Caples Lake Auxiliary
Key Takeaway
Caples Lake Auxiliary is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 34 ft (taller than 37.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 587 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 22.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 22.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 600 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,800 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00378 |
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
El Dorado Irrigation District
Private
Nearby Dams
Silver Lake
Amador, CA
High Hazard 32 ftCrater Lake
Alpine, CA
Low Hazard 36 ftRed Lake
Alpine, CA
High Hazard 35 ftScott Lake
Alpine, CA
Low Hazard 35 ftLost Lake West
Alpine, CA
Low Hazard 21 ftLost Lake East
Alpine, CA
Low Hazard 15 ftEcho Lake
El Dorado, CA
High Hazard 12 ftMeadow Lake
Alpine, CA
Low Hazard 74 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Caples Lake Auxiliary?
Caples Lake Auxiliary 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 Caples Lake Auxiliary?
Caples Lake Auxiliary is owned by El Dorado Irrigation District (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Caples Lake Auxiliary built?
Caples Lake Auxiliary was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Caples Lake Auxiliary?
Caples Lake Auxiliary serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Caples Lake Auxiliary?
Caples Lake Auxiliary has a dam height of 34 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 Caples Lake Auxiliary last inspected?
Caples Lake Auxiliary was last inspected on August 24, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.