Beaver Creek Diversion in Murphys, California, is a gravity dam with a primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1989 by Sierra Constructors, this structure stands at a height of 54 feet and has a hydraulic height of 30.5 feet. With a capacity to store 45 acre-feet of water, the dam serves a drainage area of 29 square miles and can discharge up to 16,300 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Beaver Creek Diversion is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and permitting. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. With an uncontrolled spillway and a surface area of 1.7 acres, the structure has undergone inspections as recent as July 2018, with an established emergency action plan in place.
Located in Tuolumne County, Beaver Creek Diversion plays a critical role in water resource management and renewable energy production in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate sustainability can appreciate the engineering marvel of this concrete gravity dam and its contribution to the local ecosystem while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
188 |
Dam Height |
54 |
River Or Stream |
Beaver Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
30.5 |
Drainage Area |
29 |
Nid Storage |
45 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
54 |
Below Mckay'S Reservoir To Confluence With Middle Fork Stanislaus River
One Mile Downstream Of State Park Boundary In Sec 24, T5N, R15E To Mckay'S Reservoir
Calaveras Big Trees State Park Boundary In Sec 24, T5N, R15E To One Mile Downstream Of State Park Boundary In Sec 24, T5N, R15E
One-Quarter Mile Downstream Of Forest Road 5N75 Bridge Crossing To Calaveras Big Trees State Park Boundary In Sec 24, T5N, R15E
One-Quarter Mile Upstream Of Forest Road 5No2 Bridge Crossing To One-Quarter Mile Downstream Of Forest Road 5N75 Bridge Crossing
Sandbar To Confluence With North Fork Stanislaus River