Sanctuary Forest is sounding the alert that water flows in the Mattole River are at new lows this spring.

Barring a significant rain event in the next few weeks, the lack of water in the river will only become more extreme as the dry season advances. The result will be water shortages, dry rivers and creek beds, algal blooms and heavy losses to endangered salmon and other aquatic wildlife. Residents of the Mattole watershed and surrounding areas need to prepare to implement water conservation measures immediately.

The Mattole watershed is in a prolonged low flow pattern. Seven of the last nine years have been characterized by the lowest flows in 57 years of record-keeping. This year appears to be headed towards the driest year on record, with flows already tracking below 1977, the lowest flow year documented.

In the mid-Mattole, flows at the Ettersberg gauge show the worst flows for this time of year. Stream flow data from the Mattole headwaters near Whitethorn are below 2002 levels, which was one of the worst drought years in memory and the same year that a devastating fish kill occurred on the Klamath River.

Current flows are already equivalent to those experienced in late July of last year. According to Tasha

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McKee, who monitors the river for the Sanctuary Forest Mattole Flow Program, there will be no flow in the Mattole headwaters south of Shelter Cove Road by August 1 and the critical dry period could easily extend for an additional month this year.

The area around Whitethorn is particularly hard hit because the river is small in that area and population density is greater than in other parts of the watershed. These headwaters are a stronghold for the endangered coho salmon. In 2002, large stretches of the headwaters went dry and many salmon were lost as habitat pools shrank down to nothing. This year, according to Goldsmith, flows are expected to be much more severe than any yet experienced by this community. If rains are late in returning, people will need to take more extensive measures to provide for their own water needs in order to help sustain the fish.

There's a lot residents can do to prepare for low flows, according to the alert. Fill tanks now and acquire more storage if possible. Plant a smaller garden and be prepared to stop irrigating in August if conditions haven't improved. Use drip irrigation, mulching, timers or dry farm. Take short showers, use an outhouse instead of a toilet, fix leaks and install water efficient devices. Be prepared to buy hauled water to get you through the end of the season.

Sanctuary Forest has resources and tips to help landowners conserve and store water. Contact them at 707-986-1087.