BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ? No ?
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A – Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Receive the Winter Preparedness Briefing.
End
RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Receive information on the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s preparedness for winter operations.
Body
SUMMARY:
Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) provides local flood protection on district-owned property. Valley Water staff work diligently to protect Santa Clara County residents and businesses from the devastating effects of flooding within our authority. This report provides information regarding various measures Valley Water has taken to prepare for the Winter season. Specifically, it includes information on the following:
Weather Forecast
Board Natural Flood Protection Ends Policies
Flood Awareness Campaign and Community Outreach, including to known Hot Spots
Emergency Action Planning
Monitoring and Flood Forecasting
Reservoir Management
Real-time Information, Alerts and Warnings
Valley Water, Countywide and Regional Emergency Management Systems
Valley Water Field Response Actions and Capabilities
Storm Ready Recognition with National Weather Service
Background
Winter Hazards
Winter brings an additional set of seasonal hazards that threaten both watersheds and water utility operations. Severe and/or extended precipitation can overwhelm engineered and natural channels and has the potential to damage Valley Water's flood protection infrastructure. The resulting flooding can prompt municipalities to initiate evacuations and sheltering and disrupt transportation. Severe storms can also bring high winds and cause land movement that have the potential to impact power, communication, water, and wastewater utility infrastructure.
Weather Forecast
National Weather Service (NWS) seasonal weather models predict a greater than 90% chance of El Niño during the Northern Hemisphere fall/winter 2026-27. El Niño results in warmer ...
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