New Bullards Bar Dam, Concrete arch dam in Yuba County, California, United States

New Bullards Bar Dam is a variable-radius concrete arch dam on the North Yuba River near Dobbins, Yuba County. Its pale grey face shows faint vertical seams and horizontal lift lines, with a low parapet along the crest and rectangular intake structures with metal railings at both upper ends. A small outlet releases water near the base, and reddish-brown earth meets conifer forest behind the crest.

The current dam was completed in 1969 and represents the fourth structure built at this location. Earlier versions had operated since 1899 before being replaced.

The reservoir is named after the Bullards Bar site, where four dams have stood since 1899. The 1900 diversion dam survives underwater about a quarter mile upstream of the present structure. Water is diverted into the reservoir from the Middle Yuba River and Oregon Creek through tunnels, adding roughly 174 square miles to its catchment.

The dam lies near Dobbins in Yuba County, reached from California State Route 49. The reservoir keeps 170,000 acre-feet of flood-control space between October 31 and March 31, so the water level is drawn down before winter storms. The New Colgate Powerhouse stands 5.2 miles downstream, reached by its own access road.

The connected New Colgate Powerhouse runs on Pelton wheels that are among the largest ever made. These specially designed machines generate 340 megawatts of electricity from the falling water.