With the rainy weather in the Sacramento region, as well as the increased water releases from Folsom Lake, the American River is running high and fast. Residents should use caution and stay on high ground. Check Sacramento County news and social media for the latest updates on river levels and safety tips.
Update 3/12/2016
Rain is expected to continue on and off through the weekend, accompanied by gusty winds.
Discovery Park, which is designed to flood during these conditions, is closed. The previously announced park closures remain in effect. Do not go in or near the river if you don't have to. Pay attention to warning and closure signs.
Some localized street flooding in areas that typically flood is occurring. Please do not try to cross flooded roads, and report any flooded roads to 311. (#Turn Around, Don’t Drown!)
Get Storm Ready and Creek Level Information
SMUD Outages Information
Update 3/10/2016
The American River continues to run high and fast. Discovery Park, which is designed to flood during these conditions, is closed. Mile 3 on the American River Parkway multi-use trail is also closed. The previously announced closures remain in effect. Do not go in or near the river if you don't have to. Pay attention to warning and closure signs.
Update 3/9/2016
Waters on the American River have risen by three feet due to release of water from Folsom Dam. No releases are expected until the week of March 14.
County and City departments along with partner agencies have been working together to monitor the situation, share information and get the word out to people along the river about the potential for rising waters. Sac Steps Forward has deployed Navigators in the field and notified service providers to help get the word out to clients. County Regional Parks has installed signs in key spots that have a tendency to flood and has closed certain access points to the river.
3/8/2016
Due to projected rains, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation increased water releases from Folsom Lake to 15,000 cubic feet per second on March 8. This will cause the American River to run about three feet higher and also faster than normal. The rising/fluctuating river levels can be seen along the immediate vicinity of the riverbank and creeks and some localized flooding in creeks is expected.
Sacramento County Regional Parks is strongly discouraging boating, rafting and swimming. If you choose to go in the river (at your own risk) wear a life jacket.
The access points at Howe and Watt on the American River Parkway are closed to vehicle traffic, and will remain closed until further notice. A detour at mile 21.5 near Sailor Bar on the American River Parkway multi-use trail is already in place for cyclists and pedestrians. The boat launches at Upper Sunrise and Sailor Bar are also closed due to the increased flow rate. For the latest updates, visit
sacparks.net.Due to the changing nature of the rivers, please use caution around any local water way and stay on higher ground.
With all the attention to the rain and wind, there is no better time to
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