FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — PG&E has increased water flows on a portion of the San Joaquin River by releasing more water from Kerckhoff Dam in Fresno and Madera counties as crews work on a power station.
Because of limited and difficult egress from the San Joaquin River Gorge, PG&E advised the public to avoid entering the water during the high-flow event and urged people recreating in or near that part of the river to use caution.
Under normal operations, water is diverted from the reservoir into a tunnel and pipe system to the hydroelectric powerhouse.
While the powerhouse is not operating, PG&E said all flows will be released to the San Joaquin River to maintain appropriate water levels in Kerckhoff Reservoir.
PG&E increased water releases from about 30 cubic feet per second to 500 cubic feet per second.
The release can be held at about 500 cfs when possible, but at times is likely to increase to 4,000 cfs or more.
The water will be reduced gradually to 30 cfs when the unplanned maintenance work is complete on Dec. 15.
The high flow event is expected to affect a 9-mile section of the river between Kerckhoff Dam and Millerton Lake.
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Warning signs will be posted at common access points to the river.
PG&E also shared water safety tips, warning that sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the “gasp reflex,” causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water, and can trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. The utility said swift water can overwhelm even strong swimmers and that unseen obstacles below the surface can become more dangerous when water is moving quickly.