Meadow Lake
Key Takeaway
Meadow Lake is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1855 and is 171 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 38 ft (taller than 43.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 875 ft |
| Max Storage | 5.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 140 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,650 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1855 (171 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00366 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Private
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Meadow Lake?
Meadow Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Meadow Lake?
Meadow Lake is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Meadow Lake built?
Meadow Lake was completed in 1855, making it 171 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 Meadow Lake?
Meadow Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Meadow Lake?
Meadow Lake has a dam height of 38 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 Meadow Lake last inspected?
Meadow Lake was last inspected on August 16, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.