Hello all. For some of you this will be your first information email as I am entering off the signup list from last night and they have also been coming in all day from the website. It will be a little repetitive for a few days as I will be sending some of the same information over the next few days as I enter names in batches of about 50 as we have around 200 requesting to be part of IPPA information and or as volunteers. I need to do them in batches as I add the names and email addresses because I must test the emails for deliver because sometime its shard to read the writing from signup and or I might enter it wrong, but in either case I will fix those as they are rejected if incorrect for whatever reason. I am receiving information from several of you and from Dave Merritt at KRCD. At the same time requests for assistance have also been coming in today. I am logging all the requests in and answering each with an approximate day we will address the request issue. I will share those as we will need to work together to accomplish all requests as timely as possible. I will always answer them personally every day or have someone on the standby team do that. We will talk about the standby team in a day or two as we get more signed up. Meanwhile we have some extra filled sandbags coming in tomorrow from Visalia and a place for them to go as a request for help came in from someone that needed assistance with that. We have several elevations help requests and other concern requests on the levee conditions in their areas. For the new people on this list tonight I am attaching an email I sent out this morning on a message from Dave Merritt from KRCD answering the concerns from last night about debris build up on the railroad trestle on the South Fork. It includes pictures of the action they took today. Stand by for lots of information over the days coming in real time. I have also added the two videos from last night to the website under the Public Notice tab. Be well friends.  

 Hello all. We are sending this out as Notification # 002. We now have a little over 200 members and we have had over 4,000 visits to the website which means we have many more friends out there praying and willing to help us if needed. Because of the size of the membership and the time to make the entries we are sending this notification out in groups. We are still working on the “text notifications only” list as some do not have emails and or want only texts messages. We continue to update the website with ideas from you and things we think of as time passes and requests come in. We have had 13 requests for direct information, and or assistance, and 11 of those have been completed. If you remember, at the meeting we made two main promises; “We will always answer the call for help and all the people, have the right to know all the information, all the time". The only exception to that is if people ask for help, we handle that on an individual basis with them and the volunteers as we do not openly share personal information, for example where someone might live alone or be a single parent with children. We also do not share when people need help with technology or computer work as we want people to feel comfortable requesting that information. 

Given all that, we have a need for a couple of volunteers with a pickup truck to deliver sandbags to a person who cannot not do that on their own. The bags are already filled with sand and staged a mile from the residence where they need to go. Please contact me, or one of the other contact team members, Jim Verboon or Marilyn Vieira. My number is below and all three of our numbers are in the contact section of the website. If you reply to requests and or to notification emails, please consider if the reply should go to the entire group or to just the sender as that will keep people from getting repetitive emails. You are of course always welcome to reply to everyone as needed. 

These resources were added to the website today as recommended by KRCD. The flow has increased some today. Be well, be safe.

Release changes at Pine Flat Dam - https://www.spk-wc.usace.army.mil/fcgi-bin/release.py?project=pnf 

• Pine Flat Change in Storage – Inflow / Outflow - https://www.spk-wc.usace.army.mil/plots/california.html?name=pnf&year=2023&interval=d&tab=plot&window=wy 
• Kings River – Watershed Temperature – we watch the temperature at 8,000 feet elevation concerning snow melt runoff - https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/temperaturePlots_hc.php?id=PFTC1 
• Flood resources - https://krcd.org/flood-resources/ 

 Hello all. KRCD has set up the email below to assist those that find areas of concern on the river that they think should be looked at and watched. We realize that not everyone uses email, but if you know of someone that has a concern to report you can email for them or anyone can call one of us contact team members and we will report it on their behalf. We are also adding it to the website. This does not replace the need to call in case of an emergency, but it does give an additional way of reporting concerns. I would advise if you did report something please consider copying one of us on the email to keep a recorded log. You can also cc. info@ippa.life. Be well neighbors.

