Lake Herman
Key Takeaway
Lake Herman is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 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 | 51 ft (taller than 60.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 110 acres |
| Year Completed | 1905 (121 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00851 |
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
City of Benicia
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Pond 2b
Solano, CA
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High Hazard 86 ftMartinez
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High Hazard 124 ftLake Chabot
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High Hazard 47 ftFleming Hill No. 2
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High Hazard 39 ftLynch Canyon
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High Hazard 21 ftClearwell Phase 2
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Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Herman?
Lake Herman 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 Herman?
Lake Herman is owned by City of Benicia (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Herman built?
Lake Herman was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Herman?
Lake Herman 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 Herman?
Lake Herman has a dam height of 51 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 Herman last inspected?
Lake Herman was last inspected on August 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.