On March 17, the San Joaquin River Restoration Program updated the water allocation for the 2025 water year, providing a total 248,489 acre-feet for Restoration Flows under a Normal-Dry water year type. This is an increase from the previous Restoration Allocation of 229,374 acre-feet. Additionally, the Program recently completed a seepage project in Reach 4A, allowing for increased Restoration Flows passing through the Restoration Area.
The Restoration Administrator, an independent body stipulated by the Settlement, has updated the flow schedule, increasing the flow rate at Gravelly Ford to 825 cfs through the end of March. This schedule has now been provisionally approved by Reclamation as being consistent with the Settlement, Restoration Flow Guidelines, and applicable water rights.
The Restoration Allocation will be updated in April and finalized in May. In response, the Restoration Administrator may adjust flows or add additional features to the planned hydrograph.
The public is cautioned that San Joaquin River temperatures are very cold, and higher flow conditions may be challenging for those recreating in and around the river, especially in March and April. The public is encouraged to check Friant Dam releases before recreating near the San Joaquin River as conditions may change from day to day.
The Restoration Flow schedule has been set to the following:
| Date | Friant Dam Releases | Flow Rate at Gravelly Ford |
| March 16 – March 31 | Increasing to approximately 1,000 cfs | 825 cfs |
| April 1 – April 12 | Gradually decreasing to 800-860 cfs | Gradually decreasing to 640 cfs |
| April 13 – May 24 | Gradually decreasing to approximately 400 cfs | Gradually decreasing to 180 cfs |
| May 25 – September 30 | 400 – 450 cfs | 180 cfs |
| October 1 – October 31 | 400 – 450 cfs | 190 cfs |
| November 1 – November 30 | 400 – 450 cfs, except for pulses which are to be determined | 235 cfs (except for pulses which are to be determined) |
| December 1 – December 31 | 400 – 450 cfs, except for pulses which are to be determined | 285 cfs (except for pulses which are to be determined) |
| January 1 – February 28, 2026 | 400 – 450 cfs | 250 cfs |
For Information about Restoration Flows, please visit http://www.restoresjr.net/restoration-goal/restoration-flows/.
For the Restoration Administrator recommendations, please visit http://www.restoresjr.net/documentsreports/ra-recommendations/.
For additional information about the San Joaquin River Restoration Program, please visit http://www.restoresjr.net/ or contact Josh Newcom, Public Affairs Specialist, at 916-978-5508 or snewcom@usbr.gov.