KRCD email to report information and or concerns about the rivers.  flood@krcd.org

  We hope you will get used to reading this information regardless of the source so you can feel good about knowing where we currently are. If you have any questions about his report, please reach out to us. Be well, be safe. 

This Information Provided by KRWA 04/21/2023

This is an information and conditions update. As of today, no scheduled changes to our current flood release targets from Pine Flat.  The target in the South Fork is 2,500 cfs. The target flow is being routed through a combination of Army Wier and the Crescent By-pass.  The target flow in the North Fork below Crescent Weir will remain at 4,750 cfs. The order from Pine Flat is currently about 12,500 cfs. We are expecting irrigation demand to continue increasing in the short-term, likely Pine Flat releases in the 12,700 – 13,500 cfs range.

Releases will continue to be adjusted accordingly to meet irrigation orders, local creeks entering below Pine Flat and changing conditions.

All data is provisional and subject to revision.

We will circulate updates as conditions change.

Status of flows below Pine Flat Dam as of 0700 April 21, 2023.

6,500 cfs (estimated) Pre Project Piedra (Full natural flow at Piedra, 3 miles downstream of Pine Flat Dam. Includes Mill and Hughes Creek flows)

12,510 cfs Total Order at Pine Flat.  (Order includes flood release, local demands and estimated channel losses)

12,320 cfs Pine Flat Reservoir Release

200 cfs Mill and Hughes Creeks (Unobstructed gauge several miles below Pine Flat Reservoir)

9,800 cfs flow at Reedley Narrows (approximately three miles upstream of the City of Reedley, Capacity per ACOE Reservoir Control Manual 13,000 cfs)

9,370 cfs flow Below Peoples Weir (approximately one mile downstream of Highway 99, Capacity per ACOE Reservoir Control Manual 11,000 cfs)

1,850 cfs, South Fork of Kings River, release below Army Weir

620 cfs, Crescent Bypass, water diverted from the North Fork to the South Fork

4,630 cfs flow below Crescent Weir, 4750 cfs target flood release below Crescent Weir (approximately three miles downstream of Highway 41)

Status of Pine Flat as of 2400 hours April 20, 2023

496,562 acre-feet Pine Flat storage (Capacity 1,000,000 acre-feet)

72,722 acre-feet Upstream storage (Capacity 251,900 acre-feet)

682,616 acre-feet vacant storage space on the Kings River system

Notification # 6

All notifications that have gone out are now archived on the website, and all new notifications will be archived as they are sent. Anyone that joined after the notifications began or did not see the earlier ones may do so on the website. A photo and video page has also been added and will be populated as we go along to provide photos and video for areas that all may not have access to but are furnished to the organization. Be well, Be safe.  

Notification # 7

We are now at the stage where more and more things have been addressed just in case the worst of scenarios happens, but many questions remain unasked and or unanswered. As the temperatures are now rising and water flows will certainly increase, more and more questions will arise, and we would like to put those in the Q&A area to help others. In the Q&A area of our website we have addressed just a few of the questions that neighbors have sought answers to. We would like you to please send us any questions that you may have to share and or are seeking answers to. We will look for answers to all questions from sources that are nonpolitical and unbiased and post them in the Q&A section of the website. All questions will be posted and answered anonymously of course. Please help us by sending any questions via email or text directly to me to protect privacy and to minimize the number of emails that people receive through our system. A few examples of new questions that have come in are below. Please check out the IPPA website as the new Photo and Video section has a very amazing video of the Crescent Weir. Be well.

Q. Will the high river flow cause more mosquito problems?

A. Yes, not from the flows but from the seepage that is occurring and will cause stagnant water.

Q. Should we be concerned that there could be rattlesnakes washed downstream into our area as the snow melts and runs off?

A. Pending from Fish and Game

Q. If there is a breach in one part of the Island area will PG&E disconnect power from that area and if so, would that affect other areas surrounding the breach?

