Anderson Reservoir began rushing over the spillway for the first time in more than 10 years Saturday, Feb. 18.
As soon as word got out about the flowing spillway, spectators began flocking to Anderson Dam County Park off Cochrane Road to view the resulting waterfall into Coyote Creek, a sight last seen in 2006.
However, Morgan Hill city staff reported Monday that Santa Clara County Parks had closed lower Anderson Park. “Caution is advised if you visit the dam,” reads the Feb. 20 post on the “City of Morgan Hill – Engage” Facebook page. “Residents are reminded to stay within the designated viewing areas, open trails and roadways only.”Â
Because Anderson Dam is subject to state seismic restrictions, the reservoir is normally limited by the California Division of Safety of Dams to 68 percent of its total capacity or less. However, with relentless storms pouring rain into the reservoir, the largest one owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, since January, officials have been unable to release water faster than the lake can fill with storm runoff.Â
