Holiday Lake

Sawmill Creek· El Dorado, California· Built 1951· Earth· 39 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Holiday Lake is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 39 ft (taller than 44.4% in CA)
Dam Length585 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage150 acre-ft
Surface Area12 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1951 (75 years old)
NID IDCA00910

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: Yes
Last Inspection: September 21, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Holiday Lake Community Services District

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Holiday Lake?

Holiday Lake 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 Holiday Lake?

Holiday Lake is owned by Holiday Lake Community Services District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Holiday Lake built?

Holiday Lake was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Holiday Lake?

Holiday Lake 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 Holiday Lake?

Holiday Lake has a dam height of 39 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 Holiday Lake last inspected?

Holiday Lake was last inspected on September 21, 2021. 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.