July 18, 2026 – Flows on the Merced River are expected to significantly increase in the coming days as part of operations at MID’s Lake McClure reservoir. Water will be moving more swiftly around Henderson Park and the Snelling area as well as farther downstream as early as Tuesday, July 21st. 

The increase in flows coincides with high, summer temperatures reaching the high 90s and triple digits. 

“The flows that people may be seeing today around Henderson Park and around the Snelling area will be more swift in the coming days,” said MID Deputy Manager of Water Resources Bryan Kelly. 

Merced County Office of Emergency Services Manager Adam Amaral also urged extreme caution.

“No matter how inviting the water may look, the safest choice is to stay out of the river and enjoy it from the shoreline,” said Amaral. “Increased flows will result in cold, fast-moving water that can sweep away even the strongest swimmers.”

The current flow of approximately 300 cubic feet per second will triple to upwards of 900 cubic feet per second beginning on Tuesday, July 21. The increased flows will likely remain higher for two weeks or more, and until further notice. 

For more information about water and canal safety, please visit MIDWaterSafe.com

Source: MID