Lake Leavitt

Tr Susan River· Lassen, California· Built 1891· Earth· 17 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Leavitt is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1891 and is 135 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 17 ft (taller than 11.1% in CA)
Dam Length8,800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.5K acre-ft
Surface Area1,142 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Year Completed1891 (135 years old)
NID IDCA00516

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: No
Last Inspection: May 24, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Lassen Irrigation Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Leavitt?

Lake Leavitt 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 Leavitt?

Lake Leavitt is owned by Lassen Irrigation Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Leavitt built?

Lake Leavitt was completed in 1891, making it 135 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 Leavitt?

Lake Leavitt 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 Leavitt?

Lake Leavitt has a dam height of 17 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 Leavitt last inspected?

Lake Leavitt was last inspected on May 24, 2022. 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.