Lake Aloha Main

South Fork American River· El Dorado, California· Built 1917· Masonry· 32 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Aloha Main is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 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 32 ft (taller than 34.2% in CA)
Dam Length113 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage5.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage5.1K acre-ft
Surface Area630 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1917 (109 years old)
NID IDCA00376

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: August 24, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

El Dorado Irrigation District

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Aloha Main?

Lake Aloha Main 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 Lake Aloha Main?

Lake Aloha Main is owned by El Dorado Irrigation District (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Aloha Main built?

Lake Aloha Main was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Lake Aloha Main?

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

How tall is Lake Aloha Main?

Lake Aloha Main has a dam height of 32 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 Lake Aloha Main last inspected?

Lake Aloha Main was last inspected on August 24, 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.