Searsville Dam, Gravity dam in San Mateo County, California.
Searsville Dam is a concrete structure with a base width of 275 feet (84 meters) and a height of 65 feet (20 meters), built from interlocking concrete blocks arranged in a staircase pattern. The structure creates a reservoir that once supplied water for the surrounding region.
The Spring Valley Water Company built Searsville Dam in 1892 as a water storage facility. Stanford University acquired it in the early 1900s to secure water supplies for the campus.
The dam is part of the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, where Stanford University conducts research and educational initiatives focused on regional ecosystems. Visitors experience the relationship between water management and conservation efforts.
Access to the dam comes through Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, which requires visitor registration and follows specific entry guidelines. The area is best explored on foot, and visitors should bring water and wear appropriate footwear.
The dam blocks the migration route of steelhead trout, raising concerns about fish passage downstream. This challenge prompted Stanford to design innovative solutions including a tunnel system to help fish navigate around the structure.
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