A. Pending PG&E 

Notification # 8 (Priority Message) 04/24/23 6:05 PM

We are sending this email out with a priority designation rather than our previous messages which were keyed as informational. Going forward notifications will have one of the following designations 1. General Information 2. Priority 3. Urgent 4. Alert. The temperatures are going to rise significantly over the next several days (high 90’s) before they simmer back down a bit. The agencies have done very well on their releases and space has been created at Pine Flat. At some point the inflows will begin to rise more dramatically and we need all to work together to manage the outflows. There is no doubt the agencies have planned for this, but mother nature has much to do with the next steps. We are asking all farmers, either hobby or full production types, to take and use as much water as you can during this period to help reduce the flow from the rivers. The canal districts are asking that users commit to running consistently seven days a week and do not cut back on the weekends. Some farmers where they can, will be using flood irrigation instead of their drip. Farmers manage best at that and only they know if that works for them depending on their situation and proximity to the rivers. 

Recently there was what was thought to be a mysterious airplane flying a grid over the Island District. It in fact was an agency establishing current elevations in our area within a foot of accuracy. The link below will take you to the site. If you have not done so go to our website and view the newest pictures and videos to help you understand what is happening out there. There is one video of the Crescent Weir and the other is the way to transfer water from the North Fork to the Crescent Bypass by huge siphon pipes. Six of the eleven siphons are currently running. If you watch these videos on a desktop or laptop turn up the volume and you can hear all the sounds of the force of water and nature.

https://arcg.is/0myT18

Notification # 9 (Priority Message) 04/26/23 11:15AM

We are sending this email out with a priority designation as all from now on until this challenge passes will carry this designation or higher if necessary. Going forward notifications will have one of the following designations 1. Priority 2. Urgent 3. Alert.

The temperatures are rising significantly over the next several days (high 90’s) before they simmer back down a bit. The agencies have done very well on their releases and space has been created at Pine Flat. The inflows and outflows are rising given the temperatures and the calendar. As mentioned before there is no doubt the agencies have planned for this, but mother nature has much to do with the next steps. 

Given the more accelerated stage we are in now we ask that you review your evacuation plans just in case. This should by no means indicate that we expect a breach or flooding soon, but just want you to focus on what you would do if you had not already planned for that. The two links below are excellent sources for flood evacuation plans provided by FEMA.

We are now asking any volunteers that wish to provide their capabilities to move animals with stock trailers of any size to contact me by email. I will set up a special alert schedule for that and all that are on the list, your information is kept confidential, and you are only called upon if needed. 

The other side of this stage is for us to now know if anyone out there has animals that might need to be moved and has not planned to do so already. If you contact me by email and provide your contact information with the type and number of animals, we will also set up that schedule for possible alert action. Your personal information will also be kept confidential.

Thanks to all that have provided important questions and possible scenarios to us. We have posted those with answers in the Q&A part of the website. Be well, be safe

Flood (fema.gov)

BE PREPARED FOR A FLOOD (ready.gov)

Notification # 10 (High Priority Message) 04/28/23 07:52AM

We are sending this email out with a priority designation as all from now on until this challenge passes will carry this designation or higher if necessary. Going forward notifications will have one of the following designations 1. Priority 2. Urgent 3. Alert.

Jim Verboon attended the old Kings River area meeting representing the area above the north-south split at the Kings River Hardwick School last night. Below is his report.

The meeting at Kings River Hardwick School last evening went well. Steve Haugen and David Merritt with Buddy Mendes giving reports. David complimented Stone Land Company and Tony for the help and involvement. They are actively pursuing pre- staging flood defense materials to repair potential breeches.

They were happy to report PFD storage to be below 440,000 aft at that time and still going down despite the 10,000 cfs inflow and Steve stated they would be continuing holding the river stable to continue the same splits at the Corps and Island Weirs.

We complimented the great cooperation between the Counties, KRCD and KRWA for maintaining a STABLE river during challenging times. We expect to have a high flow situation for a couple more months. They are expecting the peak inflows to be 26 to 28,000 cfs barring unforeseen events. Mother Nature is helping now and hopefully into the future. Mill and Hughes Creeks are not big factors with snowmelt.

