During future storm releases from Folsom Dam’s auxiliary spillway flows will enter the American River at forces and angles like never before.
Even after passing a series of engineered water-slowing features, the combined flows could destabilize part of the river’s bank making it vulnerable to erosion.
That’s why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District awarded a $1.8 million contract May 12 to Newland Entities, Inc. of Marysville, California, to stabilize 400 feet of the river’s right bank using 32-foot-long rock bolts.
Limited access and steep topography of the American River’s right bank below Folsom Dam will make these operations quite a challenge, said Corps project manager Bill Aley.
The stabilization project is expected to begin in June and end by December, weather dependant.
The Corps, together with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and state and local partners, is building the approximately $900-million spillway in Folsom, California, to reduce flood risk throughout the Sacramento region by allowing the Bureau of Reclamation to make more controlled water releases from Folsom Dam earlier during large storms.
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