Foothill Park
Key Takeaway
Foothill Park is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1988 and is 38 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 86 ft (taller than 78.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 67 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1988 (38 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00868 |
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
City of Palo Alto
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Felt Lake
Santa Clara, CA
High Hazard 67 ftRickey
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Low Hazard 64 ftLagunita
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High Hazard 16 ftSearsville
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High Hazard 68 ftBear Gulch
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High Hazard 61 ftPond 11
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High Hazard 80 ftUpper Settling Basin
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Low Hazard 58 ftShoreline Lake
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Low Hazard 18 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Foothill Park?
Foothill Park 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 Foothill Park?
Foothill Park is owned by City of Palo Alto (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Foothill Park built?
Foothill Park was completed in 1988, making it 38 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 Foothill Park?
Foothill Park serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Foothill Park?
Foothill Park has a dam height of 86 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 Foothill Park last inspected?
Foothill Park was last inspected on June 21, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.