Lee Lake
Key Takeaway
Lee Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1893 and is 133 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 | 47 ft (taller than 56.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 520 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 70 acres |
| Drainage Area | 56 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 12,347 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1893 (133 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00766 |
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
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Public Utility
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What is the hazard classification of Lee Lake?
Lee Lake 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 Lee Lake?
Lee Lake is owned by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lee Lake built?
Lee Lake was completed in 1893, making it 133 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 Lee Lake?
Lee Lake 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 Lee Lake?
Lee Lake has a dam height of 47 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 Lee Lake last inspected?
Lee Lake was last inspected on February 8, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.