El Dorado Forebay Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

El Dorado Forebay in California serves as a vital water resource and hydroelectric power generator along the North Fork Long Canyon.


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Summary

This private dam, completed in 1923, stands at a height of 91 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 356 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation, it also serves for debris control and irrigation in the region.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, El Dorado Forebay is a state-regulated and inspected structure ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type, has a width of 20 feet to manage up to 580 cubic feet per second of water discharge during peak flows. Despite its high hazard potential, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with regular inspections and emergency action plans in place to mitigate any potential risks.

Located in El Dorado County, this historic dam plays a crucial role in water management and power generation in the region. Its significance lies in providing a sustainable source of energy and supporting irrigation activities, all while adhering to strict regulatory standards and safety measures to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1923

Dam Length

836

Dam Height

91

River Or Stream

North Fork Long Canyon

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23

Hydraulic Height

88.6

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

356

Structural Height

91

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

91
       
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.