Shasta River Flows Drop Toward Critical Levels as State Warns of Potential Water Rights Curtailments

Water users urged to coordinate diversions as drought conditions threaten minimum flow requirements

YREKA, Calif. — Water flows in the Shasta River watershed are declining rapidly, prompting state water officials to warn that mandatory curtailments of water rights could be reinstated if current trends continue.

The State Water Resource Control Board announced Tuesday that flows at the Yreka United States Geological Survey gauge dropped to 55.6 cubic feet per second last Wednesday, then briefly increased over the weekend due to coordinated diversions and cooler weather. However, flows are declining again and measured 64.9 cfs as of 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, dropping at approximately 16 cfs per day over the past two days.

Critical Threshold Approaching

Under the state’s Emergency Regulation, the Shasta River must maintain a minimum flow of 50 cfs at the Yreka gauge from May 1 through September 15. Current flows are just 14.9 cfs above that critical threshold, and with minimal precipitation forecast and rising temperatures expected, officials anticipate flows will continue their downward trend.

“We are hopeful that concerted local coordination in the watershed to address water demands and meet the flow requirement can delay or avoid the need for curtailment,” the State Water Board said in its announcement to watershed water users.

The board is encouraging all water diverters to work with the Scott Valley and Shasta Valley Watermaster District to reduce or cease diversions as flows decrease. Such voluntary coordination efforts could potentially keep flows above the minimum requirement without triggering mandatory curtailments.

Curtailment Authority and Enforcement

If flows drop below the 50 cfs minimum, the State Water Board has authority under its Emergency Regulation to reinstate curtailments, which would require coordination of diversions and mandate the curtailment of junior water rights to maintain minimum flow levels. Additional curtailments could be issued if flows continue to decline.

The stakes for non-compliance have increased significantly since January 1, when Assembly Bill 460 took effect, substantially raising potential penalties for violations of curtailment orders. Water users are being advised to maintain close coordination with the Watermaster and State Water Board as conditions evolve.

Monitoring and Resources

Water users and concerned residents can track real-time flow conditions at the Yreka USGS gauge through the agency’s online monitoring system. The State Water Board continues to monitor hydrology throughout the watershed and provides updates on curtailment status through its Emergency Regulation webpage and email notifications.

The current situation reflects ongoing drought challenges facing California’s North State region, where water rights holders must balance agricultural and municipal needs against environmental flow requirements designed to protect fish habitat and overall watershed health.

Water users are encouraged to sign up for email alerts and regularly check the State Water Board’s Emergency Regulation webpage for the latest information on curtailment status as the dry season progresses.

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