Lake Arrowhead

Little Bear Cr· San Bernardino, California· Built 1922· Earth· 190 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Recreation Hydroelectric Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Arrowhead is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 190 ft (taller than 94% in CA)
Dam Length720 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage48.0K acre-ft
Surface Area780 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Year Completed1922 (104 years old)
NID IDCA00759

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: June 2, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Arrowhead Lake Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead 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 Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead is owned by Arrowhead Lake Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Arrowhead built?

Lake Arrowhead was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Arrowhead?

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

How tall is Lake Arrowhead?

Lake Arrowhead has a dam height of 190 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 Arrowhead last inspected?

Lake Arrowhead was last inspected on June 2, 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.