Copco No 1

Klamath River· Siskiyou, California· Built 1922· Gravity· 230 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Copco No 1 is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 230 ft (taller than 96.2% in CA)
Dam Length415 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage60.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage46.9K acre-ft
Surface Area1,000 acres
Drainage Area4,300 sq mi
Max Discharge46,900 cfs
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDCA00323

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Klamath River Renewal Corporation

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Copco No 1?

Copco No 1 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 Copco No 1?

Copco No 1 is owned by Klamath River Renewal Corporation (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Copco No 1 built?

Copco No 1 was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Copco No 1?

Copco No 1 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Copco No 1?

Copco No 1 has a dam height of 230 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 Copco No 1 last inspected?

Copco No 1 was last inspected on July 25, 2023. 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.