Reservoir levels decrease, fire risks increase despite heavy rain in July
Lake Nacimiento
Despite record rainfall in many areas along the Central Coast of California from Hurricane Delores in July, local reservoir levels still decreased from the previous month.
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors established the need to continue the emergency proclamation made in March 2014 due to drought conditions here.
According to a county staff report, reservoir levels remain significantly lower than the average percentage capacity for this time of year, including Nacimiento at 23 percent of capacity, Lopez at 35 percent, Salinas at 14 percent and Whale Rock at 40 percent. Each of these decreased in capacity from the previous month despite measurable rain from Hurricane Delores.
“There is a good chance that an El Niño will continue through this winter and last into early spring, but the long-term drought is also likely to persist or intensify throughout California and most of the far western U.S.,” said County Administrative Analyst Lisa Howe, who leads the County’s Drought Task Force. “Despite the recent torrential downpours we had, we’re still seeing an increase in fire danger.”
So far this year through June in San Luis Obispo County, County Fire/Cal Fire responded to 85 wildfires, which burned 1,841 acres. Since 2007, the average for this period is 83 wildfires burning 441 acres. In response, County Fire proclaimed a countywide burn ban on June 19, which prohibits all burning within County Fire’s jurisdiction except for campfires at approved campgrounds.
“The effect of the drought will be long lasting,” said County Fire Chief Rob Lewin. “The resulting dead brush and trees will continue to provide volatile fuel for fires in future fire seasons, regardless of whether we have a wet winter or not. We’re urging residents to do their part to be fire safe during this critical time and make sure they have an emergency plan in case a fire threatens their home or family.”
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