Hydro license compliance
A 50-year operating license
In 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) granted SMUD a new 50-year license that spells out rules and conditions for our operation of the Upper American River Project (UARP) through 2064.
We’re making improvements!
Over the next few years, many of the Crystal Basin Recreational Areas will be upgraded with new features for your enjoyment. However, the work will require some sites to be partially or completely closed during renovations. Please view the closure map for a schedule and information to help with your planning.
View the latest recorded stream flows and reservoir conditions
This page is updated annually. The reports available here may not be the latest versions.
License implementation and operating requirements
Under the new license, SMUD agreed to release more water from dams to support aquatic habitats, whitewater rafting and also to carry out extensive ecological monitoring and reporting over the next 50 years. We also agreed to spend $155 million over 20 years to improve public recreation facilities around our reservoirs in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area, just north of Highway 50 on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada.
FERC Project No 2101 Order Issuing New License
FERC Project No 2101 Order Revising 4(e) Conditions
FERC Project No 2101 Order Removing Authorization for IHPS Project
FERC Project No 2101 License Amendment Order
FERC Project No 2101 Order Establishing Loon Lake Reservoir Pulse Flows
FERC Project No 2101 Order Amending Slab Creek Streamflow and Reservoir Levels
License implementation monitoring and management plans
FERC 2101 Algae Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Amphibian and Aquatic Reptile Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Bald Eagle Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Bear Human Interaction Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Geomorphology Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Gerle Creek Fish Passage Plan
FERC 2101 Gerle Creek Sensitive Site Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Hardhead Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Riparian Vegetation Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Robbs Powerhouse Entrainment Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Trout Monitoring Plan
FERC 2101 Avian Protection Plan
FERC 2101 Canal and Penstock Emergency Release Point Plan
FERC 2101 Facilities Management Plan
FERC 2101 Fire Prevention and Response Plan
FERC 2101 Hazardous Substances Plan
FERC 2101 License Implementation Plan
FERC 2101 SMUD-PGE Streamflow Reservoir Level Information
FERC 2101 Streamflow and Reservoir Elevation Gaging Plan
FERC 2101 Transportation and Trails System Management Plan
FERC 2101 Bear Proofing Implementation Plan
FERC 2101 Crystal Basin Reservoirs Recreation Plan
FERC 2101 Interpretive Education and Public Information Plan
FERC 2101 Recreation Access Plan for Slab Creek Reservoir at Forebay Road
FERC 2101 Recreation Implementation Plan
FERC 2101 Slab Creek Reservoir West End Boating Access Plan
FERC 2101 Union Valley Reservoir Boating Management Plan
License implementation monitoring reports
2022 monitoring program
2022 Monitoring Program Annual Report + Appendices
2022 Water Quality Monitoring Report
2021 monitoring program
2021 Monitoring Program Annual Report + Appendices
2021 Water Quality Monitoring Report
2020 Monitoring Program Annual Report + Appendices
2020 Water Quality Monitoring Report
2020 Whitewater Boating Five-Year Monitoring Report
2019 monitoring program
2019 Monitoring Program Annual Report + Appendices
2019 Water Quality Monitoring Report
2018 monitoring program
2018 Monitoring Program Annual Report
Appendix A - 2018 Amphibian Reptile Monitoring Report
Appendix B - 2018 Water Temperature Monitoring Report
Appendix C - 2018 Water Quality Monitoring Report
Appendix D - 2018 Bear Monitoring Report
Appendix E - 2018 Bald Eagle Monitoring Report
2017 monitoring program
Appendix A – 2017 Hardhead Monitoring Report
Appendix B – 2017 Amphibian Reptile Monitoring Report
Appendix C – 2017 Water Temperature Monitoring Report
Appendix D – 2017 Water Quality Monitoring Report
Appendix E – 2017 Bear Monitoring Report
Appendix F – 2017 Bald Eagle Monitoring Report
2016 monitoring program
Appendix A – 2016 Hardhead Monitoring Report
Appendix B – 2016 Amphibian and Aquatic Reptile Monitoring Report
Appendix C – 2016 Algae Species Identification and Monitoring Report
Appendix D – 2016 Water Temperature Monitoring Report
Appendix E – 2016 Water Quality Monitoring Report
Appendix F – 2016 Bear Management Monitoring Report
Appendix G – 2016 Bald Eagle Monitoring Report
FERC 2101 Gerle Creek Fish Passage Final Report
FERC 2101 Gerle Creek SSIMMP Final Report
FERC 2101 Robbs Peak Entrainment Final Report