January 6, 2017 - Merced Irrigation District is closely monitoring the developing storm that is predicted to bring high flows to the Merced River in the coming days. The District owns and operates 1-million-acre-foot Lake McClure on the Merced River in Mariposa County, several miles below Yosemite National Park. Lake McClure serves as a multi-purpose reservoir, providing both water storage and flood control operations.

The reservoir currently holds approximately 455,000 acre-feet of water, approximately 45 percent of capacity. According to the National Weather Service, the developing storm is predicted to produce approximately 135,000 acre-feet of inflow to the reservoir over the next 10 days.

At this time, MID is not releasing water from the reservoir below New Exchequer Dam beyond the normal regulatory flows. Any observed high water flows in local area creeks or waterways in eastern Merced County are the direct result of natural water flows. MID remains in consultation with the Merced County Office of Emergency Services and is providing support.
Source: MID