California's extreme drought conditions causes a 5-mph speed limit for boaters

[WB Staff]

With water levels at Folsom Lake down sharply, officials are imposing a 5-mph speed limit for boaters in the latest sign of California’s extreme drought conditions.

California State Parks officials say the low speed limit is needed to reduce safety risks in what has become a much smaller pool of water to navigate in.

“We urge people to exercise extreme caution while boating on the lake, both for their safety and to prevent damage to their watercraft,” said Rich Preston, the Folsom Sector’s park superintendent.

Rocks along the Sierra-Nevada foothills lake bed are closer to the surface because of the low water level, posing danger to boats. A majority of the lake’s boat ramps are unusable because they are completely dry.


FUll sotry: https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la- ... story.html

[WB Staff]

California: 5 MPH Boat Speed Limit at Folsom Lake SRA
FOLSOM, Calif. — California State Parks is asking visitors to be cautious while enjoying Folsom Lake State Recreation Area(SRA), 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 this Thursday, October 22, for public safety due to hazards and the low water conditions.

“Visitors are welcome to come out and enjoy the lake,” said Park Superintendent Richard Preston-LeMay, 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 shallower areas.

As of Saturday, October 17, the only launch ramp available for boaters is 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 once the lake elevation drops below 397 feet.

The day-use and picnic areas at Folsom Lake SRA all remain open. However, please be aware it is a long walk to the water’s edge.

The low-water speed limit was last implemented Nov. 6, 2018 and was lifted Jan. 18, 2019.

As a reminder, we are still in a pandemic. State Parks advises boaters to follow public health guidelines. Visit https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/COVIDBoatingTips for more information. Thank you for helping keep Californians safe.

For more information on Folsom Lake SRA, call the Gold Fields District Office at (916) 988-0205.

[Hipster]

I recall the last time this happened - beware tourney directors!

[Larry Hemphill]

I used to fish and guide on Folsom for many years before the traffic from Yuba City became too much. I love the lake, but also respect the structure very much. I know the floating buoys are very good, but be very careful anyway!! At this level - and lower - rockpiles are found where you least expect them. We love to fish them when they are 20 to 60 feet deep. You won't love to run into a shallow one!!