Castaic
Key Takeaway
Castaic is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 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 | 340 ft (taller than 99.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 5,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 323.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,235 acres |
| Drainage Area | 154 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1973 (53 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00044 |
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
California Department of Water Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Castaic?
Castaic 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 Castaic?
Castaic is owned by California Department of Water Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Castaic built?
Castaic was completed in 1973, making it 53 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 Castaic?
Castaic 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 Castaic?
Castaic has a dam height of 340 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 Castaic last inspected?
Castaic was last inspected on October 27, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.