The 2026 irrigation season is underway; Don Pedro Reservoir is near 95% capacity with about 1.9 million acre-feet in storage. Staff noted possible 100°F temperatures could increase demand. Staff reported the Cooperstown off-stream reservoir feasibility study is essentially complete, and Vice President Bohr said an updated report will be routed to the full board soon.
Despite critically low snowpack at 18% of average, Don Pedro storage is ~92% with an improved year-end forecast. Baker Tilly issued an unmodified clean opinion; two recurring material weaknesses remained unchanged. The Board honored former Director Dr. Tom Van Groningen (d. Apr 28; 20 years of service); celebration of life May 30. Three directors were present (Byrd, Keating, and the Board President); Directors Boer and Ott were absent.
Reservoir storage is slightly higher than last year and Don Pedro is about 92% full, but snowpack is just 18% of the April 1 average (5.82 inches SWE), limiting expected inflows. The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Authority received a clean audit and staff cited about $7M/year in power cost savings.
Groundwater Replenishment Program water was reported as no longer available under the current agreement triggers, prompting board discussion about a possible agreement amendment. Snowpack was 26% of the April 1 average (Apr. 6 survey) after a warm March, and storage is being managed. The irrigation season began Mar. 11 with 13,246 acre-feet delivered.
A 42-inch uncapped allocation was approved for the 2026 irrigation season, qualifying it as a Groundwater Replenishment Program year. The season opens March 11 with a tentative close of October 23, subject to review. Snowpack sits at 54% of the April 1 average, with possible early tapering of inflows; a dry scenario could significantly draw down reservoir levels by season's end.
