Highland Creek
Key Takeaway
Highland Creek is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 75 ft (taller than 74.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 625 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 72 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00828 |
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
Lake County Watershed Protection District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Adobe Creek
Lake, CA
High Hazard 36 ftAllen
Lake, CA
High Hazard 33 ftGraham
Lake, CA
Low Hazard 39 ftLakeport
Lake, CA
High Hazard 51 ftCodding Reservoir
Mendocino, CA
Low Hazard 36 ftPeters
Lake, CA
Low Hazard 32 ftHooper No. 2
Mendocino, CA
Significant Hazard 13 ftHooper No. 1
Mendocino, CA
Significant Hazard 13 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Highland Creek?
Highland Creek 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 Highland Creek?
Highland Creek is owned by Lake County Watershed Protection District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Highland Creek built?
Highland Creek was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Highland Creek?
Highland Creek serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Highland Creek?
Highland Creek has a dam height of 75 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 Highland Creek last inspected?
Highland Creek was last inspected on September 8, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.