Snowmelt flood risk to last for months, experts say
LOS ANGELES — After a relentless three months of heavy rain and snow, California is facing yet another environmental threat — sunny skies and balmy weather.
That's right, after announcing the deepest snowpack in decades, state officials are warning that runoff from melting snow will send torrents of water rushing from the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the foothills and valleys thousands of feet below.
Of particular concern is the Tulare Lake Basin and other areas of the Central Valley that have already seen storm flooding this year and remain in the path of snow runoff and releases from nearby dams. Major waterways such as the San Joaquin River, and tributaries, will see treacherous conditions as well.
"If you're recreating in rivers and streams, the water is going to be cold and high and fast," said Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources. "Very, very
