Dawson Lake
Key Takeaway
Dawson Lake is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 22 ft (taller than 18.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 287 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 960 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 137 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1896 (130 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00280 |
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
Turlock Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
J&T Cattle Company No. 2
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Low Hazard 31 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dawson Lake?
Dawson 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 Dawson Lake?
Dawson Lake is owned by Turlock Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dawson Lake built?
Dawson Lake was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 Dawson Lake?
Dawson Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Dawson Lake?
Dawson Lake has a dam height of 22 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 Dawson Lake last inspected?
Dawson Lake was last inspected on April 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.