Slab Creek Dam
| Company type | Public utility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric power |
| Headquarters | Sacramento , United States |
Area served | American River basin, California |
| Products | Hydroelectric power |
Slab Creek Dam is an arch dam made of concrete situated within the American River basin in the central region of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, specifically in El Dorado County, California. Built by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) as a component of the Upper American River Project, this structure reaches a height of 386 feet and extends 660 feet along its crest.
The dam creates a barrier on the upper South Fork American River, facilitating hydroelectric power production. SMUD also manages several other dams nearby, including Ice House Dam (completed in 1959), Loon Lake Dam (1963), and Union Valley Dam (1963).
Slab Creek Reservoir
The dam forms Slab Creek Reservoir, which spans 249 acres and holds up to 16,600 acre-feet of water. Although its main function is to generate electricity, the reservoir additionally offers opportunities for recreational pursuits such as fishing, camping, and rafting.
Iowa Hill Pumped-Storage Project
In 2001, SMUD introduced plans for the Iowa Hill Pumped-Storage Project aimed at improving energy storage by transferring water from Slab Creek Reservoir during periods of low demand to be released when demand peaks. However, this initiative was discontinued in February 2016 due to evolving energy storage requirements and shifts in market dynamics.