Upper Monarch Lake, located in Mineral King, California, is a privately owned dam with a primary purpose of water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1905, this gravity-type dam stands at 22 feet tall and has a storage capacity of 314 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 17 acres and is fed by the Efk Kaweah River, serving as a vital resource for hydroelectric power and water supply in the region.
Managed by the California Department of Water Resources, Upper Monarch Lake has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2017. With state regulation, permitting, and inspection in place, the dam is equipped to handle any potential risks or emergencies. The surrounding area of Tulare County benefits from the controlled water flow and storage provided by this essential infrastructure.
As an integral part of the water resource management system in California, Upper Monarch Lake plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable water supply for the region. With its historical significance dating back over a century, this dam continues to serve as a reliable source of water for both domestic and industrial use, while also contributing to the overall climate resilience of the area.
Year Completed |
1905 |
Dam Length |
263 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
Efk Kaweah R |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.44 |
Nid Storage |
314 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
8,000 Ft Contour Line (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To The Atwell Mill Trail Bridge At ~ 5,800 Ft
9,000 Ft Contour Line (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To 8,000 Ft Contour Line
Atwell Mill Trail Bridge At ~5,800 Ft (Boundary Extends 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of The River.) To Boundary Of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Confluence Of Lone Pine And Hamilton (Deer) Creeks (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Wildernes Boundary
Outlet Of Green Meadows North Of The Windy Gap And Windy Ridges (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Bridge Above South Fork Campground
Wilderness Boundary (Boundary Extend 0.25 Mile On Each Side Of River) To Boundary Of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park