Hidden Dam
Key Takeaway
Hidden Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 140 ft (taller than 88.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 5,730 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 116.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 64.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,570 acres |
| Drainage Area | 234 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 106,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10244 |
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
USACE - Sacramento District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hidden Dam?
Hidden Dam 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 Hidden Dam?
Hidden Dam is owned by USACE - Sacramento District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Hidden Dam built?
Hidden Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Hidden Dam?
Hidden Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Hidden Dam?
Hidden Dam has a dam height of 140 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 Hidden Dam last inspected?
Hidden Dam was last inspected on August 7, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.