Culbertson Lake
Key Takeaway
Culbertson Lake is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1852 and is 174 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 20 ft (taller than 15.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 255 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 953 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 950 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 70 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 165 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1852 (174 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00349 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Private
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Low Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Culbertson Lake?
Culbertson Lake 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 Culbertson Lake?
Culbertson Lake is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Culbertson Lake built?
Culbertson Lake was completed in 1852, making it 174 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 Culbertson Lake?
Culbertson Lake 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 Culbertson Lake?
Culbertson Lake has a dam height of 20 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 Culbertson Lake last inspected?
Culbertson Lake was last inspected on September 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.