Lake Sherwood
Key Takeaway
Lake Sherwood is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1904 and is 122 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 | 45 ft (taller than 54% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 350 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 163 acres |
| Year Completed | 1904 (122 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00736 |
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
Sherwood Valley Homeowners Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Lake Eleanor
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High Hazard 37 ftWestlake Reservoir
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Low Hazard 19 ftLang Creek Detention Basin
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High Hazard 67 ftWood Ranch
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High Hazard 146 ftMalibou Lake Club
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High Hazard 44 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Sherwood?
Lake Sherwood 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 Sherwood?
Lake Sherwood is owned by Sherwood Valley Homeowners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Sherwood built?
Lake Sherwood was completed in 1904, making it 122 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 Sherwood?
Lake Sherwood serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Sherwood?
Lake Sherwood has a dam height of 45 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 Sherwood last inspected?
Lake Sherwood was last inspected on April 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.