Moccasin Lower dam
Moccasin Lower
Moccasin Lower, located in Snelling, California, is a crucial water resource structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) for dam safety. This earth-type dam on Moccasin Creek serves primarily for hydroelectric power generation and water supply purposes, showcasing a blend of environmental and industrial significance. Completed in 1930, the dam stands at a height of 60 feet with a storage capacity of 554 acre-feet and a surface area of 29 acres.
Despite its age, Moccasin Lower's condition is assessed as fair, with a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections to ensure its integrity and safety. The dam's last inspection in March 2021 revealed no immediate concerns, but the need for ongoing monitoring is evident to mitigate any potential risks. With a history dating back over a century, Moccasin Lower continues to play a vital role in water management and energy production in the region, underscoring the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of evolving climate challenges.
As an essential component of California's water infrastructure, Moccasin Lower symbolizes the delicate balance between harnessing natural resources for human needs and preserving ecological integrity. With its historical significance and ongoing operational relevance, this dam serves as a beacon for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike, highlighting the intricate relationship between human activities and environmental stewardship in a changing world.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Moccasin Lower -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big C Ab Whites Gulch Nr Groveland Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Turlock Cn Nr La Grange Ca | 1,360 cfs | → |
| Tuolumne R Bl Lagrange Dam Nr Lagrange Ca | 102 cfs | → |
| Modesto Cn Nr La Grange Ca | 493 cfs | → |
| Tuolumne R Bl Early Intake Nr Mather Ca | 174 cfs | → |
| Cherry C Bl Dion R Holm Ph | 65 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Moccasin Lower.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Moccasin Lower
Where does the data for Moccasin Lower come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.