Special weather statement

Special weather statement
National weather service san joaquin valley - hanford ca
322 pm pdt thu may 26 2011

Caz089>099-272230-
West central san joaquin valley-east central san joaquin valley-
Southwestern san joaquin valley-southeastern san joaquin valley-
Mariposa madera and fresno county foothills-
Tulare county foothills-kern county mountains-
Sierra nevada from yosemite to kings canyon-
Tulare county mountains-indian wells valley-
Southeastern kern county desert-
322 pm pdt thu may 26 2011

...Fast flowing cold water in area rivers...Streams and lakes can
Be deadly...

As we approach the memorial day weekend and the summer
Recreational season...The national weather service would like to
Remind people of the hidden dangers of the cold snowmelt waters
Feeding central california`s waterways.

Area rivers...Streams and reservoirs are directly fed from the
Melting snowpack in the sierra nevada and tehachapi mountains.
Even though a stream or river looks cool and inviting...The water
Is actually very cold. Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to use
Extreme caution near rivers...Streams and lakes.

If you are planning travel into the southern sierra nevada...The
Tehachapi mountains...The kern river canyon or the sierra
Foothills this weekend...Remember that the increased cold water
Flow can be a deadly combination. Although afternoon air
Temperatures may be warm...People in the much colder water could
Quickly experience hypothermia which can lead to drowning.

Hypothermia is a sudden loss of body temperature that can be
Fatal. Warning signs include uncontrolled shivering...Slurred
Speech...Drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Even strong swimmers
Can tire quickly in cold water...And a strong current is a deadly
Combination. If you witness someone exhibiting the symptoms of
Hypothermia...Get help immediately.

Due to this year`s above normal snowpack...Central california`s
Rivers and streams are running very cold and fast for the next
Several weeks. Plan ahead for any trips to area waterways by
Having life vests at hand...And wear them! Even children that are
Simply wading along a waterway should wear one.

$$

Jmb

Weather.Gov/hanford