In the shadow of Friant Dam, the Fresno County community of Friant has undergone a dramatic transformation.
Despite the fast-rising levels near Wildwood Mobile Home Park, experts don't believe residents are in any immediate danger.
Right now, 5,000 cubic feet of water pours out of Friant Dam per second. To put that into perspective, think of 5,000 basketballs bouncing out each second.
Friant Dam is shooting out 3,000 cubic feet of water out every second. That's five times the normal flow. It's needed to make room for more water heading this way on an atmospheric river.
Harold Mathis of Friant remembers like it was yesterday when a heavy storm in 1997 brought record flooding. And on the 20th anniversary of the Friant dam spilling a surge of water he is still content living next to the San Joaquin River.
Public interest groups are applauding a recent court decision putting a halt to a major senior housing development in the foothills near Friant Dam.