River levels holding steady until spring runoff

Yuba County Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Leslie Carbah said boat Deputy Dan Harris relayed to her that the major waterways are all looking normal, no flooding issues, but they fluctuate with each storm system.

“Lakes are filling up but no issues, yet. Once storm runoff starts, dams may let water out which affects river levels, which is normal as the season progresses,” she said. “They are also working on cleaning up around boat launches; specifically Star Bend right now.”

She added that usage increases once striper season starts and they have problems with trash dumping at Star Bend, as well as taking care of general maintenance and brush clearing.

Carbah said although the boat patrol is a little slower than the summertime, they still remain ready for emergencies and keep busy.

“During the offseason, although not actively on regular patrol on the lakes and rivers, they do still respond to marine duties if needed or called for, such as a boat accident,” Carbah said.

In the offseason the boat patrol will inventory, service and maintain marine and search and rescue equipment, conduct and participate in various marine and search and rescue training, which includes the dive team.

They also conduct contacts with homeless people, as related to the local waterways and river bottoms, take counts, note locations, assist in evacuation plans and the execution of evacuations in flood prone areas, and share resource information with the at-risk population.