Twain Harte Dam, Multiple arch dam in Tuolumne County, California.
Twain Harte Dam is a concrete arch structure in the Sierra Nevada that extends roughly 325 feet and rises about 36 feet above ground. The structure creates a small lake that serves as a local water source and gathering point for the area.
The Twain Harte Lake Association began construction in 1927 and completed the dam by 1928 to create a water storage system for the mountain community. This project transformed the local landscape by establishing a reliable water supply in the Sierra Nevada region.
The dam's location near 'The Rock' holds significance for Mi-Wuk Indians who used this natural formation for gatherings and shelter before European settlement.
The site is easiest to reach on foot, and the best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are dry and easier to walk. The surrounding trails offer various difficulty levels, making it suitable for different visitor abilities.
In 2014, a natural stress event in the adjacent granite dome caused fracturing that forced immediate lake drainage and major repairs. This incident revealed the powerful geological forces continuously at work in this mountain setting.
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