Folsom Lake's Water Level Drops Below 400 Feet Amid Boater Frustration
- Folsom Lake has hit a water level below 400 feet, leading to a significant operational change for boaters.
- The California State Parks Department has implemented a reduced speed limit of 5 miles per hour to ensure safety on the lake.
- This measure aims to mitigate risks posed by newly exposed hazards as water levels continue to fluctuate.
Recently, Folsom Lake's water level has declined significantly, falling below 400 feet, which has prompted regulatory changes for boaters. A new 5-mile-per-hour speed limit is now in force due to low water levels that have rendered four out of five boat ramps dry. The California State Parks Department enacted this limit to protect boaters from unseen hazards that arise as the water recedes, including rocks and historic bridges. Officials from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation attribute this low level to a natural cyclic process of the reservoir management, emphasizing that water management is crucial to prevent overflow issues during the flood season. As winter approaches, the lake is expected to remain low until seasonal rainfall possibly raises the water level again. Once the rainy season arrives, officials hope to rescind the speed restrictions in place for boaters as conditions improve.