Atascadero Park

Tr Atascadero Cr· San Luis Obispo, California· Built 1918· Earth· 18 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Atascadero Park is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 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 18 ft (taller than 12.6% in CA)
Dam Length500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage250 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1918 (108 years old)
NID IDCA00723

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: January 27, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

City of Atascadero

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Atascadero Park?

Atascadero Park 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 Atascadero Park?

Atascadero Park is owned by City of Atascadero (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Atascadero Park built?

Atascadero Park was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Atascadero Park?

Atascadero Park serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Atascadero Park?

Atascadero Park has a dam height of 18 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 Atascadero Park last inspected?

Atascadero Park was last inspected on January 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.