New Melones Dam
New Melones Dam is a rockfill dam located in Calaveras County, California, built in 1979. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About New Melones Dam
The primary purpose of New Melones Dam 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 Bureau Of Reclamation (federal). It impounds the Stanislaus River.
The dam stands 625 feet tall and stretches 1,560 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 13,450 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,870,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 904 square miles. Completed in 1979, the structure is 47 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/27/2022.
At 625 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The California dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | California |
| County | Calaveras |
| River/Stream | Stanislaus River |
| Coordinates | 37.94910, -120.52400 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| NID Height | 625 ft |
| Dam Height | 578 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,560 ft |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,870,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,870,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2,720,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13,450 acres |
| Drainage Area | 904 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 112,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | BUREAU OF RECLAMATION |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/27/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA10246 |
| Federal ID | CA10246 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |