Keswick Dam is an important piece of infrastructure located in Shasta County, California. It is situated on the Sacramento River, just a few miles northwest of the city of Redding. This concrete gravity dam was constructed as part of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Central Valley Project, which was designed to provide water and power to the agricultural regions of California's Central Valley. The dam is an impressive 157 feet (48 m) high and creates the Keswick Reservoir, which has a capacity of 23,800 acre-feet (29,400,000 m3). The dam serves a crucial role in regulating the flow of water in the Sacramento River system. Its power plant features three turbines with a generating capacity of 117 megawatts (MW). This generating capacity was increased from its original 75 MW in 1992, making the Keswick Dam and Reservoir a valuable source of hydroelectric power. The dam's power plant is able to regulate peaking power releases from the upstream Shasta Dam, which helps to maintain a consistent and reliable supply of electricity to the surrounding area. Beyond its role in regulating water flow and providing power, the Keswick Dam and Reservoir also have a significant impact on the local ecosystem. The Keswick Reservoir is an important habitat for a variety of fish species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and rainbow trout. The dam's construction has impacted fish migration in the Sacramento River system, but efforts have been made to mitigate these effects through the construction of fish ladders and other measures. Additionally, the Keswick Reservoir and surrounding area provide recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the area. Overall, the Keswick Dam is an important piece of infrastructure with a variety of important functions. It plays a key role in regulating the flow of water in the Sacramento River system, provides a reliable source of hydroelectric power, and has a significant impact on the local ecosystem. Additionally, it serves as a valuable recreational destination for visitors to the area.