Expecting a record storm this weekend

[mixel]

In Central California and we are expected a record storm this weekend, possibly dumping up to 4' of snow in just two days. After a horrendous 6 year drought and lakes that were down to 20% or lower (!) capacity, this is awesome. They opened many local dams this week to let water out in anticipation of being at max capacity from this new storm. Woohoo!

[Ohio Archer]

I hope you get the storm especially after they let the water out BEFORE you got any.  Seems ass backwards to me especially with the record of weather guessers being incorrect most of the time.  If the storm doesn't produce the amount that is predicted things will go from bad to worse.

[BillP]

17 minutes ago, Ohio Archer said:

I hope you get the storm especially after they let the water out BEFORE you got any.  Seems ass backwards to me especially with the record of weather guessers being incorrect most of the time.  If the storm doesn't produce the amount that is predicted things will go from bad to worse.

I totally agree with you. Does seem to be a bit backwards to me also

[Catch 22]

1 hour ago, BillP said:

I totally agree with you. Does seem to be a bit backwards to me also

 

 Super Storm Sandy hit years ago so  our government decided to  drain a local pond ,about 80 acres, down to not much more than a small stream in anticipation of flooding.No flooding occurred. Just  about all the fish went down stream to who knows where, thus  creating the need to restock bass.The fishing  has not recovered yet.

[mixel]

Not sure why this thread got moved. Amount of water in the lake directly affects the bass fishing as the fish move up when the water surface expands and they seem less stressed. For the past few summers, some lakes weren't even fishable because they were so low. No boats, no fishing allowed. They even had to capture and move some fish to temp holding areas.

 

I will say that CA gov has never been accused of being efficient caretakers of our precious resources.

 

I agree letting the water out before the storm even arrives seems dumb. I'm pretty sure this storm is coming although the 'experts' have been wrong before. Looking at the existing models in the Pacific, it looks like a torrential downpour is headed our way. Plus the snow runoff should be amazing this spring. Currently we're at 72% of average snowpack for this time of the year. I wonder how this will affect the spawn timing?

[Redlinerobert]

Record storm this weekend?  Yikes.  I'm on the central coast.  Better batten down the hatches. 

[fishwizzard]

I suspect the possibility of a dam being damaged is worse than sending some water and fish down stream.

 

One of my favorite local lakes has a dam that, according to the ranger I spoke to, was poorly designed and built even worse, so they are forever messing with the water level.  The only slight advantage (for fishermen) is that when it does get high, it floods like a 20-30' up a shallow, weedy bank and the place just lights up for a day or so as every fish in the lake swarms up to feed.  

[Last_Cast]

22 hours ago, Catch 22 said:

 

 Super Storm Sandy hit years ago so  our government decided to  drain a local pond ,about 80 acres, down to not much more than a small stream in anticipation of flooding.No flooding occurred. Just  about all the fish went down stream to who knows where, thus  creating the need to restock bass.The fishing  has not recovered yet.