Folsom
Key Takeaway
Folsom is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 | 275 ft (taller than 97.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 1.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 894.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11,180 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,870 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10148 |
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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High Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Folsom?
Folsom 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 Folsom?
Folsom is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Folsom built?
Folsom was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Folsom?
Folsom serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Folsom?
Folsom has a dam height of 275 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 Folsom last inspected?
Folsom was last inspected on September 14, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.