Due to projected rains, the Sacramento and American Rivers are expected to run higher and faster than normal. The Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks is closing several park properties along the American River and Dry Creek Parkways to prepare for anticipated flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, Moderate to heavy rain will impact northern California today – tomorrow, especially in the foothills & mountains. Snow levels will be above pass level today, slowly falling tomorrow.
Along the American River Parkway, the following parks will be closed beginning Friday, Dec. 30
- Discovery Park
- Howe Avenue Access
- Watt Avenue Access
Along the Dry Creek Parkway, the following properties will be closed beginning Friday, Dec. 30.
- Dry Creek Ranch House Access
- Dry Creek Parking Lot
- Cherry Island Sports Park
The above-mentioned properties will remain closed until further notice.
Sacramento County Regional Parks staff will be monitoring the river elevations throughout the weekend, and closure notices will be updated as necessary.
Rangers and maintenance teams have begun to notify people in the affected areas urging them to seek higher ground.
In the coming days, it is anticipated the American River Parkway multi-use trail will have flooding from Discovery Park through Campus Commons, and near mile marker 20.5. Bicycle commuters and park visitors should use caution as conditions will change throughout the next few days as the storm passes through the valley and surrounding mountains.
Releases from Folsom Lake into the American River are expected to reach 25,000 cubic feet per second so the river will be flowing much faster than we normally see. Residents are encouraged to stay away from the American River, if possible.
For information about park and trail closures, visit the Park Status Update webpage.
