California State Parks announced Thursday that it will enforce a 5-miles-per-hour (mph) speed limit at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) starting Friday, Nov. 8, in response to significantly reduced water levels that have exposed submerged hazards throughout the lake. The speed limit aims to protect boaters from potential accidents caused by underwater rocks and other obstacles now closer to the surface due to the low water conditions.
“We want visitors to continue enjoying the lake, but their safety is our top priority,” said Mike Howard, Superintendent of Folsom Lake SRA. “We are seeing an increase in submerged hazards, and the risk of serious damage or injury is elevated when boats are operating at higher speeds.”
The lower water levels have made four of the five boat ramps at Folsom Lake unusable. As a result, boaters will only have access to one launch ramp — the Hobie Cove ramp located at Browns Ravine in El Dorado County. The other ramps at Rattlesnake Bar, Granite Bay, Folsom Point, and Peninsula are all closed to boat launching.
Additionally, the Granite Bay Low Water Ramp is expected to become operational once the lake’s elevation drops below 397 feet.
Despite these changes, all day-use and picnic areas at Folsom Lake remain open to the public. However, visitors should be aware that the walk to the water’s edge may be longer than usual due to the lowered lake levels.
“Boaters should be especially cautious when navigating in shallower areas,” Howard added. “A collision with a submerged rock at high speed could have catastrophic consequences.”
The 5-mph speed limit is intended to mitigate these dangers by encouraging slower boat speeds, allowing more time for operators to react to any obstacles in the water. California State Parks is advising all visitors to be vigilant and take extra precautions when boating at Folsom Lake SRA.