Lower Feeley Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Feeley, also known as Carr Lake, is a private hydroelectric dam located in Nevada County, California.


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Summary

Constructed in 1870, this Earth-type dam stands at 19 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 15 feet, serving as a vital structure on Fall Creek for the generation of power. With a storage capacity of 150 acre-feet and a surface area of 16.9 acres, Lower Feeley plays a significant role in water resource management in the region.

Despite its age, Lower Feeley maintains a low hazard potential and has been regulated, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 40 feet and has a maximum discharge capacity of 340 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is listed as not available, the risk assessment for Lower Feeley is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks associated with the dam.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Lower Feeley continues to contribute to the hydroelectric power supply in the area, reflecting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and operations of dams like Lower Feeley is crucial for ensuring sustainable water use and energy production in a changing environment.

Year Completed

1870

Dam Length

185

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

Fall Creek - Tr

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16.9

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

150

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.