History
Folsom Dam was constructed by the Corps of Engineers and upon completion was transferred to the Bureau of Reclamation for coordinated operation as an integral part of the Central Valley Project. Construction of the dam began in October 1948 and was completed in May 1955. The units were up rated in 1972.
The Central Valley Project, one of the Nation`s major water conservation developments, extends from the Cascade Range on the north to the semiarid but fertile plains along the Kern River on the south. Initial features of the project were built primarily to protect the Central Valley from crippling water shortages and menacing floods. New project units were built to provide water and power to match the continued growth of the State.
Although developed primarily for irrigation, this multiple-purpose project also provides flood control, improves Sacramento River navigation, supplies domestic and industrial water, generates electric power, conserves fish and wildlife, creates opportunities for recreation, and enhances water quality.
Funds for construction of the initial features of the Central Valley Project were provided by the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 (49 Stat. 115). The Secretary of the Interior authorized the project and the President approved it on December 2, 1935.
Plan
Folsom is a peaking powerplant which is dedicated first to meeting the requirements of the project facilities. The remaining energy is marketed to various preference customers in northern California. This plant also provides power for the pumping plant, which supplies the local domestic water supply. Folsom Dam is a concrete gravity structure 340 feet high and 36 feet wide at the crest. The crest is 1,400 feet long. Folsom Powerplant, constructed by Reclamation, is located at the foot of Folsom Dam on the north side of the river. Water from the dam is released through three 15-foot-diameter penstocks to three generating units. Folsom Dam was constructed by the Corps of Engineers and upon completion was transferred to the Bureau of Reclamation for coordinated operation as an integral part of the Central Valley Project. Construction of the dam began in October 1948 and was completed in May 1955. The units were up rated in 1972. Folsom Powerplant is an integral component of the Reservoir Flood Control Operation. The powerplant is used to augment early flood control releases. The powerplant will continue to be used to augment early flood control releases from the reservoir. Continued peaking operation is planned as releases permit. Folsom is providing a larger degree of local voltage control. Folsom is being increasingly relied upon to support local loads during system disturbances. Western Electricity Coordinating Council, California-Southern Nevada Power Area Western Area Power Administration, Sierra Nevada Region Above Ground Francis 162,000 kW 1955 52 years 425,862,000 kWh 300 ft Conventional 198,720 kW 2007