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 13 minutes | 4470 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 10, 2011 |
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
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Boating is not allowed within 1,000 feet of Nimbus Dam by order of the county of Sacramento, possibly because of this weir. However, there are reports that people do launch and float down from above the weir when the fish barriers are not in place. Some people have surfed below the weir at high flows. There may be various hazards at this weir.
There are Studies to remove, relocate or alter this weir.
This is the highest legal put in for launching onto the lower American River. It is on river right.
This appears to be the start of a very long riffle or rapid.
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.
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.
