Last-Minute Call Prevents Catastrophic Water Release in Tulare County

A sudden decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to release massive amounts of water from Kaweah and Success lakes in Tulare County, California, sparked a frantic response from local water managers. The decision, made with little warning, threatened to overwhelm rivers and potentially recreate the devastating floods of 2023. While the Corps ultimately reduced the release volume after an outcry, the incident raises serious concerns about communication breakdowns and the decision-making process. Speculation of political motivations abounds, but official explanations remain scarce.