Jackson Meadows Dam facts for kids
The Jackson Meadows Dam (National ID # CA00254) is a big structure built in Nevada County, California. It helps control water and store it for different uses. This dam is an important part of managing water resources in the area.
Contents
What is the Jackson Meadows Dam?
The Jackson Meadows Dam is a type of dam called an earthen dam. This means it's built mostly from earth, rock, and clay, rather than concrete. It was finished in 1965.
How Big is the Dam?
This dam is quite large! It stands about 195 feet tall, which is like a 20-story building. The top of the dam, called its crest, stretches for 1,530 feet. That's more than a quarter of a mile long!
What Does the Dam Do?
The main jobs of the Jackson Meadows Dam are:
- Flood Control: It helps stop floods by holding back extra water when there's heavy rain or snowmelt. This protects homes and farms downstream.
- Water Storage for Irrigation: It stores a lot of water. This water is then used to irrigate farms, helping crops grow, especially during dry times.
The dam holds back the water from the Middle Fork of the Yuba River. It's one of ten facilities managed by the Nevada Irrigation District. This district is a group that makes sure water is supplied to homes and farms in the region.
Part of a Bigger Project
The Jackson Meadows Dam is also a key part of the Yuba–Bear Hydroelectric Project. This project uses the power of moving water to create electricity. It's a way to make clean energy!
Jackson Meadows Reservoir
When the dam holds back the river's water, it creates a large artificial lake called the Jackson Meadows Reservoir.
Reservoir Size and Capacity
This reservoir covers an area of about 1.5 square miles. That's a lot of water! It can hold a huge amount of water, about 52,500 acre-feet. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land (about the size of a football field) with water one foot deep. So, it's a very big water storage area.
Surrounded by Nature
The Jackson Meadows Reservoir is located in a beautiful natural setting. It is surrounded by the Tahoe National Forest. This means the area around the dam and reservoir is a great place for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.
