- Be River Wise
- River Fluctuations
Visitors may think they are enjoying the river in a safe spot along the river but once the water release reaches their location, higher and faster water may make it harder to return to shore - often requiring a rescue. On occasion, recreators attempt to reach the shore on their own and end up getting caught in the swift current and drowning.
This year’s river flow is swifter and colder than in years past and the lives of more visitors are likely to be claimed if recreators do not realize the flows increase drastically in the afternoon once the water release reaches the confluence.
Always use extra caution when recreating in and around the Middle Fork American River and below the confluence.