Guadalupe
Key Takeaway
Guadalupe is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 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 | 142 ft (taller than 88.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 695 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 75 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00290 |
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
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High Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Guadalupe?
Guadalupe 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 Guadalupe?
Guadalupe 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 Guadalupe built?
Guadalupe was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Guadalupe?
Guadalupe serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Guadalupe?
Guadalupe has a dam height of 142 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 Guadalupe last inspected?
Guadalupe was last inspected on December 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.