Lake Arthur dam
Lake Arthur
Lake Arthur, located in Elders Corner, California, is a captivating hydroelectric reservoir that has been serving as a vital water resource since its completion in 1909. With a dam height of 44 feet and a storage capacity of 87 acre-feet, this Earth dam spans 290 feet, harnessing the waters of Sfk Dry Creek for irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the California Department of Water Resources, Lake Arthur stands as a testament to sustainable water management practices in the region.
Despite its age, Lake Arthur remains in satisfactory condition, with a high hazard potential due to its critical role in water supply infrastructure. Regular inspections ensure its structural integrity, with the last assessment conducted in January 2021. The reservoir's emergency action plan is regularly reviewed and updated to meet safety guidelines, reflecting a proactive approach to risk management. With its scenic surroundings and crucial function in supporting agricultural and energy needs, Lake Arthur serves as a beacon of resilience in the face of climate challenges and underscores the importance of responsible water resource stewardship in California.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, Lake Arthur stands as a resilient example of adaptive water management practices in the face of evolving environmental conditions. Its strategic location, efficient design, and multi-purpose functionality highlight the importance of integrating sustainable solutions into infrastructure development. As a symbol of innovation and foresight in water resource management, Lake Arthur serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between water, climate, and human development, inspiring enthusiasts to advocate for resilient policies that safeguard our precious natural resources for future generations.
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.
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 Lake Arthur -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nf American R A North Fork Dam Ca | 732 cfs | → |
| Bear R Nr Wheatland Ca | 248 cfs | → |
| Pilot C Bl Mutton Canyon Nr Georgetown Ca | 2 cfs | → |
| Dry C A Vernon St Bridge A Roseville Ca | 159 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Smartville Ca | 55 cfs | → |
| Deer C Nr Cameron Park Ca | 8 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Lake Arthur.
Boat launches
- River Trail El Dorado County
- Rattlesnake Road Placer County
- Oak Hill Road 7935, Pilot Hill
- Oaks Nature Trail El Dorado County
- Oxbow Raft Put-In Site
- Park Road, Granite Bay
Campgrounds
- Rucky A Chucky - Auburn State Rec Area
- Bear River County Park
- Georgetown Airport Campground
- Mother Lode River Center
- Mineral Bar - Auburn State Rec Area
- Peninsula - Folsom Lake State Rec Area
Fishing spots
- Lake Clementine
- Lake Combie
- Pg&E Rock Creek Lake Fishing Access
- Lake Of The Pines
- Folsom Lake
- Lake Rollins
Track Lake Arthur in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Lake Arthur
Where does the data for Lake Arthur 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 above 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.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Lake Arthur.