Lafayette

Lafayette Creek· Contra Costa, California· Built 1929· Earth· 132 ft tall

High Hazard Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Lafayette is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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	132 ft (taller than 87.4% in CA)
Dam Length	1,200 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	4.3K acre-ft

Surface Area	126 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Year Completed	1929 (97 years old)
NID ID	CA00163

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: September 8, 2022

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

East Bay Municipal Utility District

Public Utility

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Lake Temescal

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Piedmont

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C.L. Tilden Park

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Central

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lafayette?

Lafayette 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 Lafayette?

Lafayette is owned by East Bay Municipal Utility District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lafayette built?

Lafayette was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Lafayette?

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

How tall is Lafayette?

Lafayette has a dam height of 132 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 Lafayette last inspected?

Lafayette was last inspected on September 8, 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.