Note: One of our members did report that it appears we had a ~1 ft surge last night on Clark’s Fork at Grangeville and 22nd? The member was kind enough to provide photos to demonstrate the change. Big thank you for that!

Notification # 11 (Informational Message) 04/29/23 09:41 PM

We are sending this email out with an informational designation as we thought it would be nice to share with all of you an example of one of the many requests your system has accomplished. The pictures attached are a before and after spot in the river that one of your neighbors had real concern with. The admin team reviewed the situation with the neighbor and KRCD and we are pleased to say the agency stepped in and strengthened the area. We continue to take photos and information in areas of concern that we observe or are brought to us by request from you. Please be proud of the efforts of all your neighbors and how we as a community have come together. Below are the stats to date of your organization. Be well, be safe.

“Give me the strength to walk in my neighbors’ shoes so I might understand their journey.” 

Current Active Members    247 

Visits to Website              6,332 

Assistance Requests           44 

Completed Assistance         44 

Pending Requests                0 

  Notification # 12 (Priority Message) 04/30/23 07:52AM

We are sending this email out with a priority designation as all from now on until this challenge passes will carry this designation or higher if necessary. Going forward notifications will have one of the following designations 1. Priority 2. Urgent 3. Alert.

We are delivering this message this morning not as an alarm by any means, but rather recognizing a day of historical inevitability. Due to the calendar and recent high temperatures the inflow as indicated below is greater than the outflow at Pine Flat Dam. This had to happen of course and the cooler temperatures this coming week might slow down that process. The agencies have done well to prepare for this event and going forward will manage by discharge and use of water flow through the main channel and the forks of the North and South while using the space created at the dam as their buffer. I believe Jim Verboon summed it up best this morning when he sent Marilyn and me this message.

“The DAM is officially earning it's keep as it is retaining more water than releasing, while keeping stable, manageable flows downstream. Still the same height at Hardwick Bridge this AM.

30APR2023 0500   832.32  428152   9.59  13067  13515    10.10  12126    48.3      2.68   well..00   

0600   832.35  428265   9.59  13059 14426    10.02  11974    47.8      2.68    138.00 

Outflow   Inflow 

Note: This information is always available to you in real time on our website ippa.life. 

Notification # 23 Where are We? 05/25/23.

Hello all. As you know we stay in constant contact with the local agencies and the boots on the ground so that we can report to you the information as it happens in real time. We asked David Merritt of KRCD to give his opinion of where we are and where we are headed given all the current data points of snow left, melt rate, inflows to PFD, dam storage, outflows PFD, current and projected irrigation usage, recharge, and mother nature of course. Below is his response and it speaks for itself but if anyone would like to talk about this feel free to contact one of us. As always it is our honor to help keep you informed. 

From David Merritt KRCD

A couple items –

· DWR updated the B-120 forecast today – they increased the runoff in May by 65,000 AF and decreased June by 57,000 AF

· To meet their forecast for May, the inflow to Pine Flat would need to average 25,235 CFS (50,469 ac-ft) daily for the remainder of the month – based on forecasted temperatures, I do not see this happening. Even the long-range forecast looks very mild.

· The forecast for Upper Basin continues to cool and shows it potentially below average on the high side out to June 3 – this is helping to keep the melt more consistent over a longer duration, a potential good thing. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/temperaturePlots_hc.php?id=PFTC1

· Snow surveys are occurring this week and will have more information next week.

· We continue to discuss on a routine basis with the USACE concerning future release needs.

Disclaimer – all data is subject to verification.

Notification # 24 We Approach Two Apex Points 06/01/23.

