Lake Loveland
Key Takeaway
Lake Loveland is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 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 | 203 ft (taller than 94.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 765 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 25.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 454 acres |
| Drainage Area | 98 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00776 |
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
Sweetwater Authority
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Palo Verde
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High Hazard 67 ftEl Capitan
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High Hazard 200 ftHenry Jr.
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Low Hazard 33 ftBarrett
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High Hazard 161 ftSan Vicente
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High Hazard 338 ftUpper Otay
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Low Hazard 78 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Loveland?
Lake Loveland 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 Loveland?
Lake Loveland is owned by Sweetwater Authority (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Loveland built?
Lake Loveland was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Loveland?
Lake Loveland serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Tailings, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Loveland?
Lake Loveland has a dam height of 203 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 Loveland last inspected?
Lake Loveland was last inspected on March 24, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.