French Lake
Key Takeaway
French Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1859 and is 167 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 | 95 ft (taller than 80.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 13.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 13.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 337 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1859 (167 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00247 |
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
Nevada Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of French Lake?
French Lake 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 French Lake?
French Lake is owned by Nevada Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was French Lake built?
French Lake was completed in 1859, making it 167 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 French Lake?
French Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is French Lake?
French Lake 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 French Lake last inspected?
French Lake was last inspected on August 22, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.