* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 241, 246 and 247. * TIMING...From noon to 6 PM MST Thursday. * WINDS...South 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread. Avoid outdoor burning and any activity that may produce a spark and start a wildfire.
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Ventura River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Ventura River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ventura R Nr Ventura
USGS 11118500 |
173 cfs | 6.29 ft | -2.81 |
It was once the primary source of water for the Chumash people who lived in the area. The river is fed by a network of streams and creeks, and it flows into the Pacific Ocean. Two major reservoirs, the Casitas and Matilija, were constructed in the 1950s to store water for agricultural and municipal use. However, the Matilija Dam has become a controversial issue due to concerns about its safety and impact on the environment. The river is also used for recreational activities like fishing, swimming, and hiking. Agriculture in the area relies on the Ventura River for irrigation. The river's hydrology has been affected by droughts and climate change, leading to decreased water availability in recent years.