BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
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:
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. 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
* 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 a 75% chance of La Ni?a during the Northern Hemisphere winter (December-February) 2022-23, with a 54% chance for El Ni?o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) neutral in February-April 2023. Current expectations are below normal precipitation during the core of winter for Santa Clara County.
NWS meteorologists w...
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