California State Parks Issues Low Water and Speed Limit Change Advisory for Folsom Lake
FOLSOM, Calif. August 12, 2016 – California State Parks asks visitors to be cautious while enjoying Folsom Lake, as low water levels have left four of the five boat ramps dry. There will also be a 5 mph maximum speed limit established for the entire lake starting on Monday, August 15, 2016 for public safety concerns due to hazards and the low water conditions.
“Visitors are welcome to come out and enjoy the lake,” said Park Superintendent Richard Preston of California State Parks. “We want to make sure our visitors are aware of the increase in underwater hazards as a result of the low water levels. We urge people to exercise extreme caution while boating on the lake, both for their safety and to prevent damage to their watercraft.”
The 5 mph speed limit is necessary because the low water level has brought rocks on the lake bed closer to the surface, placing boats in danger of being scratched or worse in some of the more shallow areas.
By Monday, August 15 the only launch ramp available for boaters will be the Hobie Cove ramp located at Browns Ravine in El Dorado County. Rattlesnake Bar, Granite Bay, Folsom Point and Peninsula boat ramps are all out of the water and closed to boat launching. The Granite Bay Low Water Ramp will surface and should be accessible in about a week.
The day use and picnic areas at Folsom Lake all remain open however it is a long walk to the water’s edge. The low water speed limit was last implemented July 13, 2015 and lifted January 25, 2016.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area office is at 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road in Folsom. For more information, call (916) 988-0205.