Hydraulic mining in the late 19th century led to many issue downstream, including increased sedimentation from mine tailings and rising flood stage. This construction is more cost effective than other dam constructions and works best in v-shaped valleys. The upper portion of the dam has a greater radius than the lower portion. Variable radius arch dams are engineered with a curve in the dam with variations at each end due to differences in elevation. There are four types of arch dams: constant radius arch dam, constant angle arch dam, and double curvature arch dam. Sacramento pikeminnow ( Ptychocheilus grandis).

smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomieu).largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides).Many fish species have been identified in Lake Clementine including: There is also a proliferate presence of blackberry ( Rubus armeniacus and Rubus ursinus) and poison oak. Wildflowers such as California Poppy ( Eschscholzia californica), a few variety of Lupin ( Lupinus), and winter vetch ( Vicia villosa ) can also be seen throughout the spring season. Flora and FaunaĪlong the shores and surrounding areas the vegetation includes several tree species including various oaks, manzanita ( Arctostaphylos manzanita), madrone( Arbutus menziesii), and ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa). Some historians claim that Black Bart, a notorious stagecoach bandit during the California Gold Rush, lead this gang of Robbers Roost bandits. The bandits had the vantage to determine if the stagecoach had armed guards to protect it and if the stagecoach was vulnerable they would signal an attack. During the gold rush days this rock served as a look out point for stage robbers. This is a large limestone outcropping which is known locally as 'Robber's Roost'. The lower portion of the lake is limited to boat access only and includes a boat in campsite.įrom the lake and some surrounding trails, a prominent geographic feature called 'Lime Rock' can be seen. Recreational activities may include canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or gold panning using the hand and pan method. The day use area consists of large pebble rocky beach along the south side of the lake. Accessible down a 1.5 mile switchback unpaved dirt road, there is an expansive day use beach. Upper Lake Clementine is seasonally opened from May 1 through October 15 from sunrise to thirty minutes before sunset. Upper Lake Clementine is accessed by car via separate entrance from Lower Lake Clementine or by non-motorized vehicles. Because the dam is designed so that the river flows over its top, a waterfall is created that grows impressively large in winter and spring when rain and snow melt cause high river flows. The trail also connects to a large network of hiking, running, and mountain biking trail systems stretching eastward into the Sierra Nevada mountain range, near Lake Tahoe. A popular hiking, running, and mountain biking trail courses from the dam area, continues downstream below the 730 ft (223 m) in height Foresthill Bridge, linking Lake Clementine to the North and Middle Forks American River Confluence area below the dam. It features steep forested canyon walls and contains several large high quality limestone deposits, one large vertical outcropping of which is known as Robbers Roost, and offers climbing and caving opportunities for the adventurous. However, it is possible to quietly enjoy the lake for kayaking, rowing, and fishing. The reservoir is open to boat traffic, a water-skiing and wakeboarding spot during the summer.

Upper lake clementine