New Spicer Meadow
New Spicer Meadow is an other dam located in Tuolumne County, California, built in 1989. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About New Spicer Meadow
The primary purpose of New Spicer Meadow 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 County Water District (public utility). It impounds the Highland Creek near Dorrington.
The dam stands 265 feet tall and stretches 2,400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,000 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 193,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 45 square miles. Completed in 1989, the structure is 37 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 08/09/2022.
At 265 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 | Tuolumne |
| Nearest City | Dorrington |
| River/Stream | Highland Creek |
| Coordinates | 38.39300, -119.99710 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 265 ft |
| Dam Height | 265 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,400 ft |
| Year Completed | 1989 (37 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 193,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 193,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 189,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 45 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,650 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | Calaveras County Water District |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/09/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | CA01224 |
| Federal ID | CA01224 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |