April 27, 2016 — Agencies that control flows on the Stanislaus River below Tulloch and New Melones reservoirs began increased releases Monday from Goodwin Dam.
The increased flows are intended to supplement spring fish flow requirements set by a National Marine Fisheries Service 2009 biological opinion, according to federal Bureau of Reclamation staff.
The Bureau of Reclamation is acting in conjunction with Oakdale Irrigation District and South San Joaquin Irrigation District to increase flow releases from Goodwin Dam in the Stanislaus River.
Goodwin Dam is downstream from Tulloch and New Melones dams.
As of Monday, Tulloch Reservoir was holding 60,005 acre-feet, 90 percent of capacity, and New Melones was holding 637,441 acre-feet, 27 percent of capacity.
Increased flows from Goodwin are scheduled between midnight and 10 a.m., “to minimize public impact,” Bureau of Reclamation staff said. The flows are expected to range from 1,400 cubic feet per second to 3,200 cfs.
Flows from Goodwin are expected to begin ramping down by Thursday and return to 1,400 cfs by Saturday.
People in and along the Stanislaus River downstream from Goodwin Dam to the confluence of the Stanislaus and the San Joaquin River are advised to take safety precautions due to the increased flows.