Lake Spaulding No. 1
Key Takeaway
Lake Spaulding No. 1 is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 | 276 ft (taller than 97.9% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Arch |
| Max Storage | 74.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 74.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 698 acres |
| Drainage Area | 118 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00358 |
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
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Private
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Low Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Spaulding No. 1?
Lake Spaulding No. 1 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 Spaulding No. 1?
Lake Spaulding No. 1 is owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Spaulding No. 1 built?
Lake Spaulding No. 1 was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Spaulding No. 1?
Lake Spaulding No. 1 serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Spaulding No. 1?
Lake Spaulding No. 1 has a dam height of 276 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 Spaulding No. 1 last inspected?
Lake Spaulding No. 1 was last inspected on July 17, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.