Which of the following dams is classified as a concrete gravity dam?

Shasta Dam is classified as a concrete gravity dam because it is constructed primarily of concrete and is designed to use its weight to resist the horizontal forces exerted by the water it holds back. Gravity dams rely on their mass to maintain stability, and Shasta Dam, with its robust concrete design, perfectly exemplifies this characteristic. Its structure allows it to effectively manage large volumes of water, making it an important component of water management in California.

Folsom Dam, Oroville Dam, and New Melones Dam, while also significant structures, do not fit the specific classification of concrete gravity dams in the same way. For instance, Folsom Dam is a reinforced concrete embankment dam, which has different structural qualities and design considerations compared to gravity dams. Understanding these distinctions helps to explain why Shasta is recognized as a concrete gravity dam in the context of water management systems.