Yes ! Corona Airport is open.

Sol's version of the
Corona Airport Advisories

Bulletin -- Tues. Mar 1, 2005 2:00pm --

Corona airport was NOTAMd open for all daylight operations at 8am today. The repairman was to come and checkout runway lighting at 1pm, no word on this outcome.

Yes, we are authorized to return our refugee airlanes.

Please see "Disaster Donation Notes" at the bottom

Bulletin -- Sun. Feb 27, 2005 8:00pm --

While tonight's headline has changed a little, we are officially under the same rules as issued last Thursday...stay away from the potential flooding. But it sounds like there will be no significant rain. If Elsinore Lake is contained, sounds like there will be no problems for us.

Rumor has it we will be allowed to return our airplanes tomorrow, Monday Feb 28. If this comes true, I will change this webpage quickly as possible.

As there might not be time for a e-mailing, please check back on this webpage occasionally on the morning of Monday Feb 28 to see any changes. I will try to give some news no later than 10am...or sooner if something happens "officially".

Bulletin -- Sat. Feb 26, 2005 8:00pm --

I got yelled-at today, by several people. While the official "word" from the City of Corona hasn't changed, airplanes have been seen coming and going. So why aren't airplanes allowed to return to their hangars at Corona? You can even call the Airport Manager's "advisory" line (951 736 2289) and get the "official word". (Today's version same since Thursday)...the recording (and the FAA NOTAM) says:

(1) Corona Airport is open from 8am to 4pm for Takeoff and Landing.
(2) The west end of Runway 25, 300 ft, is unusable
(3) The west end taxiways are closed and unusable
(4) No overnight parking

And so, tonight, I ask that you please stop shooting at the messenger.

Since there was no change from Thursday, I didn't email a notice last night--Friday. I got yelled-at for this also. Sheesh. And so, the emailing tonight.

As far as I have been informed, we are still waiting for some kind of "Corona-Official" word on when we can return our airplanes to our hangars. Someone said the Airport Manager is "off" til Tuesday.

Please stop-by Corona a buy some fuel (8am to 4pm). Maybe at least Patrick will stop griping at me. Arrggh.

Bulletin -- Thu. Feb 24, 2005 8:00pm --

Today there was sign of a little reprieve. The water outflow exceeded the inflow. Still...the City of Corona and ACoE are looking at the forecast of rain on Sunday night.

Tomorrow (Friday) the Corona Airport Manager will be issuing a NOTAM which says in part:
(1) Corona Airport is open from 8am to 4pm for Takeoff and Landing.
(2) The west end of Runway 25, 300 ft, is unusable
(3) The west end taxiways are closed and unusable
(4) No overnight parking

Here's the interpretation...
...Corona Tenants should continue to fly airplanes to alternate airports, but maybe someone can fly you back to your car. This would be for drop-off only. This window is not intended to bring any airplanes onto the Corona Airport. Corona refugees should stay at their alternate airports until the all-clear is sounded.
...Transient aircraft can fuel at Corona Airport (8am to 4pm)
...Transient aircraft can come to Bob's Cafe (Airplane parking is limited)

...The duration of this limited "Fly In-Out" opening is unknown and subject to change at any time. It is hoped the limited opening can last thru Sunday.

Bulletin -- Wed. Feb 23, 2005 8:00pm --

At this moment, according to the ACoE website, the water is at 516 ft and the inflow and outflow are matched. We noticed they stepped up their outflow to 5000 today.

Today, in a general meeting of businesses, Corona's Airport Manager handed out forms asking for suggestions on revising the Airport Evacuation Plan. He asked that committees form to assess recent performance, and make modifications to the present plan.

OK, it seems rain has stopped for the moment. However, remember that many dams are overflowing. This is why the water is still rising.

'- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Update -- Wed. Feb 23, 2005 9:00am --

The official word has come, good news to our businesses...SBA loans are available to Airport Businesses thru the Riverside County Emergency Services. There was some paperwork problems, but this came thru as a "contingency" from San Bernardino County. I will phone and get more information and make any corrections to this breaking news later tonight.

