Water flows to significantly increase along South Yuba River

Matthew Nobert
·4 min read

(FOX40.COM) — Pacific Gas and Electric is advising those recreating along the South Yuba River to use caution as they will be increasing releases from Lake Spaulding in the coming days.

Between April 3 and 8, PG&E will be opening the taps on Spaulding Reservoir, releasing up to an additional 300 cubic feet per second of icy cold water into the South Yuba River.

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The utility provider cites a higher-than-normal water level in Lake Spaulding as a reason for the releases due to a powerhouse being inoperable.

As the powerhouse is not able to intake water for power generation, the extra water in Lake Spaulding does not have room for all of the runoff and potential future rainfall.

Currently, flows along the river are around 20 cfs and are expected to increase to as high as 700 cfs with increased spills from Spaulding Dam.

PG&E says that the coming increase in flows may only be the start of higher and faster waters along the river.

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“Peak flows may be as high as 4,000 to 6,000 cfs and potentially higher if there is a significant rain-on-snow event or multi-day heatwave accelerating snowmelt,” PG&E wrote in a news release. “The South Yuba River flows go as high as 10,000 feet during winter storms.”

Below are some water safety tips from PG&E:

Stay Out and Stay Alive – Stay Out of Canals and Flumes

  • Recreating in PG&E canals and flumes is strictly prohibited. Stay off of elevated flumes and out of these water conveyances, regardless of who owns them, as they are dangerous due to slippery sides and fast-moving cold water. Be mindful of signs and warnings. Stay out of areas that are posted as restricted, fenced-off or buoy-lined.

Know the Risks

  • Prevention is the best way to save a person from drowning. By the time a person is struggling in the water, a rescue is extremely unlikely and places the rescuer at risk.

  • Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers can be easily overwhelmed.

  • Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This can confuse swimmers, potentially causing them to venture deeper into the water.

  • Cold water also reduces body heat 25 to 30 times faster than air does at the same temperature and causes impairment that can be fatal.

Learn About Self-Rescue Techniques

  • If you do fall into the water, here are some survival tips:

  • Don’t panic. Try to control your breathing; don’t gasp. A sudden, unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. It takes less than one-half cup of water in a person’s lungs to drown. If you remain calm, you have a greater chance of self-rescue.

  • If you have a boat, stay with it. It will help you stay afloat and will be seen more easily by rescuers. If it’s capsized and a portion of the craft is above water, try to climb on top.

  • Stay afloat with the help of a life jacket, regain control of your breathing and keep your head above water in view of rescuers.

  • If possible, remove heavy shoes. Look for ways to increase buoyancy such as by holding onto seat cushions or an ice chest.

  • If you’re in the water with others, huddle together facing each other to help everyone stay afloat and keep warm.

  • If you do fall into a river without a life jacket, keep your feet pointed downstream and turn onto your back.

  • If you fall into the water with waders on, roll onto the shore. Wear a belt with waders.

Know your Limits

  • Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool – people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.

  • Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface – this is especially the case during spring and early summer snowmelt. Rising water can make these obstacles even more treacherous. Guided trips for inexperienced paddlers are recommended.

Wear a Coast Guard-approved Life Jacket

  • Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming.

Adult Supervision

  • Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Use the buddy system and never swim alone.

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