San Clemente Dam, Concrete arch dam in Monterey County, United States.
Description
San Clemente Dam was a concrete arch dam that crossed the Carmel River near San Clemente Creek in Monterey County. The structure spanned approximately 300 feet (91 meters) and stood about 106 feet (32 meters) tall above the riverbed.
History
The dam was built between 1918 and 1921 to supply water to the Monterey Peninsula for many decades. Over time, sediment buildup reduced its effectiveness considerably.
Culture
The removal of this dam in 2015 marked a shift in California water management priorities, leading to environmental restoration efforts along the Carmel River.
Practical
The dam was removed in 2015 to restore free river flow and environmental conditions. The area is now accessible in some places, though you should check current conditions before visiting.
Did you know?
After the dam was removed, steelhead trout returned to the Carmel River, a species that had vanished from this area decades earlier. This comeback demonstrates how quickly river ecosystems can recover once natural barriers are taken away.
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