managing water and fish: the 2014 california drought william stelle, jr. noaa fisheries west coast...
TRANSCRIPT
Managing Water and Fish:The 2014
California Drought
William Stelle, Jr.NOAA Fisheries West Coast RegionSeattle, Washington May 2014
California Drought:Adjusting Operations as Conditions Dictate
• 01/31: Temporary Urgency Change (TUC) Petition--allowed outflow changes, 10-day opening of Delta Cross Channel gates.
• 02/07: Early determination of 1:1 Inflow:Export (I:E) ratio--allowed flexibility, encouraged water transfers.
• 02/27: Concurred on Old Middle River (OMR) pilot index project.• 02/28: TUC Petition--allowed continued flexibility on outflow and
Delta Cross Channel operations.• 03/14: TUC Order modification--allowed flexible implementation
of -5000 OMR restriction. • 04/01: Modified averaging period for Export:Inflow (E:I) ratio. • 04/08: Released Drought Operations Plan for April through Nov.• 04/18: Allocation increases N of Delta from 40% to 75% for senior
rights holders and refuges; increase in allowable minimum diversion.
• 04/21: Concurred on Merced transfer water.
California Drought: Lessons Learned
• Plan for the unexpected. Build in the ability to adjust in real time if unexpected weather occurs.
• Establish and maintain cohesive communications and integrated decision-making with key partners.
• Stick to the facts: others will provide plenty of exaggeration.
• Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Recalibrate your risk meters.
• Lead, cover and protect your professional staff as they grapple with changing circumstances rapidly.
• Exercise, sleep and drink plenty of water.