Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E)

This Preliminary Viability Assessment (PVA) was initiated by the Prado Dam Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) multi-agency Steering Committee in 2017 and follows the workplan completed in 2019. The PVA provides an initial evaluation of the viability of FIRO as a strategy for improving water supply reliability for Orange County Water District (OCWD), while not impairing and possibly enhancing environmental conditions and flood risk management. Constructed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Prado Dam was primarily designed for flood risk management. Stormwater capture for downstream groundwater recharge into OCWD’s water supply is a secondary purpose. The PVA demonstrated that FIRO is viable, and it lays the groundwork for a Final Viability Assessment (FVA) and recommendations for updating USACE’s Water Control Manual (WCM), which governs operation of Prado Dam.

This Preliminary Viability Assessment (PVA) was initiated by the Seven Oaks Dam Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) multi-agency Steering Committee in 2023 and follows the workplan completed in 2024. Seven Oaks Dam is operated and maintained by Orange County Flood Control District, San Bernardino County Flood Control District, and Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District for flood risk management. This PVA provides an initial evaluation of the viability of FIRO as a strategy for capturing stormwater to improve water availability for San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and Western Municipal Water District, while not impairing and possibly enhancing environmental conditions and flood risk management. The PVA demonstrated that FIRO is viable, and it lays the groundwork for a Final Viability Assessment (FVA) and recommendations for pursuing FIRO at Seven Oaks Dam.