Caples Lake Main, also known as Twin Lake, is a privately owned dam located in Kirkwood, California.
Wind
Humidity
This earth dam was completed in 1923 and serves primarily for hydroelectric power generation, with additional purposes including recreation. With a height of 86 feet and a hydraulic height of 62 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 22,338 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 600 acres. Caples Lake Main is situated on Caples Creek and is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and inspection.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Caples Lake Main is a crucial water resource in Alpine County, California. With a high hazard potential, the dam has a risk assessment rating of 2, indicating a significant level of risk. Despite the lack of available condition assessment data, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines. The dam's location in a high-altitude setting makes it susceptible to climatic variability and underscores the importance of effective risk management measures in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential inundation events.
Caples Lake Main plays a vital role in the local water supply and power generation infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As a key component of the hydroelectric system, the dam contributes to the sustainable utilization of water resources while providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The ongoing oversight and maintenance of Caples Lake Main underscore the importance of proactive risk management strategies in mitigating potential hazards and ensuring the long-term viability of this essential water resource asset in California's Sierra Nevada region.
Year Completed |
1923 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
86 |
River Or Stream |
Caples Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
600 |
Hydraulic Height |
62 |
Drainage Area |
13.5 |
Nid Storage |
22338 |
Structural Height |
65.5 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
86 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Caples Lake
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Caples Lake Campground
|
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Two Sentinels Girl Scout Camp
|
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Kirkwood Lake
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Kirkwood Campground
|
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Woods Lake Campground
|
Headwaters In Sec 15,T10N, R17E To Confluence With Silver Fork Of American River
Headwaters In Sec 2, T9N, R18E To Confluence With Mokelumne River
Headwaters To South Of Upper Truckee Road (Sec Line Between 17/20 Intercepts River And Unnamed Tributary)
Headwaters In Sec 7, T11N, R18E To Blair Bridge
State Highway 50 To 1/4 Mile North Of State Highway 50
1/4 Mile North Of State Highway 50 To Avalanche Lake