Hillside

South Fork Bishop Creek· Inyo, California· Built 1910· Rockfill· 82 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hillside is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1910 and is 116 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 82 ft (taller than 77.1% in CA)
Dam Length645 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage12.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage12.9K acre-ft
Surface Area173 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge1,700 cfs
Year Completed1910 (116 years old)
NID IDCA00446

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 20, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Southern California Edison Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hillside?

Hillside 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 Hillside?

Hillside is owned by Southern California Edison Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hillside built?

Hillside was completed in 1910, making it 116 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 Hillside?

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

How tall is Hillside?

Hillside has a dam height of 82 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 Hillside last inspected?

Hillside was last inspected on July 20, 2023. 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.