Amargosa Creek
Key Takeaway
Amargosa Creek is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1998 and is 28 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 65 ft (taller than 70.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 93 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1998 (28 years old) |
| NID ID | CA01406 |
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
City of Palmdale
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Amargosa Creek?
Amargosa Creek 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 Amargosa Creek?
Amargosa Creek is owned by City of Palmdale (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Amargosa Creek built?
Amargosa Creek was completed in 1998, making it 28 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 Amargosa Creek?
Amargosa Creek serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Amargosa Creek?
Amargosa Creek has a dam height of 65 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 Amargosa Creek last inspected?
Amargosa Creek was last inspected on May 31, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.