Join PARC, the Canyon Keepers, the Auburn State Recreation Area and your river friends for the American River Cleanup and enrichment activities, at the American River Confluence on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
This year’s Cleanup will include invasive weed removal at the Confluence and along popular Confluence trails.
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!
Nutria are rodents native to South America, but they are causing a headache for crews in California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In February 2025, Folsom unveiled an interactive scale model as part of its River District Master Plan, aiming to enhance public engagement and awareness. This model, measuring approximately 7 feet tall, 6 feet long, and 2.5 feet wide, was designed to familiarize residents with the development plans along the over six-mile stretch of the American River and Lake Natoma.
The River District Master Plan focuses on several key objectives: increasing public access to the river and lake, expanding recreational opportunities, fostering economic development, ensuring high-quality design, preserving Folsom’s heritage, protecting environmental, cultural, and historical resources, recognizing city gateway opportunities, and integrating both old and new areas of the city.
Rob Ross, a 20-year Folsom resident and member of the River District Organizing Committee, emphasized the importance of enhancing river access and enjoyment for the community. The portable model, equipped with lights and screens, serves as a tool to inform and involve residents in the city’s development plans, ensuring that Folsom maintains its small-town charm amidst growth.
This initiative reflects Folsom’s commitment to thoughtful urban planning and community involvement, aiming to balance development with the preservation of natural and cultural assets.
In Fair Oaks, Sacramento County is set to refurbish a beloved section of the American River Parkway, known as Sailor Bar, which has been off-limits to vehicles for over ten years. This area, cherished for dog walking, fishing, and nature appreciation, traces its roots to the Gold Rush era when it was a bustling mining site. Today, it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering glimpses of herons, bald eagles, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats.
The county’s initiative aims to reopen three existing dirt and gravel roads, closed to vehicular traffic 15 years ago due to budget constraints. With increased staffing, the Parks Department plans to enhance these roads, facilitating better access for fishermen and families seeking riverside picnics.
However, local residents are voicing concerns. They fear that reintroducing vehicles could escalate issues like illegal dumping, drug use, and heighten fire risks, especially given the area’s sloped terrains prone to becoming tinderboxes during summer. Advocates for preserving the current state argue that the area’s tranquility and ecological balance might be disrupted by vehicular presence.
While some community members support the move, citing improved accessibility for activities like fishing, opponents have initiated an online petition. They are urging the Board of Supervisors to conduct a public hearing to address the controversy before the planned reopening of the roads this spring.