Faucherie Lake Main Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Faucherie Lake Main, located in California's Nevada County, is a rockfill dam constructed in 1966 for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

With a dam height of 65 feet and a storage capacity of 5500 acre-feet, this structure on Canyon Creek serves multiple functions including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. The dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and is inspected regularly to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations.

Owned by a public utility, Faucherie Lake Main is situated in the stunning surroundings of the Canyon Creek Campground, offering a serene backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and water resource aficionados. The dam's high hazard potential underscores the importance of effective risk management measures, although the condition assessment is currently not available. Despite the lack of spillway and outlet gates, the dam remains a critical structure for water management in the region, highlighting the intersection of engineering, regulatory oversight, and environmental conservation in the face of climate change.

As climate variability continues to impact water resources, Faucherie Lake Main stands as a testament to the intricate balance between infrastructure development and environmental preservation. With its association with Ebasco Services, Inc. and regulatory oversight by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Safety of Dams, this dam represents a key component of the state's water management strategy. Its strategic location and multi-purpose functionality position Faucherie Lake Main as a crucial asset in the quest for sustainable water resource management in a changing climate landscape.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

665

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

Canyon Creek

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

152

Hydraulic Height

57

Drainage Area

9.37

Nid Storage

5500

Structural Height

65

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

65
       
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.