Chili Bar Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chili Bar is a privately owned concrete gravity dam located in El Dorado, California, along the South Fork American River.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this hydroelectric structure stands at 126 feet high and has a storage capacity of 3,140 acre-feet. With a high hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Chili Bar is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and inspected regularly to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

This dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 170 feet and a maximum discharge of 100,000 cubic feet per second. Its primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the sustainable utilization of water resources in the region. The surrounding area covers a surface area of 110 acres and has a drainage area of 597 square miles, making Chili Bar a vital component of the local water management infrastructure.

Despite its age, Chili Bar remains a critical asset for water resource management in California, providing both storage and regulatory functions. With its strategic location along the South Fork American River, this dam plays a key role in ensuring water availability and energy production in the region. Climate enthusiasts and water resource experts alike can appreciate the significance of Chili Bar in maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to water resource management.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

126

River Or Stream

South Fork American River

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

110

Hydraulic Height

95.5

Drainage Area

597

Nid Storage

3140

Structural Height

126

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

126
       
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.