Managing Water and Fish: The 2014 California Drought William Stelle, Jr. NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Seattle, Washington May 2014

Image courtesy of DOI/BOR California Bay-Delta Water Project Facilities

Image courtesy of Bay Nature Magazine Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta

Image courtesy of California Dept. of Water Resources California Reservoir Conditions

California Drought: Adjusting Operations as Conditions Dictate 01/31: Temporary Urgency Change (TUC) Petition--allowed outflow changes, 10-day opening of Delta Cross Channel gates. 02/07: Early determination of 1:1 Inflow:Export (I:E) ratio--allowed flexibility, encouraged water transfers. 02/27: Concurred on Old Middle River (OMR) pilot index project. 02/28: TUC Petition--allowed continued flexibility on outflow and Delta Cross Channel operations. 03/14: TUC Order modification--allowed flexible implementation of OMR restriction. 04/01: Modified averaging period for Export:Inflow (E:I) ratio. 04/08: Released Drought Operations Plan for April through Nov. 04/18: Allocation increases N of Delta from 40% to 75% for senior rights holders and refuges; increase in allowable minimum diversion. 04/21: Concurred on Merced transfer water.

California Drought: Lessons Learned Plan for the unexpected. Build in the ability to adjust in real time if unexpected weather occurs. Establish and maintain cohesive communications and integrated decision-making with key partners. Stick to the facts: others will provide plenty of exaggeration. Don't sweat the small stuff. Recalibrate your risk meters. Lead, cover and protect your professional staff as they grapple with changing circumstances rapidly. Exercise, sleep and drink plenty of water.