Big Creek
Key Takeaway
Big Creek is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 | 120 ft (taller than 85.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00652 |
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
Pine Mountain Lake Association
Private
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Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Creek?
Big 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 Big Creek?
Big Creek is owned by Pine Mountain Lake Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Creek built?
Big Creek was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Big Creek?
Big Creek 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 Big Creek?
Big Creek has a dam height of 120 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 Big Creek last inspected?
Big Creek was last inspected on November 9, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.