Van Sickle Island levee breach. Photo credit of California Department of Water Resources

SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Solano County Administrator’s Office, in coordination with the Office of Emergency Services, has proclaimed a local emergency following significant damage to levee infrastructure within the Suisun Marsh and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

The proclamation follows King Tides overlapping with a wind and precipitation event from Dec. 13 to 16, resulting in 2.27 inches of rainfall and peak wind gusts of 54 miles per hour. The storm caused widespread damage to levees in multiple reclamation districts, including slips, seepage, erosion, wave wash, cracks and breaches.

The impacts were acutely felt in Reclamation District 1607, where Van Sickle Island sustained substantial damage. Chris Lanzafame, President of Reclamation District 1607, stated,

“Van Sickle Island took a direct hit from the storm at high tide. Our levee, which was recently repaired from the February (2023) storms, failed at a 150-foot breach, and Van Sickle is now flooded again,” said Chris Lanzafame, president of Reclamation District 1607.

The damage’s full extent to the levee infrastructure cannot be assessed until after the winter season. Soil conditions remain saturated and additional storms increase the risk of further damage. Solano County has requested the governor to proclaim a State of Emergency and is seeking assistance through the California Disaster Assistance Act, due to the damage’s magnitude.

The proclamation of a local emergency will remain in effect for seven days until confirmed and ratified by the Solano County Board of Supervisors. An emergency meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 27, after press time, to ensure ratification occurs within the required timeframe. This proclamation will allow the county to access necessary resources to mitigate the impact of the storm and prevent further damage.

About Reclamation Districts & King Tides:

Reclamation districts are special districts established to provide flood protection and water management for agricultural and urban lands in flood-prone areas. The California Department of Water Resources works alongside these districts to maintain and secure infrastructure, especially in areas such as the Suisun Marsh and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Solano County is home to multiple reclamation districts that manage vital flood protection systems, safeguarding public safety, property and the environment.

King Tides are the highest high tides of the year, one to two feet higher than average high tides, according to the California Coastal Commission. They are caused when there is alignment of the gravitational pull between the sun, moon and Earth. These tides typically happen two to four times a year, often during the winter and summer months. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts King Tides in the United States. California’s 2025 King Tides are expected to occur between next Jan. 11 to 13, Nov. 5 to 7 and Dec. 4 to 6. You can check tide reports to see the times of high and low tide. Learn more at oceanservice.noaa.gov

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSolano.com and go to Emergency.SolanoCounty.com for tips on preparing for future disasters. To sign up for Nixle alerts, text your zip code to 888777.