Hydrologic Outlook

CAZ190>197-091730-

HYDROLOGIC OUTLOOK
National Weather Service HANFORD CA
1028 AM PDT Wed May 8 2019

...RISING WATER LEVELS ANTICIPATED ON RIVERS AND STREAMS
THURSDAY THROUGH THE WEEKEND...

Due to an upper-level low pressure system developing over portions
of Central California, there is a potential for slow moving
thunderstorms with heavy rain possible over the mountain areas
during late this week, especially on Thursday and Friday. As the
system moves off the Central California coast by Friday, the
potential for thunderstorms and heavy rain could spread further
south over the Sierra Nevada and into the Kern County mountain
areas.

The combination of locally heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt over
the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada and into the Kern
County mountains will accelerate runoff and generate diurnal water
rises on area streams and rivers on mainly Thursday and Friday.
Additional precipitation is possible into Saturday over the
mountain areas as the low pressure system remains offshore near
the Southern California coast. Many rivers in the foothills and
higher elevations of the Sierra, as well as in the mountain areas
in Kern County, could rise to near bankfull late this week and
into the weekend.

In Yosemite National Park, the California-Nevada River Forecast
Center forecasts the Merced River at Pohono Bridge to crest
approximately a half foot below its respective Flood stage early
Friday morning and remain closer to a foot below Flood stage early
Saturday morning.

Hikers, recreational boaters and campers should remain alert for
rising waters on area streams and rivers during the next few days
and be prepared to move to a place of safety if the threat of
flooding becomes imminent. Keep in mind that rivers pose dangerous,
life threatening hazards at this time of year due to their swift
currents and very cold water temperatures. Fifteen minutes or less
exposure to the icy cold waters of a river can lead to hypothermia.
Strong undercurrents can carry even an experienced swimmer into
dangerous parts of the river. Don`t become the next drowning
victim or the victim of a water rescue!

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite media
source for further hydrologic updates. You can also follow
us on Facebook and Twitter and on our NWS website at
www.weather.gov/hnx.

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BSO