Windspeed
Humidity
Lake Fordyce, located in California, is a captivating hydroelectric reservoir nestled in the scenic surroundings of Nevada County. Built in 1873, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 145 feet and boasts a storage capacity of over 49,000 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, with a maximum discharge capacity of 17,500 cubic feet per second.
Managed by a private entity, Lake Fordyce is regulated by the state of California and inspected regularly for safety and compliance. The dam's spillway, with a width of 148 feet, is designed to handle controlled releases in case of excess water levels. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment remains at a very high level, necessitating stringent risk management measures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Despite its age, Lake Fordyce continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and hydroelectric power production in the region. With its picturesque location and impressive engineering, this historic reservoir stands as a testament to the intersection of water resources and climate resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Storage 24hr Change | -8.06% |
Percent of Normal | 77% |
Minimum |
2,687 acre-ft
2021-10-23 |
Maximum |
47,601 acre-ft
2020-06-14 |
Average | 8,405 acre-ft |
Nid_Height | 145 |
Hydraulic_Height | 133 |
Primary_Dam_Type | Rockfill |
Drainage_Area | 31.7 |
Year_Completed | 1873 |
Dam_Height | 145 |
Structural_Height | 136 |
River_Or_Stream | Fordyce Creek |
Surface_Area | 772 |
Hazard_Potential | High |
Outlet_Gates | Tainter (radial) - 2 |
Nid_Storage | 49903 |
Dam_Length | 1220 |
Discharge | Stage | Elevation | |
DEER C NR CAMERON PARK CA
2011-06-30T23:45:00.000-07:00 |
8cfs | 3.60ft | 779ft |
COSUMNES R A MICHIGAN BAR CA
2024-12-19T00:30:00.000-08:00 |
112cfs | 3.29ft | 180ft |
UP TRUCKEE R A SOUTH LAKE TAHOE CA
2024-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00 |
17cfs | 3.35ft | 6233ft |
PILOT C BL MUTTON CANYON NR GEORGETOWN CA
2008-10-19T23:45:00.000-07:00 |
2cfs | 3.04ft | 3848ft |
WEST FORK CARSON RIVER AT WOODFORDS
2024-12-21T00:00:00.000-08:00 |
17cfs | 10.5ft | 5759ft |
SPANISH C AB BLACKHAWK C AT KEDDIE CA
2024-12-19T01:30:00.000-08:00 |
199cfs | 2.45ft | 3141ft |
SPANISH C A QUINCY CA
2024-12-19T01:30:00.000-08:00 |
112cfs | 5.65ft | 3406ft |