Fuller Lake

John Creek - Tributary· Nevada, California· Built 1856· Earth· 39 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Fuller Lake is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1856 and is 170 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 39 ft (taller than 44.4% in CA)
Dam Length410 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area69 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge350 cfs
Year Completed1856 (170 years old)
NID IDCA00351

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 10, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Fuller Lake?

Fuller 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 Fuller Lake?

Fuller Lake is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Fuller Lake built?

Fuller Lake was completed in 1856, making it 170 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 Fuller Lake?

Fuller Lake serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Fuller Lake?

Fuller Lake has a dam height of 39 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 Fuller Lake last inspected?

Fuller Lake was last inspected on August 10, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.