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Overview
Folsom Lake is an approximately 11,450-acre reservoir at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the American River in Placer, El Dorado, and Sacramento counties, just northeast of Sacramento. Folsom Dam was completed in 1955 as a Central Valley Project facility built by the Corps of Engineers and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for flood control, water supply, hydropower, and recreation within Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.
At a full-pool elevation of 466 feet the lake has about 75 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth near 276 feet, with long forks extending into the Sierra foothills. Broad open water near the dam, rocky points, and fluctuating exposed banks define the physical character as the pool rises and falls through the year.
Folsom is one of the Sacramento region's primary lakes for boating, sailing, camping, and fishing for bass, trout, and other species managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. State Parks ramps, marinas, and trails around the peninsula and forks draw heavy local use.
Water levels are managed under a flood-control diagram that typically targets near 466 feet in early summer and much lower winter elevations (often near 426 feet or below) to reserve space for storms and snowmelt; maximum water-surface elevations approach about 480 feet. Because Folsom protects Sacramento and supplies the lower American River, elevations can change quickly, so monitoring current lake levels is essential for boating, fishing, and shoreline access.
Folsom Lake is a 11,450-acre reservoir on the American River (North and South Forks) managed by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (CVP) / California State Parks (recreation).