Pardee South Spillway Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Located in Clements, California, the Pardee South Spillway is an essential structure owned by a public utility and regulated by both state and federal agencies.


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Summary

This concrete dam, with a height of 10 feet and a length of 800 feet, serves primarily for water supply purposes, storing up to 198,000 acre-feet of water from the Mokelumne River. Despite its high hazard potential, the spillway is currently rated as having moderate risk with a solid emergency action plan in place.

The spillway, managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, also caters to fish and wildlife preservation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities in addition to its water supply function. With a maximum discharge capacity of 184,000 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 800 feet, it plays a crucial role in controlling water flow during high water events. Overall, the Pardee South Spillway stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience in California's Calaveras County.

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Mokelumne River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

2200

Nid Storage

198000

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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.