June 17, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that effective on the evening of Friday, June 16th, 2023, the San Joaquin River is open.
Sheriff Tyson Pogue lifted the closure of the San Joaquin River from Millerton Lake/Friant Dam south along the River to the Merced County Line.
Friant Dam has lowered releases below 7,000 Cubic Feet Per Second (CFS) and will be reduced to 4,000 CFS. According to forecasts from the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Friant Dam will likely stay below this number until the end of summer.
With this reduction, both Sheriff Pogue and Sheriff Zanoni are lifting the closure. This doesn’t mean the river is free from all hazards nor relieve the public of being taking responsibility for their own safety while enjoying the recreational activity along the river. Sheriff Pogue cautions, “The river has changed from last year. Sand has been moved, banks of the river have eroded, logs and debris are in different locations. These pose potential hazards to not only the public but also our Sheriff’s Deputies, Firefighters and EMS Providers who would be responsible for any rescue.”
The water temperature is still very cold. As of this week, monitoring stations below Friant Dam are reporting the water temperature is around 54 degrees. Most people begin to lose fine motor skills after being in 54-degree water for 10-15 minutes then to the point of exhaustion or unconsciousness within an hour.
Madera County has had one drowning at Bass Lake in late April. Many lakes, rivers and streams are flowing at peak flows and are extremely cold. These increased flows and cold temperatures are extreme hazards that will be with us until late summer.
Those who are coming to Madera County to enjoy its beauty this summer, remember STOP.
S - Stay Together: Most Search and Rescue emergencies happen when parties split up. Stay with your partners until you return to the trailhead.
T - Turn Around: When you’re out on the trail, make sure you’re eating and drinking regularly, and stop and rest if you feel sick. If you don’t feel better after a rest, it’s time to turn around.
O – Ownership: You are responsible for your own safety and rescue is never a guarantee.
P – Prepare: Bring the gear you need and know how to use it.
Source & map photo: Madera County Sheriff’s Office
