Located in Trinity County, California, the R. W. Matthews dam stands as a crucial structure for water supply in the region. Completed in 1962, this earth dam has a height of 150 feet and serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply. Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 60,200 acre-feet with a normal storage capacity of 48,000 acre-feet.

Situated on the Mad River, the R. W. Matthews dam poses a high hazard potential with a moderate risk level. While the condition assessment is not available, the dam is inspected annually by regulatory agencies to ensure its safety and functionality. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 100 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 49,000 cubic feet per second in case of emergencies.

Owned and regulated by the state of California, the dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a designer name of Bechtel and a primary source agency of FERC, the R. W. Matthews dam is a critical infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the area.