CNRFC - Hydrology - River Guidance - Graphical RVF

PAJARO RIVER - CHITTENDEN (AROC1)

Latitude: 36.90º N	Longitude: 121.60º W	Elevation: 82 Feet
Location: Santa Cruz County in California

Monitor Stage: 25.0 Feet

Flood Stage: 32.0 Feet

Historical Info	Peak Discharge	Stage	Date
Period of Record	25,100 cfs	33.73 feet	Feb 03, 1998
Dec 1996 - Jan 1997	15,800 cfs	29.53 feet	Jan 03
1995	21,500 cfs	32.20 feet	Mar 11
Feb 1986	13,100 cfs	27.68 feet	Feb 19

Location Photographs
Upstream Photo	Gage House Photo	Downstream Photo

Regional Location Map		Gage Station Location Map

Official 7 Day National Weather Service Forecast (CAZ514)

Impacts - E19 Information
25.0 Feet	Significant scouring of cultivated lowlands near the Pajaro River can be expected.
28.0 Feet	Some inundation of the lowest portions of agricultural areas along the entire Pajaro River can be expected. Some of the secondary roads in the Pajaro Valley near the Pajaro River will begin to flood.
29.5 Feet	State Highway 129 between US Highway 101 and Watsonville is expected to flood in some areas. Moderate bank erosion and sediment deposition is expected along the entire Pajaro River.
32.0 Feet	Levees protecting Watsonville and Pajaro are expected to be within half a foot from the top. Significant damage can be expected from bank erosion and sediment deposition along the entire Pajaro River. Transportation in the Pajaro Valley is expected to be difficult. Minor flooding is expected to occur along lower portions of towns along the Pajaro River.
32.5 Feet	The levees protecting Watsonville and Pajaro will be severly strained. People should keep alert and keep informed by local low enforcement of possible levee failure. Extensive damage can be expected with transportation becoming very difficult.
33.0 Feet	Extensive flood damage can be expected throughout the Pajaro Valley, including portions near San Juan Bautista along the San Benito River. Travel in the Pajaro Valley will become near impossible. The levees along the Pajaro River will be in danger of being reached.
34.0 Feet	Disastrous flood damage can be expected throughout the Pajaro Valley, which includes the towns of Pajaro and Watsonville. Disastrous flooding is expected near San Juan Bautista along the San Benito River and portions south of Gilroy near the Pajaro River. Transportation throughout the Pajaro Valley will become near impossible. Damage to roads and bridges can be expected.
35.0 Feet	Disastrous flood damage can be expected throughout the Pajaro Valley, which includes the towns of Pajaro and Watsonville. Levees protecting Watsonville and Pajaro will be in danger of failing. Disastrous flooding is expected near San Juan Bautista and west of Hollister along the San Benito River. Disastrous flooding can be expected for portions south of Gilroy near the Pajaro River. Transportation throughout the Pajaro Valley will become near impossible. Damage to roads and bridges can be expected.

Product Disclaimer

This river graphic is not intended to serve as a substitute for official flood watches, warnings, advisories, or statements issued by the NWS San Francisco Bay Area-Monterey Weather Forecast Office. Observations are preliminary and subject to change. River levels identified as "forecast" should be consistent with those contained in official NWS products. River levels identified as "guidance" have significant uncertainty due to future weather or reservoir regulation and are provided for planning purposes only.