54 replies to this topic

[Sandman]

I agree but the media did press officials in charge of the releases last year. I recall the interviews on TV and them stating the spillway would help avoid this in the future.

[Steve Heard]

This subject comes up every time they increase releases. 

 

A few things to note:

 

The purpose of the dam is flood control. It was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the Sac valley from flooding. 

 

The manual they drew up was last updated almost 30 years ago, and to my understanding, depending on the time of year, has different rules for water release. Now, for example, it requires the dam operators to release water when the lake gets to 60% capacity.

 

With several days of heavy rain predicted this week, they are trying to protect downstream lives and property.

 

They don't want to be caught with too much water in the lake and end up flooding the valley, so they have these seemingly overly cautious rules. 

 

It's usually at about 45% capacity at this time of year, steadily increasing until June, when it usually peaks around 85% of capacity.

[4thgenFolsomite]

This subject comes up every time they increase releases. 

 

A few things to note:

 

The purpose of the dam is flood control. It was built by the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the Sac valley from flooding. 

 

The manual they drew up was last updated almost 30 years ago, and to my understanding, depending on the time of year, has different rules for water release. Now, for example, it requires the dam operators to release water when the lake gets to 60% capacity.

 

With several days of heavy rain predicted this week, they are trying to protect downstream lives and property.

 

They don't want to be caught with too much water in the lake and end up flooding the valley, so they have these seemingly overly cautious rules. 

 

It's usually at about 45% capacity at this time of year, steadily increasing until June, when it usually peaks around 85% of capacity.

 

Exactly, Steve.  After all, it is primarily a flood control facility that has expanded its original mission.

[ducky]

 

Exactly, Steve.  After all, it is primarily a flood control facility that has expanded its original mission.

 

All true, but it because of that expanded mission that the 30-year-old playbook may need some revising, which I think they are working on.

There is a larger population drawing from the lake for water supply.  Even if it's not to irrigate landscaping at this time of year, people still take showers and wash dishes, etc.  

Add to that the fact that they probably have a much greater ability to accurately predict how much snow there is, what the water content is, and how much is flowing in from various creeks that feed the lake, and I wonder if they could maybe let it fill to 70 percent safely instead of 60 percent as Steve posted (Thanks for that info, Steve.  That is what I was looking for.)  Just questions I have.

[folsom500]

2 aces=- you always bring a perspective to the discussion...  

Looking that Cdec data today the out flow is a mere 3000 CFS while the input is 11000 cfs...   hardly a DUMP

[2 Aces]

Thank you. Just saw on KCRA that they will more than DOUBLE the releases starting in a day or two. The purpose of the new spillway was to help avoid the mass dumping. Oh, and I didn't start this thread, FYI.

[folsom500]

Thank you. Just saw on KCRA that they will more than DOUBLE the releases starting in a day or two. The purpose of the new spillway was to help avoid the mass dumping. Oh, and I didn't start this thread, FYI.

so if they double - that is 6000 out while still 10000 plus in - that is a net + in my book and not a Dump...   Still a shame if they do not let it get over 95% this year- they are all asses and do not have a clue about water management.,. as we have seen in the past...

[2 Aces]

Actually it IS A DUMP of 6,000. Don't let the verbal gymnastics confuse you. And yes, they are asses. Now, if the lake gets fairly close to *full*, then we can discuss it and use the NEW spillway for it's intended purpose.

[Sandman]

What was the point of spending $900 MILLION on this spillway if were going to continue to follow the same old policies when it comes to releases??? Makes no sense.

[folsom500]

Actually it IS A DUMP of 6,000. Don't let the verbal gymnastics confuse you. And yes, they are asses. Now, if the lake gets fairly close to *full*, then we can discuss it and use the NEW spillway for it's intended purpose.

6000 out - when you can prove that- but it is only less then 4000 is the actual outflow as of 4pm... is still a net INFLOW of 5000 CFS-

[ducky]

KCRA 3 did a story today on, "What you eed to know about water releases from Folsom Lake."

[bordercolliefan]

This morning in the Bee:

Inflow: 13,000

Outflow: 1,800

Well over 100% capacity compared to normal for this time of year. And two more days of rain coming!

[2 Aces]

Good, then that indicates to me that they ARE utilizing the new spillway as it was designed to be utilized, as opposed to past years when they would dump huge amounts of water *just to be on the safe side*.

 

Great to see this, but we'll be watching.

[Carl G]

If you accept the climate change position, wouldn't it be prudent to not worry about historical averages and instead keep the lake a full as safely possible at all times of the year?  Who actually knows what the rainfall will look like in a month or two?

[folsom500]

This morning in the Bee:

Inflow: 13,000

Outflow: 1,800

Well over 100% of capacity compared to normal for this time of year. And two more days of rain coming!

Not sure where they are getting their data as it is higher outflow  than I have seen for a last few days via CDEC with I believe is the official monitoring and reporting unit....       Here are the daily averages...   Note that the lake went up 18 feet in the last 4 days.    I was out hiking yesterday on the lake and it is looking good-   

http://cdec.water.ca...48&span=30days