New operational data details rapid inflows, controlled spills and downstream releases as Northern California water outlook improves
A succession of early January storms has pushed Folsom Lake into a strong midwinter position, with the reservoir reaching a key winter benchmark as federal operators carefully balance rising inflows, downstream releases and flood-control capacity across the American River watershed.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Folsom Lake reached an elevation of approximately 431.4 feet this week, placing the reservoir at 100 percent of its conservation storage level and about 55 percent of its total capacity by Wednesday morning. The lake currently holds more than 626,000 acre-feet of water. At full capacity, Folsom Lake can store up to 976,000 acre-feet, meaning substantial room remains for additional runoff as winter storms continue…