The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has cut water releases from 1,100 cubic feet per second down to 500 feet.
"That has exposed some of the fall run salmon nests or 'redds' as they're called, r-e-d-d."
Tom Ghoring is with the Sacramento Water Forum.
On Capital Public Radio's Insight with Beth Ruyak, Ghoring said early surveys show that reductions, prompted by the dry winter, have left 15 percent of salmon nests or "redds" out of water.
"We know that exposing them is harmful to them. An exposed redd doesn't necessarily kill the eggs buried in the redd, but some of the nearby redds that are still underwater may be harmed so much that they could die."
~Tom Ghoring, Sacramento Water Forum
Reclamation officials say reducing water flows into the American River will help conserve the water supply stored behind Folsom Dam.
Insight will have more about how the lack of rain is impacting the region, coming up at 9 a.m.
Photo of American River / Andrew Nixon
Photo Essay: Low Folsom Lake Levels Reveal Submerged Settlements
January 28, 2022Last year, California saw everything from intense drought to torrential rain. Researchers and water agencies say that the future of the state’s drought depends on adapting to these shifts.
November 11, 2021As the drought dries up California’s wetlands, traveling birds such as ducks, geese and eagles are struggling to survive and breed. “This drought is bad. The odds are against us,” a state expert said.
June 23, 2021Drought resilience depends on location but also extraordinary engineering — determining which California places are running out of water this year and which remain in good shape.
June 17, 2021About 4,300 users were issued notices to halt diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
June 5, 2021Experts say the current drought is hotter and drier than previous ones, meaning water is evaporating faster.
Follow us for more stories like this
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
Donate Today
