Chilkoot

Chilkoot Creek· Madera, California· Built 1890· Rockfill· 11 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Chilkoot is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 3.3% in CA)
Dam Length110 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage308 acre-ft
Normal Storage308 acre-ft
Surface Area57 acres
Max Discharge50 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDCA82568

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 16, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Chilkoot?

Chilkoot is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Chilkoot?

Chilkoot is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Chilkoot built?

Chilkoot was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Chilkoot?

Chilkoot serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Chilkoot?

Chilkoot has a dam height of 11 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 Chilkoot last inspected?

Chilkoot was last inspected on July 16, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.