Exchequer Dike
Key Takeaway
Exchequer Dike is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 62 ft (taller than 68.9% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 1.1M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7,110 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,037 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00240 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Merced Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Mcswain
Mariposa, CA
High Hazard 97 ftMerced Falls
Merced, CA
High Hazard 43 ftKelsey
Merced, CA
Significant Hazard 28 ftCrocker Diversion
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Low Hazard 22 ftMcmahon
Mariposa, CA
Low Hazard 52 ftDon Pedro Main
Tuolumne, CA
High Hazard 585 ftLa Grange
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Significant Hazard 131 ftGasburg Creek Dike
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High Hazard 75 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Exchequer Dike?
Exchequer Dike is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Exchequer Dike?
Exchequer Dike is owned by Merced Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Exchequer Dike built?
Exchequer Dike was completed in 1966, making it 60 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Exchequer Dike?
Exchequer Dike serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Exchequer Dike?
Exchequer Dike has a dam height of 62 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Exchequer Dike last inspected?
Exchequer Dike was last inspected on August 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.