Lower Bear is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Pioneer, California, along the Bear River.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1952, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 245 feet and has a storage capacity of 52,025 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to generate hydroelectric power, with a maximum discharge capacity of 22,210 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Lower Bear Dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and inspection. With a high hazard potential, the dam is classified as very high risk (1) and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 316 feet and is equipped with a Tainter (radial) gate for water release.
Despite its remote location in Amador County, Lower Bear Dam plays a crucial role in providing clean energy and water resource management in the region. Its presence highlights the intersection of water resources and climate considerations in sustaining hydroelectric infrastructure for the future.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1844 |
Dam Height |
245 |
River Or Stream |
Bear River |
Primary Dam Type |
Rockfill |
Surface Area |
746 |
Hydraulic Height |
124.9 |
Drainage Area |
37 |
Nid Storage |
52025 |
Structural Height |
245 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
245 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bear River South Shore Campground
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South Shore
|
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Pardoes Point
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Pardoes Point Campground
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Sugar Pine Point
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Sugar Pine Point Campground
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Boundary Of Mokelumne Archeologic Special Interest Area To Confluence With North Fork Mokelumne River
Salt Springs Reservoir Dam To To A Point 1 Mile West Of Bear River Confluence
Boundary Of Mokelumne Archeological Special Interest Area To Confluence With Mokelumne
Headwater In Sec 29, T9N,R16E To Confluence With Cat Creek
Boundary Of Mokelumne Archeological Special Interest Area To Confluence With North Fork Mokelumne
Confluence With Cat Creek To One Mile East Of Pipi Campground