American
Nimbus Dam to Howe Avenue(Lower American)
| Difficulty | I(II) |
| Length | 14.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 4 fpm |
| Gauge | American R a Fair Oaks Ca |
| Flow Rate as of 26 minutes | 4080 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 10, 2011 |
River Description
This lazy section of river through Sacramento runs all year round, but gets heavy use from floaters in the summer time. The river is bordered by Sacramento County's American River Parkway which has bike paths, parking areas and access areas. There are several different access locations along the river such as at Sunrise Ave - SACParks - Sunrise (PDF) and at SACParks - Watt Avenue (PDF).
There are a number of sections of swiftwater and riffles, but San Juan Rapids are the notable excitement. San Juan hole is good for playboating at many flow levels.
Sunrise Avenue is the start for the paddling portion of Eppie's Great Race. This long standing triathalon draws nearly 1,000 paddlers every July.
Other Information Sources:
American River Main StemCalifornia Creekin'. American River Parkway
Folsom Dam State Parks website
Sacramento State Aquatics Center at Lake Natomas on the upstream side of Nimbus Dam.
Nimbus Fish Hatchery is located just below Nimbus dam.
Folsom South Canal:
Water is diverted at Nimbus dam into the Folsom South Canal for municipal and industrial use south of Sacramento. The canal has a capacity of 3,500 cfs, but this author
...River Features
Sailor Bar Launch Ramp
This is the highest legal put in for launching onto the lower American River. It is on river right.
Sunrise Avenue
Sunrise is possibly the most used put in for floating the lower American. There are large parking areas for river access on both sides of the river.
San Juan Hole
Ideal levels for the San Juan hole are between 1,400 and 3,100 cfs with 2,100 cfs primo. At 1,400 cfs it a shallow, rocky and sticky hole; at 2,100 cfs it is a gently retentive hole that is great for cartwheels and loops; at 3,100 cfs it is a very fast wave with a foam pile that still gives up spins, blunts and an end or two.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportThese are photos of Nimbus dam and the Fish Barrier. Lots of Salmon had already arrived but the fish hatchery people had not yet let flow into the fish ladder to the hatchery. The fish barrier is a permanent foundation and walkway against which temporary gratings are laid. The gratings allow water through but prevent salmon from swimming further upstream past the fish ladder to the hatchery. The gratings can not be in place during winter and spring when high flows and debris could destroy them, so they are put in place by a crane every fall and kept there into early winter.