Folsom Lake Closer To Average Levels, But Lack Of Rain Concerns Water Experts
FOLSOM LAKE (CBS13) — Folsom Lake looked a lot different on Friday than it did just a year ago. December's storms as the lake filled to 91 percent of its average for this time of the year, but it still has a way to go.
Last January, it looked more like a desert than a lake. The low water levels revealed ruins some thought they'd never see.
Now, there is two and a half times as much water as there was a year ago.
"We've had a very good November, December, which is very good for precipitation and that's helped us a lot," said Doug Lessard with the Bureau of Reclamation.
He says another factor is less water being released downstream.
"To try to conserve as much as we can, but not injure any downstream interests," he said.
While the water is important for the state, it's also important for businesses and recreators come summertime. So how likely is it the water will stay in Folsom Lake?
Lessard says unfortunately it will all depend on Mother Nature and how the rest of the wet season goes. So far, January has only has one day of measurable rainfall. It's typically the wettest month of the year.
"If we don't get any more water, we might have a small bump come spring but it will start to go down come the summer months," he said.
