Hartzell

Santa Rita Cr· San Luis Obispo, California· Built 1965· Earth· 50 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hartzell is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 59.1% in CA)
Dam Length275 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage300 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDCA00727

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 17, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Land Conservancy of SLO County

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hartzell?

Hartzell is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hartzell?

Hartzell is owned by Land Conservancy of SLO County (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hartzell built?

Hartzell was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Hartzell?

Hartzell serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Hartzell?

Hartzell has a dam height of 50 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 Hartzell last inspected?

Hartzell was last inspected on February 17, 2022. 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.