Meadow Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Meadow Lake, located in Kirkwood, California, is a privately owned rockfill dam constructed in 1903 primarily for hydroelectric purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 73.5 feet and has a length of 775 feet, with a storage capacity of 5660 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 570 cubic feet per second. Situated on the North Fork Mokelumne River, the dam is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Meadow Lake provides a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. Although the condition assessment is not available, regular inspections are conducted to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Meadow Lake was last revised in October 2020, aiming to meet safety guidelines and prepare for any potential emergencies. Despite its age, Meadow Lake continues to play a significant role in water management and hydroelectric power generation in Alpine County, California.

Year Completed

1903

Dam Length

775

Dam Height

73.5

River Or Stream

North Fork Mokelumne River-tr

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

250

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

5660

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

74
       
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.