Lower Bear is a privately owned hydroelectric dam located in Pioneer, California, along the Bear River. Completed in 1952, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 245 feet and has a storage capacity of 52,025 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to generate hydroelectric power, with a maximum discharge capacity of 22,210 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Lower Bear Dam is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources for safety and inspection. With a high hazard potential, the dam is classified as very high risk (1) and is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 316 feet and is equipped with a Tainter (radial) gate for water release.

Despite its remote location in Amador County, Lower Bear Dam plays a crucial role in providing clean energy and water resource management in the region. Its presence highlights the intersection of water resources and climate considerations in sustaining hydroelectric infrastructure for the future.