Bowman Arch
Bowman Arch is an arch dam located in Nevada County, California, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Bowman Arch
The primary purpose of Bowman Arch is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Nevada Irrigation District (public utility). It impounds the Canyon Creek near Washington.
The dam stands 109 feet tall and stretches 567 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 810 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 68,500 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 29 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/24/2023.
At 109 feet, this dam is taller than 98% 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 | Nevada |
| Nearest City | Washington |
| River/Stream | Canyon Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.44360, -120.65400 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Arch |
| NID Height | 109 ft |
| Dam Height | 105 ft |
| Dam Length | 567 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 68,500 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 68,500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 63,700 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 810 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | Nevada Irrigation District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/24/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00245 |
| Federal ID | CA00245S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |