Clear Lake
Key Takeaway
Clear Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 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 | 42 ft (taller than 50.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 564 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 584.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 374.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23,960 acres |
| Drainage Area | 735 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10141 |
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
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Low Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Clear Lake?
Clear Lake 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 Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Clear Lake built?
Clear Lake was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Clear Lake?
Clear Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake has a dam height of 42 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 Clear Lake last inspected?
Clear Lake was last inspected on July 15, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.