Folsom Dam Water Releases

Written by: Winetta Owens

On March 7, 2016, the Bureau of Reclamation began releasing water from the spillway gates at the top of Folsom Dam, the first time the gates have been used in four years. California has been experiencing an “atmospheric river” since March 1, and storage in Folsom Reservoir has increased by 83,600 acre-feet: very positive news in a State hoping to recover from the drought. Yet Reclamation must keep Folsom roughly 40 percent empty in winter to protect the Sacramento region against flooding. Folsom Dam releases on March 1 were 3,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). By March 8, when these photos were taken, releases had increased to 15,000 cfs. Forecasts call for above-average precipitation in California to continue, and Folsom inflows could be over 2.5 million acre-feet for the water year, so significant amounts of water will likely continue to be released from Folsom Dam for flood control.

Folsom Dam gates are opened to release water and prevent flooding.	A view of water released from Folsom Dam into the American River.

On March 7, 2016, Bureau of Reclamation released 15,000 cfs of water from Folsom Dam.	Bureau of Reclamation releases water from Folsom Dam near the construction of the spillway.	A view of Folsom Powerplant and water releases from Folsom Dam.

Published on April 19, 2016