Back in the 1950’s, Folsom Lake was created to provide water sequestration and flood control for the greater Sacramento Valley. Below the lake that now provides a venue for water skiing, fishing, and swimming, lies the confluence of the North and South forks of the American River. Also under the lake are the former mining settlements of Salmon Falls and Mormon Island.  When the lake was flooded, their history was flooded also; except during low water years like this one, when bits of their history re-appear.  After the discovery of gold on the south fork of the American River at Coloma, small settlements formed along the lower stretches of both forks of the American River by settlers i

So, two days ago, I took a quick shot from the I Street Bridge, upstream towards Discovery Park. This afternoon, during a break in the rain, I walked back up and took another. Not quite the same telephoto distance, but I do believe you can see some change in the height of the river. So, how weird would it be to have a levee break in the middle of a drought? 

So, yes, we're in a drought. We keep hearing about it. We're even in a state of emergency, officially. But since when does a drought look like these pictures, taken this afternoon from the I Street Bridge during a break in the downpour? If this is a drought, I say: Bring it!