Balsam Forebay, body of water

Balsam Forebay is a small reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills that collects water for the regional hydroelectric system. Pine and oak trees surround the basin, which sits in gently rolling terrain with open views across the landscape.

Balsam Forebay is held back by the Balsam Meadow Dam, a rockfill structure completed in 1986. The dam measures 1,325 feet (404 m) long and 127 feet (39 m) high, with 4.1 feet (1.2 m) of freeboard. Southern California Edison owns the dam.

The name combines "Balsam" with "Forebay", the term for a reservoir that feeds a powerhouse; the lake sits about 5 km northeast of Shaver Lake in the Sierra National Forest. Southern California Edison owns the Balsam Meadow Dam, and the forebay is a stop on the hydroelectric system's water route. The surrounding area is used for hiking, swimming and picnicking.

A trail from the southeast shore gives public access to and around the forebay; road access is limited to official vehicles. The forebay lies about 5 km (3.1 mi) northeast of Shaver Lake, near California State Route 168 in the Sierra National Forest. The area is used for hiking, swimming and picnicking.

The forebay is held back by the Balsam Meadow Dam, a rockfill structure finished in 1986 that measures 1,325 feet long and 127 feet high, with 4.1 feet of freeboard. Southern California Edison owns it, and the lake sits about 5 km northeast of Shaver Lake off State Route 168.