Junction is a concrete dam located in El Dorado County, California, built in 1962. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 168 ft168 ft tall and 525 ft long, taller than 99% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against the Statue of Liberty, 305 ft ground to torch; the profile is a generic concrete gravity section and the water level is illustrative.
About Junction
The primary purpose of Junction 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 Sacramento Municipal Utility District (public utility). It impounds the South Fork Silver Creek near Coloma.
The dam stands 168 feet tall and stretches 525 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 64 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,609 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 142 square miles. Completed in 1962, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 08/29/2023.
At 168 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
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Location
| State | California |
| County | El Dorado |
| Nearest City | Coloma |
| River/Stream | South Fork Silver Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.85210, -120.45740 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 168 ft |
| Dam Height | 168 ft |
| Dam Length | 525 ft |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 3,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,609 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 64 acres |
| Drainage Area | 142 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 53,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Sacramento Municipal Utility District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/29/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00815 |
| Federal ID | CA00815 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |