply, but experts urged caution, noting that snowpack and reservoir levels still remain below average. #cawater www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
After a relatively slow start to the winter rainy season, a series of atmospheric river storms has sent hundreds of billions of gallons of water pouring into reservoirs across California over the past three weeks. #cawater www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/05/c...
California’s largest reservoir rises 36 feet as rains boost water supply statewide
Shasta, Oroville and other massive reservoirs continue to fill following big storms
www.mercurynews.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:43 PM
After a relatively slow start to the winter rainy season, a series of atmospheric river storms has sent hundreds of billions of gallons of water pouring into reservoirs across California over the past three weeks. #cawater www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/05/c...