New Exchequer Dam, Embankment dam in Mariposa County, California, US
New Exchequer Dam is a rock-fill embankment with a concrete facing that holds back the Merced River. It stores large volumes of water in a lake that stretches for several miles and serves both irrigation and power generation purposes.
It was constructed from 1964 to 1967 and replaced an older facility from 1926 that no longer met needs. The new structure was necessary to store more water and meet the region's growing demands.
The name comes from 19th-century mining operations that worked in this area. The dam transformed the landscape completely and created a large reservoir that shapes life in the region today.
The area can be reached by public roads that follow the shoreline and offer viewpoints. Visitors should note that the water level varies throughout the year depending on seasonal needs and irrigation demands.
The facility incorporates sections of the original dam from 1926 within its structure, preserving older elements while creating a modern facility. This shows how engineers integrated existing works rather than starting completely from scratch.
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