Elmer J. Chesbro
Key Takeaway
Elmer J. Chesbro is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 95 ft (taller than 80.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 690 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 328 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00806 |
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
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
R. Simoni Irrigation
Santa Clara, CA
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High Hazard 90 ftDebell
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High Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Elmer J. Chesbro?
Elmer J. Chesbro 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 Elmer J. Chesbro?
Elmer J. Chesbro is owned by Santa Clara Valley Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Elmer J. Chesbro built?
Elmer J. Chesbro was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Elmer J. Chesbro?
Elmer J. Chesbro serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Elmer J. Chesbro?
Elmer J. Chesbro has a dam height of 95 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 Elmer J. Chesbro last inspected?
Elmer J. Chesbro was last inspected on March 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.