Lake Temescal
Key Takeaway
Lake Temescal is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1869 and is 157 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 | 116 ft (taller than 85.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 650 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1869 (157 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00160 |
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
East Bay Regional Park District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Piedmont
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Low Hazard 64 ftCentral
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High Hazard 55 ftC.L. Tilden Park
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High Hazard 88 ftLake Orinda
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High Hazard 273 ftSan Pablo Clearwell
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Low Hazard 42 ftSan Pablo
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High Hazard 170 ftLafayette
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High Hazard 132 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Temescal?
Lake Temescal 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 Temescal?
Lake Temescal is owned by East Bay Regional Park District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Temescal built?
Lake Temescal was completed in 1869, making it 157 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 Temescal?
Lake Temescal serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Temescal?
Lake Temescal has a dam height of 116 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 Temescal last inspected?
Lake Temescal was last inspected on August 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.