Bear River Dam
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy (hydroelectric) |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Hydroelectric energy, municipal water resources |
| Owner | Pacific Gas and Electric Company |
Bear River Dam (National ID # CA00379, alternatively referred to as the Upper Bear River Dam) is a rockfill structure located in Amador County, California, to the east of Sacramento. Built in , the dam reaches a height of and extends along a crest measuring . It impounds the Bear River to provide hydroelectric energy and municipal water resources. The dam is owned and managed by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which is recognized as the largest private owner of hydroelectric facilities in the United States, and it represents one of PG&E's portfolio of 174 dams.
The Bear River Reservoir formed by this dam spans an area of and has a total storage capacity of . Recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, and camping are available; however, access to the Upper Bear River Reservoir is restricted to pedestrian entry only and is infrequently utilized by visitors.
Located downstream is the Lower Bear River Reservoir along with its dam, which is also under PG&E ownership.
This dam is being evaluated as the upper reservoir for a pumped-storage hydroelectric project with an estimated capacity between 380 and 1,140 MW, where the Salt Springs Reservoir would serve as the lower reservoir.