safety, Traffic

Heads Up: Temporary Highway 49 Closure Near the American River

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If you’re planning a trip to the American River or the surrounding watersheds this Tuesday, be aware of a major highway closure that could impact your drive. Highway 49 will be closed for several hours between Lincoln Way and Borland Avenue in Auburn down to the El Dorado County line while crews complete important repair work.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. will be working on power lines that cross the American River Canyon, and Caltrans has announced the closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drivers should plan ahead, explore alternate routes, and expect some delays if traveling in the area.

While this may be a temporary inconvenience, maintaining infrastructure near the river ensures a safer experience for all who visit and appreciate this beautiful region. Stay safe, plan accordingly, and we’ll see you out on the water soon!

Bike Trail, Boating, safety, Water, Weather

Planned Water Deliveries Increases Following Recent Storms

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On Feb. 25, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced that recent storms have allowed for another increase to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast for 2025.

The allocation has increased to 35 percent of requested water supplies, up from 20 percent in January based on increases in precipitation, snowpack and reservoir storage. The State Water Project provides water to 29 public water agencies that serve 27-million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland across the state.

The latest allocation forecast takes into account precipitation and snowpack conditions up to Feb. 10, prior to a cold storm that brought welcome snow to the Sierra. That snowpack will be included in future water supply calculations, along with any forecasted dry conditions ahead.

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Boating, safety, Water, Weather

Northern California Winter Storm Forecast: Wednesday Heavy Rain, Snow And Strong Winds

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Storm System to Bring Heavy Rain, Wind, and Snow to the American River Watershed

The stretch of sunny, spring-like weather in Northern California will come to an end on Wednesday as a significant storm system moves into the region, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snow.

Light snow will begin falling around 5,000 feet in the Sierra early Wednesday morning, with rain showers developing in the American River Valley and surrounding foothills.

Weather Impact on the American River Region

Local weather forcast: Alert Day for Wednesday due to hazardous conditions expected from the incoming storm. Travel along Highway 50 through the Sierra is strongly discouraged unless necessary, as heavy snowfall and gusty winds will create dangerous conditions.

Rainfall and Wind Conditions

Morning commuters along the American River Parkway and in the Sacramento area can expect scattered showers and light winds, with minimal disruptions. However, by the afternoon, rain will intensify, leading to a potentially hazardous evening commute.

The heaviest rain is expected to move into Sacramento between 4 and 5 p.m., impacting communities along the lower American River. Wind gusts may also create travel hazards and localized power outages.

By 10 p.m., widespread steady rain will taper off, but lingering showers and possible thunderstorms will persist into Thursday afternoon.

Expected Rainfall Totals

  • Sacramento Valley: Over an inch of rain
  • Foothills and Upper Watershed: Up to 3 inches of rain
  • High Sierra: Significant snowfall above 5,000 feet, making travel difficult

Residents near the American River and its tributaries should stay alert for rising water levels and localized flooding in low-lying areas. Be sure to secure outdoor items and prepare for potential power outages as the storm moves through the region.

Bike Trail, Events

Aftershock Announces 2025 Lineup: Deftones, Blink-182, Korn, Marilyn Manson Among Headliners

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A massive lineup of rock legends will be rolling through Discovery Park in Sacramento for Aftershock 2025.

The lineup for this year’s Aftershock festival was announced on Wednesday. More than 115 bands will be playing across the four stages from Oct. 2-5 for the festival.

Opening night honors will go to Blink-182, with All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday and Alkaline Trio also listed as top acts for the day.

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Bike Trail, Rafting, safety, Wildlife

Volunteers Find 19,000 Needles While Picking Up Trash Around Local Waterways

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The group’s co-founders believe the problem stems from needle exchange programs that are giving away needles instead of requiring an exchange.

A volunteer organization is alerting people about the massive amount of needles they’re finding in and along Sacramento waterways.

The River City Waterway Alliance showed ABC10 a photo of more than 19,000 needles they’ve removed in the past two years.

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Bike Trail, safety, Traffic

Folsom Lake Bike Trail To Temporarily Close

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California State Parks, in collaboration with the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, will intermittently close a segment of the American River Bike Trail within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area this month for a utility undergrounding project.  

Starting March 17, the trail will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday between Mountain Oak Court and the Rainbow Bridge, as shown on the map below. State Parks expects to reopen the trail by April 1. 

This trail closure is necessary for SMUD to install utilities beneath the bike path. During construction hours, there will be no designated detour route, and trail users are encouraged to find an alternate path. Outside of construction hours, the trail will remain open but be reduced to a single travel lane. 

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Fish, News from Other Watersheds, Salmon, Water, Wildlife

Fish On Rice: Good For Salmon Population

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In the Sacramento Valley, an innovative collaboration between rice farmers and environmental scientists is transforming post-harvest rice fields into vital habitats for juvenile salmon. By intentionally flooding these fields during the off-season, they mimic natural floodplains, fostering the growth of nutrient-rich organisms essential for young salmon.

This approach, exemplified by initiatives like the Nigiri Project, involves submerging harvested rice fields to create a nurturing environment for juvenile salmon. Studies have shown that salmon reared in these managed floodplains exhibit accelerated growth rates compared to those in the river’s main channels.

The success of these projects highlights the potential of integrating agricultural practices with ecological restoration efforts. By leveraging existing farmland infrastructure, stakeholders aim to enhance salmon habitats without significantly disrupting rice production. This symbiotic relationship not only supports the recovery of endangered fish species but also contributes to the overall health of the riverine ecosystem.

As these collaborative efforts continue to evolve, they offer a scalable model for reconciling agricultural land use with wildlife conservation, providing hope for the revitalization of salmon runs in California’s waterways.

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Events, Fish, Wildlife

March 8: Guided Tour Of The Nimbus Fish Hatchery

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Guided Tour of the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, 11 a.m., Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Road, Gold River (95670).

Join CDFW for a free, family-friendly guided tour to explore the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and neighboring American River on the second Saturday of each month!

Learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon and steelhead, walk along the American River and discuss hatchery operations.

Participants may see fish and other wildlife, such as migratory birds, signs of mammal activity and cool insects.

Tours are cancelled in heavy rain and the maximum group size is 25 people (first-come, first-served). The tour is ADA accessible and suitable for all ages.

For more information, call (916) 358-2884 or email molly.shea@wildlife.ca.gov.