Annual Russian River Dam Deflation Underway

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The deflation of the rubber dam in the Russian River near Forestville began Thursday, according to the Sonoma County Water Agency. The deflation begins when the Russian River flows reach 2,000 cubic feet per second. The deflation prevents damage to the dam from high flows from winter rains.

The flows are expected to increase significantly Sunday and Monday following heavy rain expected over the weekend, water agency officials said.

Once deflated, the rubber dam rests flat on the bottom of the Russian River just downstream from Wohler Bridge. It is normally raised in the spring or early summer when water demands increase. The dam creates a pool of water that enhance the county's well levels in the area.

Permanent fish ladders provide fish passage when the dam is raised.

By Bay City News Service

Photo credit: Eric Risberg/Associated Press