// Risk Intelligence
| Risk Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Facility Type | 🌊 Major Dam / Flood Control |
| Operator / Branch | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Host County | Sacramento County CA |
| Nearest City | Washington DC |
| Primary Risk Radius | 75 miles |
// Strategic Significance
Folsom Dam on the American River protects Sacramento from the catastrophic flooding that would result from major Sierra Nevada snowmelt combined with heavy rainfall — an event meteorologists call ARkStorm. Sacramento sits downstream of Folsom at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers protected by levees that experts consider inadequate for a maximum credible flood. In 2017 the dam came under severe pressure during record rainfall requiring emergency spillway operations.
// Civilian Impact Assessment
Sacramento California's state capital with 500000 residents sits downstream of Folsom Dam. The 2017 Oroville Dam crisis focused attention on the vulnerability of California's aging dam infrastructure. A Folsom Dam failure combined with a Sacramento levee failure would inundate vast areas of the Sacramento Valley — California's agricultural heartland — and the state capital. Downstream communities from Folsom to Sacramento would have limited warning time.
// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance
Sacramento area residents should know their levee and dam failure inundation zone designation. The Sacramento Metro area has detailed emergency plans for dam failure scenarios. Evacuate immediately upon any dam emergency alert — do not wait for rising water. Move to high ground well above the American River floodplain. Monitor California OES and Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency broadcasts.
// Recommended Preparedness Gear
Essential preparedness items for residents within the 75-mile risk zone of Folsom Dam CA.
72-Hour Emergency Food Kit View on Amazon → Water Filtration System View on Amazon → Portable Generator View on Amazon →* ThreatMap USA participates in the Amazon Associates Program.