Iron Gate

Klamath River· Siskiyou, California· Built 1962· Earth· 173 ft tall
High Hazard Other Recreation Hydroelectric Not Listed

Key Takeaway

Iron Gate is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 173 ft (taller than 92.8% in CA)
Dam Length740 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage58.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage19.0K acre-ft
Surface Area580 acres
Drainage Area4,360 sq mi
Max Discharge72,000 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDCA00325

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 25, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Klamath River Renewal Corporation

Not Listed

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Iron Gate?

Iron Gate 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 Iron Gate?

Iron Gate is owned by Klamath River Renewal Corporation (Not Listed). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Iron Gate built?

Iron Gate 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 Iron Gate?

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

How tall is Iron Gate?

Iron Gate has a dam height of 173 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 Iron Gate last inspected?

Iron Gate was last inspected on July 25, 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.