FRENCHMAN DAM

Reservoir Levels Weather Hydrology
November 21, 2024

YEAR OVER YEAR

SUMMARY

Storage 24hr Change -0.29%
Percent of Normal 171%
Minimum 3,464 acre-ft
2023-12-08
Maximum 58,694 acre-ft
2023-05-03
Average 30,358 acre-ft
Nid_Height 139
Hydraulic_Height 120
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Drainage_Area 82
Year_Completed 1961
Dam_Height 139
River_Or_Stream Lit Last Chance Cr
Surface_Area 1580
Nid_Storage 55477
Dam_Length 720
Hazard_Potential High

Frenchman Lake, located in Plumas, California, is a state-regulated dam with a primary purpose of water supply. Built in 1961, this earth dam stands at a height of 139 feet and has a storage capacity of 55,477 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 1,580 acres and is fed by Lit Last Chance Creek, serving irrigation, recreation, and water supply needs in the region.

Managed by the Department of Water Resources and Safety of Dams, Frenchman Lake has a high hazard potential but is currently deemed to be in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment taking place in September 2017. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans, although the details of their preparation and compliance with guidelines are not specified in the available data. In the event of an emergency, the appropriate regulatory agencies and local authorities are responsible for implementing risk management measures and ensuring public safety.

Overall, Frenchman Lake is a crucial water resource infrastructure in California, providing essential services to the surrounding communities. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a vital role in water management and supply for agriculture and residential use. As climate change continues to impact water resources, ongoing monitoring and maintenance of dams like Frenchman are essential to safeguard against potential risks and ensure the sustainable utilization of this valuable resource.

Reservoir Levels

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Watershed River Levels

59

Cubic Feet Per Second

22

Cubic Feet Per Second

2

Cubic Feet Per Second

2

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Point of Interest

Honey Lake Wildlife Area

Honey Lake Wildlife Area

Honey Lake Wildlife Area is a 12,000-acre protected wildlife area in northeastern California, located near the town of Susanville. There are many good reasons to visit this area, including the opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife, hike through beautiful landscapes, and explore historic sites. The area is home to over 200 species of birds, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and pelicans. Visitors can also spot deer, coyotes, and jackrabbits, among other animals. One of the main points of interest in Honey Lake Wildlife Area is the Honey Lake itself, a shallow lake that is an important stopover for ...