News Release Archive

Reclamation Increases Releases to the Lower American River to Manage Increased Snowmelt Runoff Into Folsom Reservoir

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916 978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: June 07, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that it will increase releases from Folsom Dam into the lower American River from 7,000 to 9,000 cubic-feet per second (cfs) beginning at 11 a.m. this morning, to help manage increasing snowmelt inflow due to warmer temperatures. However, Additional increases can be expected in the coming days from 10,000 to 15,000 cfs or higher. Updates will be announced as conditions warrant. 

Flows at 10,000 cfs or higher may result in some low-lying areas of Discovery Park, Campus Commons, and segments of the American River Parkway bike trail to become inundated. People participating in recreation in or along the lower American River, downstream of Nimbus Dam to the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, should take appropriate safety precautions during periods of high river flows.

Daily information on expected flows in the American River can be found on the California Data Exchange Center website or on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website. For information on the American River, please visit Reclamation's Central Valley Operation Office website.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.