Almaden Valley
Key Takeaway
Almaden Valley is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 38 ft (taller than 43.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 27 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00681 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
San Jose Water Company
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Almaden
Santa Clara, CA
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High Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Almaden Valley?
Almaden Valley is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Almaden Valley?
Almaden Valley is owned by San Jose Water Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Almaden Valley built?
Almaden Valley was completed in 1965, making it 61 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Almaden Valley?
Almaden Valley serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Almaden Valley?
Almaden Valley has a dam height of 38 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Almaden Valley last inspected?
Almaden Valley was last inspected on May 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.