News & Alerts

The MFP Reservoirs Are Open for Recreation

PCWA reservoirs remain open for recreation, but protecting local waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is a top priority. We are actively monitoring and implementing prevention measures to ensure long-term reservoir health. At this time, boat tagging and quarantine are NOT required. However, boaters must follow Clean, Drain, Dry protocols before launching. Prevention is a shared responsibility—your actions help keep our reservoirs safe, functional, and open for recreation.  Additional information about AIS can be found here.

French Meadows Campground will be Open in 2026

French Meadows Campground was closed during the 2025 recreation season while PCWA made significant upgrades to the campground. We are happy to report that all upgrades to French Meadows Campground, and the water supply for this facility, have been completed. Accordingly, French Meadows Campground will be open during the 2026 recreation season. Reservations for the 63 redesigned campsites at French Meadows Campground can be made at  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232047.

Real Time Flow Data

PCWA monitors and reports instream flows using numerous gages located throughout the Middle Fork American Watershed and provides real time flow data here: https://www.middleforkfun.com/flows/r2

Annual Maintenance Outage (October 1 – 31, 2026)

During the maintenance period, the MFP powerhouses are not operating and as a result, flows in the Middle Fork American River (MFAR) below French Meadows Reservoir and in the Rubicon River below Hell Hole Reservoir will be higher. Conversely, flow in the MFAR below Oxbow Powerhouse will be lower. The change in flow during the maintenance outage could affect angling, whitewater rafting, and other stream-based recreation activities (including river crossing). Real-time flow data for all of the rivers and streams in the vicinity of the MFP is available here: https://www.middleforkfun.com/flows/r2.