Police Urge Caution Near American River As Folsom Dam Releases Increase
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Police are urging people near the American River in the Cal Expo area to seek higher ground.
A Sacramento Police helicopter could be heard flying over the area Monday, broadcasting a recorded precautionary message urging people near the river to move to higher ground.
The recent storm has prompted the Bureau of Water Reclamation to increase the rate of water being released from Folsom Lake. A powerful storm brought heavy amounts of rain and snow to the foothills and Sierra, which sharply increased water levels.
The Cal Expo area is not only popular with boaters and anglers but is also known as a popular camping spot for homeless people.
UPDATE: Water rescue at West El Camino and East Levee not needed. Homeless encampments evacuating with help of canoes and boats
— Sacramento Fire Department (@SacFirePIO) March 7, 2016
In addition to rising river levels, the water is expected move faster.