Throughout the spring and winter, flows on the river were extremely high as a result of record-setting precipitation this year. River flows have significantly tapered down since then but should still be considered potentially dangerous for some recreationists.
(Left) Merced River in Mariposa County - Credit: Bob Wick, BLM
Water could be cold and swift.
Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke suggested anyone recreating on the Merced River exercise extreme caution.
“We want to have a safe Labor Day weekend. There still is a decent amount of water in the Merced River and anyone recreating around the river needs to exercise extreme caution. Know your limits and those of anyone you’re with.”
On average, approximately 996,000 acre feet of water flows down the Merced River. Since Oct. 1, Lake McClure has passed about twice that amount or 1.9 million acre feet.
During the winter, Merced River flows below New Exchequer Dam reached more than 7,000 cubic feet per second (CFS). For the Labor Day weekend flows will be about 1,300 CFS.
“Water continues to flow from New Exchequer Dam in accordance with our state and federal operating requirements. As always, people should be vigilant about water safety,” said MID Deputy General Manager Hicham ElTal.
Source: MID
