According to MPWMD Hydrologist Greg James, MPWMD monitoring gages that measure water levels at the Highway One Bridge and the Carmel River Lagoon are now connected to the County's ALERT flood warning system. The ALERT system (Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time) uses radio waves to transmit rainfall and water level information from monitoring stations along the river to computers located at the MPWMD and MCWRA offices. Using computer software provided by the National Weather Service, water agency staff can obtain river flow and rainfall information from remote river and watershed locations in "real time" -- or as it is actually happening.
According to James, the National Weather Service also uses the ALERT information for its flood advisories and warnings that are issued to the public.
Water level gages at San Clemente Dam (owned by Cal-Am) and at locations near Carmel Valley Village and mid-Valley (co-funded by the U.S. Geological Service and MPWMD) have also been linked to the ALERT system.
"Linking the Carmel River gages into the ALERT system improves the ability to track and predict storm flows, and issue flood warnings," said Darby Fuerst, MPWMD General Manager. "This is a good example of how government agencies can work together to better protect lives and property. Fuerst also noted that these improvements tot he ALERT system were recommended by the Carmel River Flood Task Force in May 1995.
The MPWMD is a public agency created by the State legislature and ratified by voters in 1978. It is responsible for water supply planning, managing water resources, promoting conservation and reclamation, and protecting the Carmel River environment.