Lake Sterling
Lake Sterling is a rockfill dam located in Nevada County, California, built in 1858. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Lake Sterling
The primary purpose of Lake Sterling is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Pacific Gas And Electric Company (private). It impounds the Fordyce Creek - Tr.
The dam stands 34 feet tall and stretches 228 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 111 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,764 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1858, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.
This dam has a low hazard potential classification, meaning that failure would cause minimal damage, limited primarily to the dam owner's property, with no expected loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/12/2019.
At 34 feet, this dam is taller than 80% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | Nevada |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Fordyce Creek - Tr |
| Coordinates | 39.35720, -120.49280 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 34 ft |
| Dam Height | 32 ft |
| Dam Length | 228 ft |
| Year Completed | 1858 (168 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,764 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,764 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,730 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 111 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 400 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Low |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/12/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00359 |
| Federal ID | CA00359 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |