Forecast map: California rivers bulge with snowmelt, but no major floods expected. How’s it look near you?
The “Big Melt” has begun.
As the gargantuan Sierra snowpack gets heated up by warmer temperatures this week, many of the Golden State’s major waterways are expected to see a surge in flow from the melting snow — though major floods still seem a ways off for now. The only rivers forecast to exceed flood stage in the next four days are the Merced River near Yosemite Valley, which will close down parts of the national park, and the West Fork Carson River in Alpine County.
The map below shows the two locations where minor flooding is forecast. Those spots are symbolized by yellow dots. These dot forecasts only predict flooding within the next four days.
The blue lines represent California waterways that are expected to flow at an above-normal rate within the next 10 days. The thicker the blue line, the more water than usual is expected to flow through the waterway. The flow rates capture how much water would course through the river based on a cubic feet per second measure.
Click on the dots, or one of the river lines, for more information. You can search your address by clicking the magnifying glass on the top right.
Yosemite National Park announced that it would close from Friday until at least next Wednesday as forecasts predict minor flooding there. Current forecasts suggest that the Merced River, which snakes through the valley, will peak around 1 foot above flood stage by Saturday, with more flood potential early next week.
Check back for updates.