Snowpack at 17% (second-lowest on record) signals a dry year, with runoff possibly 20–30% and low odds of filling Lake Kaweah. Growers should plan for 4–5 weeks of surface water at 0.4–0.5 AF/acre, vs. last summer's 6 weeks at 0.65. TID purchased ~7,800 AF of URF water at ~$90/AF for recharge during a brief March run.
Kaweah snowpack measured 71% of March 1st average; NOAA runoff scenarios as low as 26–38%. Staff showed wide-range summer supply scenarios (3 weeks to a couple months) but stressed it is too early to commit. Board authorized proceeding with the office remodel/annex plan (ballpark ~$1.2M) pending bids and design refinement. Spring groundwater averaged 170 ft, about 4 ft lower than last spring, though decline is moderating.
The Board discussed Tulare ID's stronger SGMA position, noting it is now **out of probation** and working with **DWR**, which puts it ahead of some neighboring areas. Members raised concerns about a $10,000 County Farm Bureau contribution to a legal defense fund tied to a roughly $2 million case, and staff stressed the need to coordinate on pumping allocations. The Board then went into closed session.
Board maintained annual assessment rate at $95 per acre for 2025 despite staff recommendations for an increase, citing concerns about financial burden on farmers. Water supplies remain critically limited with only 700 acre-feet remaining after the 2024 season, prompting continued conservation measures. State Water Resources Control Board is expected to make a final decision on December 2nd regarding whether to return basin management to local control after years.
