Multiple San Luis Obispo County reservoirs reach capacity as a result of multiple storms

Multiple

By HAYLEY MATTSON & CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay Life

Apowerful storm system has been pummeling the Central Coast once again with heavy winds and rainfall throughout the week. According to the latest figures at the time of printing, Paso Robles has received 26.38 inches of rain this season, with Atascadero recording slightly more at 27.89 inches.

The authorities are closely monitoring the reservoir levels in the area. At the time of printing, Salinas has reported 107.6 inches of water in its reservoir, with Lake Nacimiento presently holding 85.0 inches of water, while San Anto-

On Thursday, March 23, Lake Lopez reservoir reached its 50,000 acre-feet of water capacity and spilled over for the first time in 25 years. The lake's received over 98 inches of rain this season, leading the remarkable sight that people flocked to see. The spillover was anticipated as the lake went from 24 percent capacity at the beginning of January to full capacity in less than three months.

Lopez Lake, located near Arroyo Grande, was at 92.2 percent capacity as of Friday, March 17, according to SLO County Public Works data. This is a significant increase from its 22 percent capacity in December and 24 percent capacity at the beginning of January. Multiple atmospheric river storms in January and March have brought it close to spilling for the first time in more than two decades.

The last time the reservoir spilled was in 1998. In its more than five decades of operation, the lake has spilled a total of 18 times. As of Friday feet, according to Public Works data.

Established in 1968, the reservoir can store a maximum of 49,388 acre-feet of water. In addition to providing water to residents of the Five Cities area of SLO County, Lopez Lake is also used for recreational activities such as boating, camping, fishing, and mountain biking.

Leading up to the spillover, SLO County Public Works has been monitoring the spillway, which will direct overflowing water into Arroyo Grande Creek, to ensure it remains in good condition through regular maintenance and inspections.

Oceano, located near the Arroyo Grande Creek Levee, has already been at risk of flooding during this winter's extreme storms. Officials issued evacuation warnings and, in some cases, orders as water levels rose in the area. The most capacity this winter. In March, Whale Rock Reservoir near Cayucos spilled for the first time in 18 years. The last time Whale Rock was close to capacity was in May 2019, when it reached 90 percent. However, by the afternoon of March 11, the reservoir reached 111 percent capacity.

Santa Margarita Lake has also been overflowing into the Salinas River since Jan. 9. As of March 24, it was at 105 percent of capacity. These reservoirs reaching capacity highlight the substantial impact of this winter's storms on the region.

As the storm system continues, county officials and emergency services remain vigilant to address any potential flooding and ensure public safety. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather conditions and follow any guidance or evacuation orders issued by local author-