Castle
Key Takeaway
Castle is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 40 ft (taller than 46.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,027 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,280 acres |
| Drainage Area | 28 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | CA01355 |
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
County of Merced
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Castle?
Castle 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 Castle?
Castle is owned by County of Merced (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Castle built?
Castle was completed in 1991, making it 35 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 Castle?
Castle serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Castle?
Castle has a dam height of 40 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 Castle last inspected?
Castle was last inspected on May 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.