Bell Canyon
Key Takeaway
Bell Canyon is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 95 ft (taller than 80.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 500 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 76 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00149 |
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 Saint Helena
Local Government
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High Hazard 39 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bell Canyon?
Bell Canyon 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 Bell Canyon?
Bell Canyon is owned by City of Saint Helena (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bell Canyon built?
Bell Canyon was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Bell Canyon?
Bell Canyon serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bell Canyon?
Bell Canyon has a dam height of 95 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 Bell Canyon last inspected?
Bell Canyon was last inspected on May 24, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.