San Clemente Dam

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.

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.

The removal of this dam in 2015 marked a shift in California water management priorities, leading to environmental restoration efforts along the Carmel River.

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.

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.

Location: Monterey County

GPS coordinates: 36.43583,-121.70861

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05