Bidwell Lake
Key Takeaway
Bidwell Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1865 and is 161 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 | 35 ft (taller than 38.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 325 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 487 acres |
| Drainage Area | 9 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1865 (161 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00530 |
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
Indian Valley Community Service District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bidwell Lake?
Bidwell Lake 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 Bidwell Lake?
Bidwell Lake is owned by Indian Valley Community Service District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bidwell Lake built?
Bidwell Lake was completed in 1865, making it 161 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 Bidwell Lake?
Bidwell Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bidwell Lake?
Bidwell Lake has a dam height of 35 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 Bidwell Lake last inspected?
Bidwell Lake was last inspected on April 7, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.