Keep Cool This Weekend but Stay off the River

Article Date: Thursday, June 6, 2019

With temperatures on the rise this weekend, a trip down the American River may sound like a great way to beat the heat, but, with water releases from the Nimbus Dam expected to be at or above 13,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), Sacramento County Regional Parks is warning residents to find other ways to beat the heat.

“Most raft rental companies in the area stop renting rafts to the public when planned releases from Nimbus Dam are between 8,000 – 10,000 cfs. A typical Sacramento summer sees outflows to the American River at around 2,000 cfs or less. With planned releases at 13,000 cfs this weekend, it’s just not safe for people to be on the river.”
Liz Bellas, Director of Regional Parks.

While the river may not be the safest way to cool down this weekend, there are other options.

“Staying cool when the weather is hot is very important”, said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. “To stay cool, remember to take drinks of cool water, wear lightweight loose-fitting clothing, and limit your exposure to the sun by staying indoors in an air-conditioned place. Remember to also check on your neighbors if they are sick or elderly.” Young children, the elderly and people with chronic disease conditions are more susceptible to the effects of the heat.

For more information on summertime heat, check out the Sacramento Ready website.