Jackson Meadows
Jackson Meadows is an earth dam located in Nevada County, California, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Jackson Meadows
The primary purpose of Jackson Meadows is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Nevada Irrigation District (public utility). It impounds the Middle Yuba River near Milton Res, Woolsey Flat.
The dam stands 205 feet tall and stretches 1,630 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 1,710 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 69,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 37 square miles. Completed in 1965, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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. 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 08/22/2023.
At 205 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 | Nevada |
| Nearest City | Milton Res, Woolsey Flat |
| River/Stream | Middle Yuba River |
| Coordinates | 39.50860, -120.55600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 205 ft |
| Dam Height | 196 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,630 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 69,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 69,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 53,100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,710 acres |
| Drainage Area | 37 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 20,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Nevada Irrigation District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/22/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00254 |
| Federal ID | CA00254 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |