News Release: Reclamation Reduces Flows on American River in Preparation for Dry Conditions in Water Year 2014
From the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation:
“The Bureau of Reclamation announces reduced releases from Nimbus Dam to the lower American River. Beginning January 7, Reclamation will reduce flows in the lower American River from 1,100 cubic feet per second to 800 cfs, then gradually to 500 cfs by January 10. With the extended dry runoff conditions, flow reductions are needed to protect steelhead that will be spawning in the river in January and February. Flows need to be lowered now to a rate that can be sustained into spring with the limited storage available behind Folsom Dam. Folsom Reservoir storage is currently at 178,000 acre-feet, which is 42 percent of the historical 15-year average.
“The decision to reduce releases was made following a meeting on January 3 of the American River Group, which consists of representatives from multiple fishery agencies and Reclamation (meetings are open to local environmental interests and water agencies).”
Read more from Reclamation’s news release