This study is the first of a two-part series presenting novel weather regime-based stochastic generator to support bottom-up climate vulnerability assessments water systems in California. In Part 1 this series, we present details model development and validation. The based on identification simulation regimes, or large-scale patterns atmospheric flow, which are then used condition local, daily at 6 km resolution across state. We conduct thorough validation baseline, 1000-year evaluate its...

The assumption of stationarity in historical hydroclimatic data, fundamental to traditional water resource planning models, is increasingly challenged by the impacts climate change. This discrepancy can lead inaccurate model outputs and misinformed management decisions. study addresses this challenge developing a novel monthly data adjustment approach, Runoff Curve Year-to-Month (RC-YTM) method. application method exemplified at five key California watersheds. RC-YTM accounts for increasing...

The assumption of stationarity in historical hydroclimatic data, fundamental to traditional water resource planning models, is increasingly challenged by the impacts climate change. This discrepancy can lead inaccurate model outputs and misinformed management decisions. study addresses this challenge developing a novel monthly data adjustment approach, Runoff Curve Year–Type–Monthly (RC-YTM) method. application method exemplified at five key California watersheds. RC-YTM accounts for...

This study presents a comprehensive trend analysis of precipitation, temperature, and runoff extremes in the Central Valley California from an operational perspective. is prone to those which any changes could have long-lasting adverse impacts on society, economy, environment State. Available long-term datasets 176 forecasting basins six groups inflow 12 major water supply reservoirs are employed. A suite nine precipitation indices temperature derived historical (water year 1949–2010)...

This study is the second of a two-part series presenting novel weather regime-based stochastic generator to support bottom-up climate vulnerability assessments water systems in California. In Part 2 this series, we present how model used develop an ensemble change scenarios based on both thermodynamic and dynamic signals change. The includes suite 30 scenarios, each consisting 1000 years simulated daily data (precipitation, maximum temperature, minimum temperature) at 6 km resolution across...

This study assesses potential changes in runoff of California’s eight major Central Valley water supply watersheds the 21st century. The employs latest operative climate projections from 10 general circulation models (GCMs) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) under two emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) to drive a hydrologic model (VIC) generating through 2099. Changes peak runoff, timing, seasonal (major season April–July) annual during future periods, mid-century...

This study investigated potential changes in future precipitation, temperature, and drought across 10 hydrologic regions California. The latest climate model projections on these variables through 2099 representing the current state of science were applied for this purpose. Changes explored terms differences from a historical baseline as well changing trend. results indicate that warming is expected all temperature projections, particularly late-century. There no such consensus with mostly...

Climate change and resulting changes in hydrology are already altering—and expected the future to continue alter—the timing amount of water flowing through rivers streams. As these occur, historical reliability existing rights will change. This study evaluates Sacramento–Feather–American river watersheds. Because adequate data not available conduct a comprehensive analysis reliability, condition placed into certain rights, known as Term 91, is used model projected curtailment actions....

ABSTRACT Wildfire activity in the western United States (WUS) is increasingly impacting water supply, and land surface models (LSMs) that do not explicitly account for fire disturbances can have critical uncertainties burned areas. This study quantified responses from Weather Research Forecasting Hydrological modelling system (WRF‐Hydro) to a suite of fire‐related perturbations hydrologic soil runoff parameters, vegetation area, cover classifications associated properties, snow albedo across...

For California water resource planning in the face of climate change, hydrological and distribution models require inputs high spatial– temporal–resolution temperature precipitation projections. We used a quantile delta mapping (QDM) procedure along with bias correction localized constructed analogs (LOCA) downscaling to produce 6-km fields that preserve relative changes these quantities from model developed wetter moderate warming (WMW) case Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5...

Conserve to Enhance offers an innovative municipal water conservation mechanism designed motivate consumers conserve and set aside funds purchase for environmental needs. The concept program elements were developed with the collaboration of utility representatives, elected officials, interested citizens, as well more than 40 experts in concerns. Under proposed voluntary program, a baseline use is established participants on basis actual consumption. Even if reduce their consumption, they...

River restoration activities are becoming increasingly common in many communities today. Such efforts Arizona illustrative of a larger ecosystem and river trend underway nationally internationally. This paper examines the context changing federal state agency missions local priorities. Restoration projects on four significant rivers analyzed with keen look at design features they share. Multiple purpose goals, collaborative funding support, community involvement, monitoring maintenance...

The Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta) is a critical hub of California’s statewide water distribution system. Located at the confluence two largest rivers, Sacramento River and San River, features complex network braided channels over hundred islands, most which are located below sea level. Delta’s nature low-lying topography make it unique hydrological area pertinent to climate change studies. This paper aims estimate explore potential effects on Delta, especially Net Channel Depletion...

Key Takeaways Greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation to climate change vulnerabilities should be incorporated into existing utility business project management processes. A comprehensive action plan can meet exceed legal requirements, reduce risk, achieve process efficiencies, apply best available science, demonstrate social responsibility. Focused internal workgroups, expert consultation, inspired management, feedback loops, breadth of application, quantitative detail are critical success.