What type of dam is the Folsom Dam primarily categorized as?

Folsom Dam is primarily categorized as a gravity dam because it utilizes the weight of its concrete structure to resist the pressure of the water behind it. Gravity dams are typically thick and massive at the base, tapering off towards the top, which allows them to effectively hold back large volumes of water through their sheer weight. Folsom Dam is designed with a substantial concrete structure that sits on the riverbed, naturally channeling the water into various waterways and reservoirs without relying on additional support or reinforcement like arch or earthen structures would. This design is critical for its primary purposes, including flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.