Salt Springs is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Pioneer, California, along the North Fork Mokelumne River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1931, the dam stands at a height of 328 feet and has a storage capacity of 142,000 acre-feet. With a maximum discharge of 92,790 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and a series of outlet gates to manage water flow effectively.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Salt Springs has a high hazard potential and is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety compliance. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, with a structural design of rockfill construction. Its location in Calaveras County, California, makes it a vital part of the region's water resource infrastructure, providing essential services while also posing risks that must be carefully managed and monitored.
Despite its age, Salt Springs has undergone regular inspections and maintenance, ensuring its structural integrity and operational efficiency. With a risk assessment rating of Very High, the dam remains a critical piece of California's water resource management infrastructure, serving both as a source of renewable energy and a potential area of concern for climate and water resource enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1931 |
Dam Length |
1945 |
Dam Height |
328 |
River Or Stream |
North Fork Mokelumne River |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
963 |
Hydraulic Height |
235.7 |
Drainage Area |
169 |
Nid Storage |
142000 |
Structural Height |
328 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1, Tainter (radial) - 12 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
328 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bear Group Campground
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White Azalea Campground
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Pardoes Point Campground
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South Shore
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Bear River South Shore Campground
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Pardoes Point
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Salt Springs Reservoir Dam To To A Point 1 Mile West Of Bear River Confluence
Boundary Of Mokelumne Archeologic Special Interest Area To Confluence With North Fork Mokelumne River
Boundary Of Mokelumne Archeological Special Interest Area To Confluence With Mokelumne
Boundary Of Mokelumne Archeological Special Interest Area To Confluence With North Fork Mokelumne
Headwater In Sec 29, T9N,R16E To Confluence With Cat Creek
Confluence With Cat Creek To One Mile East Of Pipi Campground