Henshaw
Key Takeaway
Henshaw is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 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 | 123 ft (taller than 86.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 50.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 207 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00283 |
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
Vista Irrigation District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Henshaw?
Henshaw 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 Henshaw?
Henshaw is owned by Vista Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Henshaw built?
Henshaw was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Henshaw?
Henshaw 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 Henshaw?
Henshaw has a dam height of 123 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 Henshaw last inspected?
Henshaw was last inspected on February 8, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.