Cpud Middle Fork

Cpud Middle Fork is an earth dam located in Calaveras County, California, built in 1939. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Cpud Middle Fork

The primary purpose of Cpud Middle Fork 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 Calaveras Public Utility District (public utility). It impounds the Middle Fork Mokelumne River near West Point.

The dam stands 112 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 45 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,525 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 28 square miles. Completed in 1939, 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 08/30/2023.

At 112 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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateCalifornia
CountyCalaveras
Nearest CityWest Point
River/StreamMiddle Fork Mokelumne River
Coordinates38.38480, -120.44250

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height112 ft
Dam Height102 ft
Dam Length900 ft
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage2,525 acre-ft
Max Storage2,525 acre-ft
Normal Storage1,650 acre-ft
Surface Area45 acres
Drainage Area28 sq mi
Max Discharge13,500 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerCalaveras Public Utility District
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection08/30/2023
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDCA00307
Federal IDCA00307
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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