Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake is a dam located in Nevada County, California, built in 1855. It carries a Low hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Meadow Lake
The primary purpose of Meadow Lake 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 38 feet tall and stretches 875 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 140 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 5,656 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1855, 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 08/16/2023.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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 | None |
| River/Stream | Fordyce Creek - Tr |
| Coordinates | 39.40320, -120.49850 |
Physical Characteristics
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 875 ft |
| Year Completed | 1855 (171 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 5,656 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 5,656 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 140 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,650 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 | 08/16/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00366 |
| Federal ID | CA00366 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |