Flood control release at Lake Mendocino possible from Thursday onward

MENDOCINO Co, CA, 1/9/23 — Lake Mendocino is experiencing substantially increased water levels at the beginning of 2023 thanks to a series of atmospheric rivers hitting the region. According to data published by Sonoma Water, on Monday the lake had reached 112% of its target water supply curve. To prevent flooding, water may be released from Lake Mendocino no earlier than Thursday.

“[The dams] function to restrict additional water from entering the river during periods of high flows, to allow for a managed flood control release to the river after the threat to downstream communities recedes,” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Lake Mendocino said in an update on flood control release.