Hello all. We will use apex in this context as the peak of a curve before it drops off on the other side. The top of any curve graph typically will have an apex where it no longer climbs but reaches the point where it turns downward. In this case the apex will be the point where the runoff from the watershed behind Pine Flat will reach its maximum run off for the month, which at this point is the month of June. The number as you will see below has again been estimated at 1,090,000-acre ft. for the month of June and then dropping off to 745,000 in July. The other apex, which in this case will have a flatter peak, is the usage for irrigation and recharge. It is difficult to put an exact number on it, but the apex period starts somewhere around May 15th and goes on until August 30thth. This is the reason you see the outflow of PFD staying about the same the last couple of weeks but the South Fork levels dropping. 

Below is the update received this afternoon from David Merritt. It is self-explanatory but we remain ready to answer any questions you might have. Be well.

From David Merritt KRCD

CDWR B120 was updated today –

· No change in June forecasted runoff – remains at 1,090,000 ac-ft

· A 43,000 ac-ft increase was made to July – 745,000 ac-ft

· We continue to meet with the USACE routinely each week and coordinate on flood release requirement from Pine Flat

· The forecast at 8,000 feet + continues to look very mild – a very slight increase with a rapid drop below average for the daily high  https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/temperaturePlots_hc.php?id=PFTC1

· My updated routing is below –

We are still waiting on some additional data from the ASO flights that occurred last weekend and hope to have in the next couple days – I will share updates as I get more information.

Notification # 25 Where we are Now 06/08/23.

River Flows

As of today, the following are where agencies have adjusted flows going forward at least for the immediate future, and it is subject to verification and change of course.

Based on the current models of both hydrologic and climate the Crescent Bypass is now off and will not be used for flows. The South Fork flood release will go close to near zero with the flow fulfilling the irrigation and recharge usage. The North Fork will remain at 4,750 csf.

Sandbag recommendation by one of the members: 

A lot of people have placed sandbags around their homes for possible flood protection and piled some up in case of last-minute emergency. All the bags that I have used have started to break down from UV light. If you try to pick them up, they shred like crazy. The bags were probably for immediate use to throw in a doorway or levee breach and not sit around waiting as we have. Everyone that has them needs to be made aware of this potential failure. I will be replacing several of mine and putting them under a tarp until needed.

 Hello everyone. Attached is IPPA Notification # 26. This is not the final one for the year but close to it, as science, human courage, and prayer has paid off to mitigate what could have been potentially disastrous to the community of the Island District. This does not take from the damage that many of our fellow neighbors, farmers and businesspeople have faced in the Lake Bottom, Corcoran area, and several communities, and they remain in our thoughts and prayers. As you have watched the high flows for months flow past you on all sides, they now have been reduced significantly with no flood releases in the South Fork and the North Fork to be reduced meaningfully. The water management decisions that were made early, the maximum water use by those for irrigation and recharge worked, and mother nature was kind. As you review the attached notification with the current models provided by David Merritt you can tell the hard work has paid off. Please keep in mind the goal was to control flood flows for the preservation of life and to mitigate damage to property as much as possible. You will see by these models that at the end of July the PFD will be near full and the flood releases will be finished or near to it. Be well, be safe     

As Provided by David Merritt General Manager KRCD

Attached are from the California Nevada River Forecast Center:

1. Chance of Inflow Exceedance to Pine Flat Reservoir – I set this to go through August 2023

2. Pine Flat inflow forecast through June 24th – a significant decline due to the Kings Rive Upper Basin significant drop in temperatures.

3. Kings River Upper Basin (8,000 feet and above) forecasted temperatures. We will potentially beat the record low temperatures at night.

The CDWR B 120 update for the April – July runoff volumes versus actual into Pine Flat Reservoir (all values are in acre-feet).                 

The June and July reservoir projections – these are my routings and subject to change.                                                                                                                                             CFS outflow @ PF Dam

As of Sunday (6/18/23) the minimum at Pine Flat was 10,600 CFS – this will be reduced by 400 CFS today (6/19/23) and 400 CFS tomorrow (6/20/23) – the new target will be 9,800 CFS after these changes. We continue to work closely with the USACE and KRWA on further changes to the release rate at Pine Flat.