LADWP urges caution near waterways impacted by Eastern Sierra Nevada snowmelt

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is urging caution and is encouraging the public to practice general water safety as the department works to handle the massive runoff water resulting from this year’s near-record snowpack in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The high temperatures of the past week have hastened the snowmelt and LADWP is concerned by the potential of water overflow in and around the towns and communities of the Eastern Sierra.

Work to proactively prepare for the anticipated high water flows began in late February when Los Angles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an Emergency Declaration. This allowed LADWP to take immediate steps to protect infrastructure and aid in managing flood waters while also protecting public safety. Inyo County issued a similar declaration.

Efforts by LADWP to protect the Eastern Sierra and the contiguous desert land are being done in partnership with Inyo County, the Inyo Sheriff’s Department, Bishop Police Department, Cal-Trans, Southern California Edison and others, as members of the Inyo County Interagency Emergency Preparation team. Emergency assistance will be provided on lands throughout the valley should flooding threaten the property of a partner agency or the public.

To maximize the beneficial use of runoff water to its fullest extent, LADWP is spreading water throughout the aqueduct system to replenish local groundwater aquifers. Current spreading is moderate but will increase as larger amounts of runoff occur later this summer.

Additionally, LADWP is advising the public to be aware that swift flowing water is causing increased turbidity and organic matter in the river.  Decomposition of organic material will result in low dissolved oxygen levels and fish stress is expected during this period of high runoff. LADWP will be minimizing extra flow in the Owens River — as much as possible — and will collect and dispose of deceased fish as quickly as possible.

LADWP will issue regular updates of its runoff management efforts in order to keep the public informed of the steps being taken to manage the snowmelt runoff to the greatest extent possible and minimize the impact to dust control measures.

LADWP has also posted safety message signs at public access points near swift water locations. In addition to posting safety signage, LADWP has also taken out advertisements in all local media advising the public to practice water safety during this period of high runoff.

LADWP encourages the residents and visitors to the valley and the Eastern Sierra mountains to practice general water safety throughout this period of high runoff. To obtain information on local floods or flood risks, residents are encouraged to sign up for CODE RED through the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office at: https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/DAD807D480BF.

To report flooding please call the Inyo Sheriff’s Office at 760-878-0383. Be prepared to tell the Sheriff’s Dispatcher the exact location of the flooding and if the water threatens structures, animals, land or roadways. If water threatens human life, dial 9-1-1 immediately.