| SAN LORENZO RIVER - BIG TREES (BTEC1) | ||
| Latitude: 37.04º N | Longitude: 122.07º W | Elevation: 227 Feet |
| Location: Santa Cruz County in CA | ||
| River Group: Central Coast | ||
| Forecast Issued: | Jan 05 2026 at 9:03 PM PST | Next Issuance: | Jan 06 2026 at 9:00 AM PST |
| Action/ Monitor: 14.0 Ft | Minor Flood: 16.5 Ft | Moderate Flood: 19.5 Ft | Major Flood: 21.76 Ft |
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Historical Stage/Flow Data |
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Water Year
|
Peak Discharge (cfs)
|
Stage (feet)
|
Date
|
| Most Recent 5 Years | |||
2025 |
3,560 |
13.25 |
Feb 13, 2025 |
2024 |
5,220 |
14.69 |
Feb 4, 2024 |
| 2023 | 20,500 |
24.54 |
Jan 9, 2023 |
| 2022 | 5,600 | 16.06 | Dec 13, 2021 |
2021 |
1,750 | 9.11 | Jan 28, 2021 |
| Historical High Stage/Flow Events (Period of Record - Oct 1936 to Present)* - Ranked by Flow | |||
| 1956 | 30,400 |
22.55** |
Dec 23, 1955 |
1982 |
29,700 |
28.85 |
Jan 5, 1982 |
| 1940 | 24,000 | 21.10** | Feb 27, 1940 |
2023 |
20,500 |
24.54 |
Jan 9, 2023 |
| 1986 | 19,800 | 21.22 | Feb 17, 1986 |
| 1998 | 19,400 | 24.04 | Feb 03, 1998 |
| * Low flow partially regulated by Loch Lomond Reservoir since 1961, and inflatable fiber dam located 500 ft upstream from gauge. Many small diversions upstream from station for domestic supply. | |||
| ** Unknown old datum. | |||
| Location Photographs | ||
| ESRI™ Locator Map |
| Flood Impacts | |
| 21.76 Feet | Major Flooding. At approximately 21.76 feet discharge in the San Lorenzo River is approximately 15,000 cfs. Major flooding in the Felton Grove neighborhood occurs at this stage, with roadways several feet deep and waters inundating the approaches to the Felton Covered Bridge. Felton Covered Bridge Park begins to experience widespread flooding at shallow depths. At 15,000 cfs, the City of Santa Cruz downstream will experience more serious flooding. The flood wave may take 2-3 hours to reach Santa Cruz. |
| 19.5 Feet | Moderate Flooding. The St. Bernard Street area in Paradise Park is under several feet of water, with below grade floodplain infrastructure several feet deeper. St. Augustine Avenue neighborhood in Paradise Park begins to flood. Flooding imminent or already occurring in the Felton Grove neighborhood. Ground stories, first floors, and garages flooded. Felton Covered Bridge Park begins to flood. |
| 16.5 Feet | Minor Flooding. Flooding is either imminent or already occurring in Paradise Park, with initial flooding in the St. Bernard Street area. |
| 14.0 Feet | Monitor Stage. Stage can rise rapidly on the San Lorenzo River, up to several feet per hour. Approximately 2.5 feet below flood levels in Paradise Park and approximately 5.5 feet below flood stage in Felton Grove. |