Gov Schwarzenegger Issues Drought Emergency
According to an article I saw in USA Today, Schwarzenegger Issues state of emergency…
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency Friday because of three years of below-average rain and snowfall in California, a step that urges urban water agencies to reduce water use by 20%.
Looking back at water info dating back to 2006…
- 2006 was an above average year and saying it that is understatement. 2006 was huge which and left California with full reservoirs going into the 2007 winter season.
- 2007 was a pretty bad winter leaving California with something like 50% or less in some areas.
- 2008 wasn’t all that bad… with 80% – 95%.
- 2009… some are estimating that California might end up with an 80% year.
Yes the state is in shortage of water. Californians should have stopped watering their lawns a couple of years ago. But they didn’t and now the state is in a water crisis.
Just because there is a drought doesn’t mean there isn’t good rafting. Water still has to flow through the canyons to generate power and to supply drinking water and irrigation. With below average reserviors the water still flows but tightly controlled. Unfortunately when the Govonor cries drought the state goes into a panic and automatically assumes that rafting won’t be a fun option this summer… that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
If California ends up with an 80% year, Spring runs will be shorter than normal. Dam controlled rivers like the South Fork and Middle Fork American will most likely have water 4-5 days a week with timed releases long enough & high enough to make your way down the river and enjoy the thrill of real California whitewater.
The most important thing to remember is that its only March 1st. In 2006 the rain/snow season extended into May. So to start assuming that the 2009 rafting is gonna suck is way out of line. There is rain & snow in the forecast through Friday March 6th. And hopefully March & April will be just as fruitful as February.