Jackson Creek

Jackson Creek· Amador, California· Built 1965· Earth· 193 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Jackson Creek is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 193 ft (taller than 94.1% in CA)
Dam Length1,050 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage24.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage22.0K acre-ft
Surface Area450 acres
Drainage Area58 sq mi
Max Discharge51,000 cfs
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
NID IDCA00867

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: October 26, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Jackson Valley Irrigation District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Jackson Creek?

Jackson 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 Jackson Creek?

Jackson Creek is owned by Jackson Valley Irrigation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Jackson Creek built?

Jackson Creek was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Jackson Creek?

Jackson Creek serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Jackson Creek?

Jackson Creek has a dam height of 193 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 Jackson Creek last inspected?

Jackson Creek was last inspected on October 26, 2022. 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.