Middle Fork Project Finance Authority

What is it? Purpose & Powers

The Middle Fork Project (MFP) is a multi-purpose water supply and hydro-generation project designed to conserve and control waters of the Middle Fork American River, the Rubicon River, and several associated tributary streams. The MFP stores water from rain and snow during the fall and winter months and releases water all year to meet consumptive (municipal, industrial, and agricultural) demands within western Placer County, provides recreational experiences, contributes to the natural resource preservation and enhancement of the river and to generate power for the California electrical grid. The MFP is located within the Middle Fork American River Watershed (Watershed) (MAP PDF) within Placer County at elevations ranging from approximately 1,100 feet to 5,300 feet.

The MFP diverts, stores, and transports water through a series of stream diversions, reservoirs, canals, and powerhouses before it is released back into the Middle Fork American River below Oxbow Powerhouse (where river rafting takes place), approximately 29 miles upstream of Folsom Reservoir. All electricity generated by the MFP is delivered to Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E’s) transmission system. The backbone of the MFP is its two principal water storage reservoirs, French Meadows and Hell Hole. These reservoirs are located on the Middle Fork American River and the Rubicon River.

More on Purpose & Powers.