Nimbus Dam, Weir and Fish Hatchery

Written by: Winetta Owens

Nimbus Dam is located 7 miles downstream of Folsom Dam on the American River. The dam is a concrete gravity dam 1,093 feet long and 87 feet high. Eighteen radial gates, each 40 feet by 24 feet, control the flows. The existing 326-foot-long diversion weir spans the American River 1/4 mile downstream of Nimbus Dam. The Nimbus Fish Hatchery, built on the left bank of the American River below Nimbus Dam, has provided mitigation for the loss of natural fish habitat.

Nimbus Dam was built between 1952-1955.Nimbus weir guides salmon into the fish ladderCalif. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife’s Greg Ferguson is sweeping away debris in the holding pondGreg Ferguson holding an Eel River steelheadClose-up view of an Eel River steelhead at Nimbus Fish HatcheryCalifornia Central Valley steelhead spawn from December through April

Greg Ferguson holding a Central Valley steelheadVisitors walking past the fish ladder near Nimbus weirThe fish ladder at Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Published on March 29, 2016