Lake Eleanor
Key Takeaway
Lake Eleanor is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 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 | 61 ft (taller than 68.4% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,260 ft |
| Dam Type | Multi-Arch |
| Max Storage | 28.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 953 acres |
| Drainage Area | 80 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00121 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Eleanor?
Lake Eleanor 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 Eleanor?
Lake Eleanor is owned by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Eleanor built?
Lake Eleanor was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Eleanor?
Lake Eleanor serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Eleanor?
Lake Eleanor has a dam height of 61 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 Eleanor last inspected?
Lake Eleanor was last inspected on May 13, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.