Russian River Dam Deflated Amid Heavy Rains

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — An inflatable dam on the Russian River near Forestville is being taken down to protect residents downstream and to protect the dam, Sonoma County Water Agency officials said Monday. Crews already began deflating the Mirabel Inflatable Dam on Monday, something that's done regularly when flows on the river reach 2,000 cubic feet per second. The flow was 455 cfs early Monday, but was expected to increase significantly Tuesday and Wednesday with the heavy rains, agency officials said.

The dam, which is just downstream of the Wohler Bridge, rests on the bottom of the river when it's deflated. It is normally raised in the spring and early summer when the demand for water increases. The dam adds to the agency's well levels in the area.

Agency officials said an underwater video system, which counts migrating salmon and steelhead trout, will not be able to count the fish when the dam is down.

So far this season, the agency has counted 1,892 Chinook salmon, 129 steelhead trout and 60 Coho salmon, however, not all the video footage has been reviewed nor has the count been verified.

Agency officials said even though rain has returned, they are encouraging people to conserve water, with suggestions including deactivating irrigation systems and repairing leaky faucets and toilets.

By Bay City News Service

Photo via Sonoma County Water Agency Facebook page