High water levels expected for 2026 as San Joaquin River begins rising

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The San Joaquin River is expected to rise to some of its highest levels in years, and officials are attributing it to this year’s “unique” back-to-back storms.

Sunday, the river began rising as part of the 2026 San Joaquin River Restoration Program flow schedule. The Aquarius Aquarium Institute, otherwise known as the Fresno Aquarium, says this year, “above-average Sierra snowpack and runoff are predicted.”

“We’re getting a lot of runoff into our rivers right now. And as Spring progresses, we’re going to see more and more, so by late May, early June, we’re going to see a lot of water coming down the mountains and we’re going to be enjoying full reservoirs this year,” said Tom Lang, Executive Director of the Fresno Aquarium.

Lang is familiar with the San Joaquin River, which partially runs along the property in Fresno, where officials are hoping to build the aquarium in the future.

This year’s rising water levels are something he says is wonderful not only for the river’s fish, but also for the workers behind one of the Central Valley’s most profitable industries.

“In a good water year like this, it’s really great for farmers, and for the river,” he said.

More water for farmers means more crops grown in and around Fresno.

Lang says that because of the runoff, there will be substantial restoration flows from the Friant Dam, all the way down the San Joaquin River.

He added that the water system in California is designed to keep water moving to farms through managed pumping and diversions.

And with water being unpredictable, Lang believes the rising levels will provide relief this year.

“I think the one consistent thing about California water is that it’s not consistent. Every year, there seems to be highs and lows. There’s normal, then there’s above normal, but every year we do seem to get snow in the Sierras and build up, and that’s very important for our farmers,” he said.

Kerry Mannix is a general assignment reporter for ABC30 Action News. For news updates, follow her on Instagram.

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