Hunters
Hunters is a concrete dam located in Calaveras County, California, built in 1927. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hunters
The primary purpose of Hunters 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 Utica Water & Power Authority (public utility). It impounds the Mill Creek near Arnold.
The dam stands 59 feet tall and stretches 400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 299 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 260 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11 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 05/31/2023.
At 59 feet, this dam is taller than 95% 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 |
| Nearest City | Arnold |
| River/Stream | Mill Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.19950, -120.35970 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 59 ft |
| Dam Height | 59 ft |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1927 (99 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 260 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 260 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 253 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 299 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Utica Water & Power Authority |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/31/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00423 |
| Federal ID | CA00423 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |