BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Receive 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 authorized to provide local flood protection, Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) works diligently to protect Santa Clara Valley residents and businesses from the devastating effects of flooding. Since the early 1980s, Valley Water and its partners have invested approximately $960 million in flood protection programs, including constructing major flood protection projects. About 150,000 parcels were prone to flooding back in the 1950's and about 50,000 parcels remain at some risk of flooding today.
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
* 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 Certification
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 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 and water utility infrastructure.
Weather Forecast
National Weather Service (NWS) seasonal weather models predict about an 80% chance of La Ni?a and about a 20% ch...
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