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Pajaro River Watershed Study

aerial of flooded river

Study Overview

Phase 1
Both the hydrologic and sediment regimes of the Pajaro River watershed were modeled.

Phase 2
Identify project alternatives that would provide flood protection from the 100-year flows identified in phase 1.

Phases 3 & 4a
Defines and documents the preferred method to maintain the Soap Lake attenuation and storage capacity, known as the Soap Lake Floodplain Preservation Project

Study Phases In Detail

Phase 1

Phase 1

The purpose of Phase 1 of the Pajaro River Watershed Study was to model both the hydrologic and sediment regimes of the Pajaro River watershed, providing a foundation and stepping-stone for the development of flood protection solutions for the Pajaro Valley.  The Phase 1 Report outlines, summarizes, and explains the progress achieved to date within the Pajaro River Watershed Study. Phase 1 consisted of modeling both the hydrologic and sediment regimes of the watershed. These models provide a better understanding of the characteristics of the watershed and changes over time that affect flooding frequency and potential in the downstream reaches of the Pajaro River.

Phase 2

Phase 2

The purpose of Phase 2 of the study was to identify project alternatives that would provide flood protection for the Pajaro River from Chittenden to Monterey Bay from the 100-year flood flows identified in Phase 1.  The Phase 2 Study projects were developed to coordinate with a concurrent Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Lower Pajaro River flood protection project. The Phase 2 projects, when combined with the Corps Lower Pajaro River project, are designed to provide 100-year flood protection and maintain the existing watershed conditions (flood attenuation conditions).

Phases 3 & 4a

Phases 3 & 4a

Phase 3 and 4a defines and documents the preferred method to maintain the Soap Lake attenuation and storage capacity, known as the Soap Lake Floodplain Preservation Project (Project). Soap Lake has been hydraulically modeled and the boundaries are defined, the impacts of flooding and land use preservation are examined, and the cost of the Project is estimated.

Staff Contact Information

AMBAG

Ana Flores

Senior Executive Assistant

831-883-3750

aflores@ambag.org