A major penstock failure on the North Yuba River could take years to repair. Flows will be significantly different for several reaches of the Yuba, and additional boating opportunities might arise. On February 13, 2026, the 14 ft diameter penstock for the Yuba Water Agency’s New Colgate Powerhouse ruptured. The rupture released nearly 400 acre-feet of water and caused significant damage to the hill slope, riparian area, the Yuba River, and Yuba Water infrastructure.
A debris flow transported sediment, oil, and other materials into the river, and one worker was seriously injured. The local watershed entity, South Yuba River Citizens’ League (SYRCL), is leading environmental NGO efforts to monitor impacts of this event and began water sampling and direct documentation of the event immediately. Yuba Water has indicated that all remaining direct impacts to navigating the river have been mitigated and continues to investigate impacts and causes of the penstock failure. They have not yet published a schedule for repairs, and there is no road access to the river immediately below New Bullard’s Bar.
American Whitewater will support SYRCL’s efforts on this issue and is monitoring the issue for recreation and environmental impacts. The North and Yuba Middle rivers above Englebright will certainly have operational impacts associated with this event. Potential changes to the Middle Yuba at Our House Dam (IV-IV) may also occur because of conveyance and diversion system changes. This event highlights the many challenges with our nation’s aging dam infrastructure and associated impacts to the rivers and people that are impacted by them.
Images courtesy Yuba Water Agency