Additional storms in the forecast — including two hitting the Northern San Joaquin Valley and Stanislaus River watershed over the next five days  — prompted the South San Joaquin Irrigation District Board Tuesday to delay a decision of when to start the 2024 irrigation season.

The National Weather Service anticipates the first storm on Saturday-Sunday will bring 0.25 to 0.50 inches of rain to Manteca-Ripon-Lathrop with wind gusts between 25 and 30 mph.

The storm could drop 6 to 8 inches of snow on Sonora Pass (Highway 108)  and Tioga Pass (Highway 120).

The second storm stretching from Sunday to Tuesday will be the heaviest.

The South County could receive between 2 to 3 inches of rain while the Sierra crest may receive between 30 and 36 inches of snow.

Snow level during both storms is expected to go as low as 5,000 to 6,000 feet.

A possible March 20 start date had been advanced in a staff report to help provide a foundation for the board discussing what to do.

SSJID General Manager Peter Reitkerk stressed the board made it clear they will make sure water is available when trees and crops need it.

Ideally, they will be able to select a start date that isn’t too soon and risks sending water into canals when it isn’t need. That would mean most of the water would end up being dumped back into the river.

The district has always made wise conservation of water and making sure agricultural needs are met a tandem top priority

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com