Harold Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Harold Reservoir is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1891 and is 135 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 | 30 ft (taller than 30.4% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 218 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1891 (135 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00238 |
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
Palmdale Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Harold Reservoir?
Harold Reservoir 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 Harold Reservoir?
Harold Reservoir is owned by Palmdale Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Harold Reservoir built?
Harold Reservoir was completed in 1891, making it 135 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 Harold Reservoir?
Harold Reservoir 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 Harold Reservoir?
Harold Reservoir has a dam height of 30 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 Harold Reservoir last inspected?
Harold Reservoir was last inspected on June 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.