Casitas
Key Takeaway
Casitas is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 334 ft (taller than 99% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 283.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 250.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,720 acres |
| Drainage Area | 39 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10139 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Casitas?
Casitas 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 Casitas?
Casitas is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Casitas built?
Casitas 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 Casitas?
Casitas serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Casitas?
Casitas has a dam height of 334 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 Casitas last inspected?
Casitas was last inspected on July 27, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.