Lake Hemet
Key Takeaway
Lake Hemet is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 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 | 135 ft (taller than 87.9% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 324 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 14.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 470 acres |
| Drainage Area | 66 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1895 (131 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00763 |
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
Lake Hemet Municipal Water District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Hemet?
Lake Hemet 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 Hemet?
Lake Hemet is owned by Lake Hemet Municipal Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Hemet built?
Lake Hemet was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Hemet?
Lake Hemet serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Hemet?
Lake Hemet has a dam height of 135 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 Hemet last inspected?
Lake Hemet was last inspected on April 19, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.