New Bullards Bar
New Bullards Bar is a concrete dam located in Yuba County, California, built in 1970. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About New Bullards Bar
The primary purpose of New Bullards Bar 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 Yuba County Water Agency (public utility). It impounds the North Yuba River near Marysville.
The dam stands 645 feet tall and stretches 2,323 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4,830 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,010,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 485 square miles. Completed in 1970, 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 09/13/2023.
At 645 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 | Yuba |
| Nearest City | Marysville |
| River/Stream | North Yuba River |
| Coordinates | 39.39210, -121.14110 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 645 ft |
| Dam Height | 645 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,323 ft |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,010,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,010,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 996,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4,830 acres |
| Drainage Area | 485 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 160,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Yuba County Water Agency |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/13/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA00863 |
| Federal ID | CA00863 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |