BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Winter Preparedness Briefing.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive information on the Santa Clara Valley Water District's preparedness for winter operations.
Body
SUMMARY:
As the agency responsible for local flood protection, the District works diligently to protect Santa Clara Valley residents and businesses from the devastating effects of flooding. Since the early 1980s, the District and its partners have invested approximately $900 million in flood protection programs, including constructing major flood protection projects that have removed approximately 100,000 parcels from previously flood-prone areas. Despite these efforts, 67,000 parcels continue to be at risk of flooding during a 100-year storm event.
Over the last one year, the District has carried out several efforts to prepare for extreme weather events, respond effectively and minimize the impacts of flooding. In October 2017, the National Weather Service (NWS) recertified the District as Storm Ready. The certification is valid through October 2020.
This report provides information regarding various measures the District has taken to prepare for the Winter season. Specifically, it includes information on the following:
* Weather outlook
* Flood protection and conveyance capacity
* Public engagement
* Preparing and responding to flood emergencies
* Monitoring and flood forecasting
* Reservoir management
* Emergency management systems and response
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 District 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 landslides that have the potential to impa...
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