Quick Facts About Lower Bear Dam
Lower Bear Dam Map
Lower Bear Dam Information
Lower Bear Dam is a rockfill dam located about 19 miles from Pioneer, Amador, California.
The dam, which is on the Bear River, was primarily built for Hydroelectric purposes, but also serves for benefits.
The dam was designed by and commissioned in 1952 and is currently owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Lower Bear Dam Structure
The Lower Bear Dam is approximately 1,844 feet (562 m) long, 245 feet (75 m) high and has a structural volume of cubic yards (0 cubic metres).
Lower Bear Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area
The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 49,100 acre-ft (60,564 Ml) and maximum capacity of 52,025 acre-ft (64,172 Ml).
The surface area of the reservoir is 746 acres (302 ha) and the total catchment area is 37 square miles (96 square kilometres).
Lower Bear Dam Spillway
The dam has a 316 feet (96 m) wide controlled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 22210 cubic feet per second (629 cubic metres per second).
Lower Bear Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams
| Lower Bear Dam Amador, California |
Hoover Dam Clark County, Nevada |
Grand Coulee Dam Okanogan County, Washington |
Theodore Roosevelt Dam Maricopa County, Arizona |
Glen Canyon Dam Coconino County, Arizona |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height (ft) | 245 | 730 | 550 | 357 | 216 |
| Length (Ft) | 1,844 | 1,244 | 5,673 | 6,920 | 1,565 |
| Storage Volume (acre-ft) | 52,025 | 30,237,000 | 9,562,000 | 3,540,000 | 29,875,000 |
| Drainage Area (sq miles) | 37 | 167,800 | 74,100 | 3,611 | 108,355 |
Lower Bear Dam Weather
Current Conditions at Lower Bear Dam
Failed to fetch current weather data.7-Day Forecast for Lower Bear Dam
Failed to fetch weather forecast data.Lower Bear Dam Frequently Asked Questions
Lower Bear Dam is in California.
Lower Bear Dam is in Amador County.
Lower Bear Dam is 245 feet high.
Lower Bear Dam is 1,844 feet long.
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Condition Assessment Classification
Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor
A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Source: National Inventory of Dams