Rain delays floodgate test at dam SEVEN OAKS DAM: Some feared a major water release could endanger areas downstream. 07:31 AM PST on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 By PAUL LaROCCO / The Press-Enterprise The long-awaited test release of water from the Seven Oaks Dam has been washed aside -- at least temporarily -- by heavy rainfall. The rain has indefinitely postponed a high-volume test of the dam's floodgates, which was to have taken place this week. The Army Corps of Engineers announced Tuesday that it was uncomfortable releasing more than a billion gallons of water into the Santa Ana River at a time when storms have already raised water levels at downstream flood-control basins. "It looks like the water levels at Prado Dam are rising, and we don't want to contribute any more to that inflow at this point," said spokesman Greg Fuderer. "Obviously, we'd like to get this done, but our first consideration has got to be safety." The unprecedented, three-day release was set to begin Tuesday, and the Corps of Engineers indicated as late as Monday evening that that was still the case. Officials changed course Tuesday when it became clear that the volume of water to be unleashed -- up to 6,134 cubic feet (about 45,000 gallons) per second -- might jeopardize areas near Prado Dam in Corona, about 20 miles downstream from Seven Oaks, Fuderer said. Engineers and hydrologists will meet Thursday to discuss when the major water releases can take place. Although Friday hasn't been ruled out, Fuderer said the full testing of the $500 million dam's flood-control system would likely be put off until at least next week. Until then, officials will continue with normal water releases from the 550-foot- tall dam. On Tuesday, about 660 gallons per second was discharged. Reach Paul LaRocco at (909) 806-3056 or plarocco@pe.com

DAM TEST TO PROCEED (Quoted from Corona-Norco Edition, [Riverside County] "Press Enterprise", Tuesday Feb 22, 2005) A test of the flood gates at Seven Oaks dam near Highland will begin as planned today but it will be significantly down-sized because too much water from rain-swollen Inland creeks has built up behind Prado Dam downstream near Corona, Army Corps of Engineers and Inland flood-control officials said. The two dams on the Santa Ana River are part of a major system designed to prevent flooding in Orange County. Small amounts of water will be released fronii Seven Oaks today, barely ehough to raise the river by an inch or two in most spots, officials said. A test using a large Volume of water, although not the major release that was hoped for, is planned for Friday, said Greg Fuderer, an Army Corps spokesman. The above-average rainy season has given the 5-year-old Seven Oaks Dam, which stands 550 feet tall, its first chance to experience a major release, and engineers want to see how the gates will function. "You don’t want to be at a critical spot the first time you open the gates," said Dusty Williams, Riverside County’s flood-control chief.

Bulletin -- Tue. Feb 22, 2005 9:00pm --

According to todays newspaper, the 7-Oaks dam test (started today?) has been "downsized". The main testing will be delayed til Friday ?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The explanation to the todays emphatic evacuation notice :

Here is the text of the letter-to-tenants rec'd today :

AIRPORT NOTICE - 3RD NOTIFICATION Febuary 22, 2005, 11:00 am. Severe storms continue in areas of Southern California that are expected to produce heavy rains in the local area. This is a continuation of rain storms which began Friday, February 18, 2005. This is the 3rd a series of warnings issued by the City to airport lease holders pertaining to expected runway closures. It is the responsibility of all lease holders to contact their tenants regarding these notifications. The projected water level is expected to reach the runway as a result of these storms. Runway closure is anticipated once the water reaches this level. The City is encouraging all aircraft owners to relocate their aircraft to alternative airfields or facilities. As stated in previous warnings issued by the City, there is a window of time where planes may fly out of the airport while the runway is open for take-offs. Currently, landings are prohibited. It is highly recommended that all air-worthy planes are temporarily relocated. In addition, it is recommended any non-airworthy aircraft, vehicles and equipment also be relocated to avoid flood damage. Depending on the continuation of storms and subsequent flooding, it is likely that the airport will remain closed for operations for an extended period of time. Any impact to planes or equipment remaining on the airfield will be the responsibility of the owners.

OK, so that sounds like a typical C.Y.A. letter. Here's what it doesn't say :

All reservoirs are full and are starting to overflow. Prado Dam could be receiving overflow from a whole lot of places. In this case, the ACoE is not-in-control.

OK, OK, so there's that pesky "sewer line" that is being protected downstream of Prado. That's why the outflow is being restricted to 3000 or so. Well, one guy told us it was 30 feet under the river...until Prado flowed the 10000 cubic-feet-per-second in January. Now it is only 18 inches below. And they don't know the abrasion effect on the pipe if it takes a direct hit by the water-effluent.

Here's some reading on the subject :
.....Click this line for Sari info #1
.....Click this line for Sari info #2
.....Click this line for Sari info #3
(Yow ! ... I LOVE the internet....)

And so, there are a lot of Alphabet-Agencies between a rock and a hard place. I'm sure happy I'm not in their shoes. I took Corona's Advice -- flew out. Today...there was a Student-Pilot looking for a "Corona Pilot" to help ferry his airplane to elsewhere. Couldn't personally help him today, but he hung around "The Bench" for a while and I'm sure somebody helped him.

'Cause we're CORONA Airport.
(A. K. A. "Corcoran-Grant" to those in-the-know....)


P. S. Corona extends empathy to Santa Paula.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Update -- Tue. Feb 22, 2005 11:00 --

At 11am, the City of Corona issued a mandatory order to evacuate the airport. If it flies, get it off the airport. If it is in pieces, haul it off the airport.

No further details were given.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Update -- Mon. Feb 21, 2005 6:30pm --

Hmmmm. Maybe we should apply for jobs at ACoE. The outcome is exactly as we predicted. With an inflow of over 18000 and and outflow of only 3200, the water level has risen to above 510 ft. And it is still raining.

I can find no bulletins cancelling the test of Seven Oaks Dam. But here's some interesting reading from a ACoE news release on Feb 11....
.....Click this line for 7-Oaks Testing Information

I hope these guys Pat Mead [SBCFCD] and Dave Cozakos [ACoE] call us first...to see if the "coast is clear". We are not in the mood to "go with the flow".

If you happen to meet up with one of these guys tonight or tomorrow, please tell them to call Corona Airport at 951 736 2289 before testing .. or else their names will be "Mudd".

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bulletin -- Mon. Feb 21, 2005 6:00pm --

Today went smoothly. The airport was NOTAMd closed to landings at about 9am. Many people took the occasional breaks in the rain to fly away. Water came up on the west end and into a few hangars. Evacuation from this area is nearly 100%.

Contrary to the 4:40pm report on Channel 7, I am not aware the airport is closed to takeoffs, but it is coming.

The water level didn't [yet] come up as much as feared. But we noticed the water inflow went above 21000 and the outflow remained at about 3200. The level came up to 508 ft, then seemed to level off. The rains tonight will tell where the water is going. Procraft and Corona Cylinder and Eastman Aircraft were moving out again.

Thanks to many factors, and gentle prodding by the Corona Airport Manager, we have been given time to evacuate.

The weather is predicted for more of the same tonight. Stay tuned.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Update -- Mon. Feb 21, 2005 7:00am --

It's here. We are advised the water will be up to 520 ft (Procraft approximately). However, the exact height is indeterminate. The ACoE says that releasing additional water at a higher rate would disable many businesses in Orange County for 3 months. Right now, the inflow to Prado is over 11000. And it is raining steadily.

The NOTAM closing Corona Airport is immenent. When that happens, please refer to the "Emergency Rules" above.

Bulletin -- Sun. Feb 20, 2005 7:00pm --

Closing the airport tomorrow (or so) seems inevitable. The airport manager has already issued evacuation notice to all Master Lease Holders and thus all tenants. If at all possible, come to the airport and move your airplane to another airport or to higher ground. Move any of your personal belongings from the airport, so there will be more room to store airplanes.

By this evening at 3pm, it was estimated 100 airplanes had departed Corona for other airports, temporary lodging. Most of today was partly cloudy and nice. Then suddenly at about 2:30pm, Corona ceiling closed down, and outbound flights stopped. These "extra spaces" freed up by relocated airplanes means much more breathing room for movement of airplanes.

Even the weather isn't cooperating (haha). Originally, it was supposed to rain heavily tonight. But now, it looks like the heaviest rain might be Monday night and Tuesday.

Here's a new wrinkle. Due to the previous flood in January, the west end of the airport has become cluttered with mud and debris. When the big rain came on Friday Feb 18, the flood current overran the retaining wall and flowed down our runway. A big pool formed, backed up water into some hangars, and covered some of the runway. The water couldn't jump over the debris and flow into the dam, which was up to only 491 ft. From the point of view of Corona, hangars were flooding -- so the water level of the dam didn't make any difference.

F.Y.I...At this writing, the ACoE test flow of the 7-Oaks Dam has not been re-sceduled.

- - - - - -
Update -- Sun. Feb 20, 2005 2:00pm --

The water is at 503 right now, 2pm on Sunday. Closing the airport tomorrow (or so) seems inevitable. The airport manager has already begun issuing evacuation notice. Come to the airport and move your airplane to another airport or to higher ground. Move any of your personal belongings from the airport, so we will have more room to store airplanes.

At this writing, approximately 100 airplanes have moved off Corona Airport to other airports.

The note about personal belongings...you will not be allowed to store trailers and such in the city parking...which would reduce the room for parking airplanes. Tie-downs and parking might be needed if airplanes need moved to higher ground. So come and haul your stuff away from the airport. This evening, I saw a guy towing a huge boat, cabin-class, from somewhere west end. I sure hope he didn't park that where an airplane could fit at a tie-down.

More notes tonight....

- - - - - -
Update -- Sun. Feb 20, 2005 7:00am --

The water is at 504 right now, 7am on Sunday. The weatherman says much heavy rain yet to come tonight and Monday.

At this moment, it sure looks like water will rise to beyond 510 ft, and the runway will be closed for a while. If this is unsavory to you, please come and move your airplane.

And, there are concerns about the potential flooding frm Seven Oaks Dam-testing next week.

If todays weather allows us to fly away, then perhaps we should take short vacation over to Riverside/Chino/Flabob.

The Outflow for Prado is still showing 2000, same as last night. Unless this is raised, looks like we're gonna suffer.

Bulletin -- Sat. Feb 19, 2005 7:00pm --

No official words tonight, just observations. This morning at 6am, the ACoE website said the Prado water level was about 491 ft.

At about noon, there was water pooling on the west end. At that time, the Prado Web page said the dam level was at 495ft. So apparently the pooling was just the runoff from the airport. I was in my hangar from about 10am to about 1pm. There was some heavy rains 4-sure. But they seemed off and on. But some of those showers were really really heavy. One news station said there was about 7inches in the mountains.

At about 3pm, I thought I would checkout the ACoE website. The water level had risen from 491 to 499 in about 8 hours. HEY !!! I thought the outflow would increase to compensate for the rain, but it was still running a piddly 1000cfs or so. The level was increasing at a quick rate. And, as we all know, that "seven inches" in the mountains is headed our way. At this writing , the level is showing 500ft and rising. But apparently someone finally authorized increasing the outflow to about 2000cfs. I sure hope someone is watching these charts besides us. To increase our stress, the "inflow" readings stopped working at about 6am today. Well, if the level is going up more than 12" per hour, then I guess the inflow is more than the outflow. But hey, I'm not a water engineer.

More rain is coming tomorrow and next week. I sure hope they drain the dam before then.

Seeing the ACoE charts made me a little mad today. It isn't just the level of the water, it's the "playing chicken" with rapid transitions. The ever-loved "storage" went from 6000 to 16000 in less than 8 hours. Was that really necessary? Did I read the following chart correctly...the Outflow was throttled down from 2000 to 500 when it started to rain?

Bulletin -- Fri. Feb 18, 2005 9:00pm --

According to the ACoE website, here's some figures to ponder next week when they start releasing water from the 7-Oaks Dam. First thing I note...they can't release at 45,000 cfps as I heard today. The figures for the Prado Total Volume is obfusicated in "Debris Pool" and "dry and wet season Pools."

Please view this data and decide for yourself if we're gonna drown next week...
.....Click this line for Prado Specifications
.....Click this line for Seven Oaks Specifications

	Seven Oaks Dam	Prado Dam
Reservoir Design Flood
Total Volume	115,000 Acre-feet (4-day)	383,500 Acre-feet ...(Top of Dam, 566') 25,760 Acre-feet (505') 8,437 Acre-feet (494')
Peak Outflow	7,000 cfs	17,000 cfs (?..)

Riverside Airport welcomes Corona Refugees. And here is the Secret Password..."Corona Refugee". If you announce this when calling for the landing, you will be instructed to taxi to a special area reserved for us. (Riverside is accepting Redlands Refugees also, so they are trying to reserve designated areas pertaining to both.) You can even get a special gate-card. After shutdown, go lookup the Riverside Airport Manager, and he will make special arrangements for you. Remember the "Special Password" when you call for landing, and remember to lookup the Airport Manager. [I will checkout and let you know what Redland Refugees is all about....]

And Thank You, Riverside

At this writing, Corona is still advising those who can...to fly away til the rain stops.

At this writing, Corona is still advising....the runway will be closed when (or If) the water touches the runway. Here's a fixed delimeter line. So if you think the weather reports indicate water rising this much, you are advised to take action. This morning, the water level behind the dam was 490 feet. The end of the runway is 513 feet (appx). I didn't check the water level this evening yet...

Bulletin -- Tue. Feb 16, 2005 9:00pm --

OK, OK, already. So the weatherman missed the target. OK, so maybe he missed the whole darn wall. Never-the-less, we were given this day of grace to fly out of Corona. So, if your airplane drowns Thursday night, you can't say your weren't warned.

Hope you noticed a NOAA weather-web-site (Thanks to TLC) was added to the intro page. If you didn't notice, click your BACK button and take a look. Seems like our reprieve is extended til Thursday night. Also, Channel 5 and 7 says the outlook is tending toward "slight".

Weather like the MidWest..."If you don't like the weather today, just wait til tomorrow."

Did anybody notice 7-Oaks Dam will be "testing" by releasing 6000 gallons per second next Wednesday (Feb 23)? Sure hope it doesn't rain coincidently. Now that Prado has proven to release 10,000 gallons per second, sure hope the Prado dam-keeper isn't sleeping THAT day.

Bulletin -- Tue. Feb 15, 2005 8:00pm --

Yup. You heard right. It's deja-vous all over again.

I regret this bulletin is late in publishing. Information learned at Noon today is just now being sent to you.

At noon today, The City of Corona advised us to take flight to safer airports. The incoming rain is expected to be up to 5"-6", and the water level coming is unknown. Please remember some of this heavy rain will be runoff from the mountains. It might rain only 0.1" in Orange County, but rain on the hills will be filling Prado Dam.

SVS called all their tenants and advised what the City said. At this writing, I don't know if other "Master Lease Holders [MLH's]" have yet done the same.

Yes, there is no imperical analysis here, at least as far as I presently know. The City of Corona is very concerned about our safety and the safety of our property.

The decision was made, and notice issued to the Master Lease Holders, while our Airport Manager was off-duty.

One extra detail...I was advised the runway will be closed when (or If) the water touches the runway. Here's a fixed delimeter line. So if you think the weather reports indicate water rising this much, you are advised to take action. This morning, the water level behind the dam was 494 feet. The end of the runway is 513 feet (appx).

(Information bulletins Wed Jan 27 thru Sat Feb 05 are being organized.
(Information bulletins Wed Jan 12 thru Wed Jan 27 are now in "historical" page.

---

Please send donations to help the Corona Airport people hurt by the recent flood. In large part, these funds will help our businesses (Airport Community) survive. All the busineses lost tools, equipment, and fixtures. They were busy saving our airplanes from the rising water, rather than moving their own stuff. Please make a Large Donation -- make your check payable to "Corona Pilots Association". These specific funds are being tallied by the Treasurer of CPA. Mail to:
Corona Pilots Association -- PO Box 1212, Corona, CA 92878.

Created by IrfanView