Lake Van Norden Dam

Lake Van Norden Dam. Hwy 40 Scenic Bypass. , History , There has been a dam at the end of Summit Valley since the 1870's as you can see if you look closely at the top photograph here. To the left of the dam you can also see the buildings that used to be the "downtown" Soda Springs where there was a hotel, bar, store, and livery. We don't know who built the first dam or what it was used for although a passerby said it had been built, "in a vain attempt to make an ice pond." , Later, the South Yuba Canal Co. used the dam to impound water for irrigation and then for electrical generation. The dam evened the flow of the Yuba River late in the season when Sierra rivers "became mere rivulets - but pitiful contrast to the swollen and turbulent torrents which course through the grand canyons and meadows-like valleys for the remainder of the year." As the lake drained each year, grasses grew and sheep arrived for their final fattening before boarding trains at Soda Springs Station and continuing their journey. , The dam was named for Charles Van Norden who came west to manage this family's investment in the South Yuba Canal Co. and later the Central California Electric Co. , P.G.&E. took over the dam in the early 20th century and operated it and the lake behind it until 1976. P.G.&E. wanted to enlarge the dam but discovered it sat on gravel, not bedrock. If there was an earthquake 5800 acre feet of water would flow down the Yuba River. Rebuilding was deemed too expensive so the State required the dam be notched, letting out the water and emptying the lake that had provided recreation and water for generations. , A Good Story , When P.G.&E. discovered the dam was sitting only on glacial till, or gravel, they first wanted to rebuild the dam 100 feet east. The original dam had been constructed by wagons sprinkling dirt, layer upon layer, until the dam was built up to 25 feet high. Earth-filled dams need to be constructed of compacted earth. It the current dam was compacted to modern standards and safety, it would occupy only 1/3 of current volume. , Things to do right here , Since you are right here you really should walk along the top of the dam and then along the dirt road on the north side of the meadow. That's the old Lincoln Highway and you will find some more 20 Mile Museum signs there. Continue on you way and completely circumambulate the meadow. Look for Native American mortars. Look for wildlife. Can you find beaver sign?