Balsam Forebay

Balsam Forebay is an artificial lake in the Sierra National Forest of Fresno County, California near California State Route 168 approximately 5 km north east of Shaver Lake. A trail provides public access to and around the forebay with access to from the southeast shore. Road access to limited to official vehicles. The area is popular for hiking, swimming, and a picnicking.

Balsam Meadow Dam
The lake is formed by the Balsam Meadow Dam, a rockfill dam completed in 1986. The dam is 1325 ft long and 127 ft high, with 4.1 ft of freeboard. Southern California Edison owns the dam.