Monday, January 19, 2009

Folsom Dry & Our Water Policy

Though we still have a lot of rainy season ahead of us—and one prays that there is plenty of rain & snowpack to fill it—the current dry state of Folsom is another reminder of how completely the public leadership in the region and the state has failed to develop a rational water policy.

An excerpt.

“From the moonscape of Granite Bay to high and dry Brown's Ravine, Folsom Lake is looking pretty empty these days – about half as full as normal.

"It's a long walk from the parking lot to the water," said California State Parks' Folsom Sector Superintendent Dan Tynan.

“Unfortunately for thirsty Folsom Lake, there won't be too much rain or snow this week. Clear skies after morning fog are forecast for most of the week. There's only a slight chance of rain Thursday and Friday.

“Water is regularly released from the reservoir – which can hold almost 1 million acre-feet of water – for hydropower and flood control, for fish habitat and for municipal users. An acre-foot of water is about 326,000 gallons.

“The average amount in Folsom Lake this time of year is about 443,000 acre-feet. Currently, there are only 217,000 acre-feet in the lake.”