Camp Far West
Key Takeaway
Camp Far West is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 185 ft (taller than 93.7% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 6,040 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 137.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 93.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,020 acres |
| Drainage Area | 285 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 104,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00227 |
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
South Sutter Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Camp Far West Diversion
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Low Hazard 25 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Camp Far West?
Camp Far West 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 Camp Far West?
Camp Far West is owned by South Sutter Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Camp Far West built?
Camp Far West was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Camp Far West?
Camp Far West serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Camp Far West?
Camp Far West has a dam height of 185 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 Camp Far West last inspected?
Camp Far West was last inspected on March 27, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.