Little Grass Valley
Key Takeaway
Little Grass Valley is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 184 ft (taller than 93.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 840 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 94.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 93.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,630 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00269 |
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
South Feather Water and Power Agency
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Little Grass Valley?
Little Grass Valley 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 Little Grass Valley?
Little Grass Valley is owned by South Feather Water and Power Agency (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Grass Valley built?
Little Grass Valley was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Little Grass Valley?
Little Grass Valley serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Little Grass Valley?
Little Grass Valley has a dam height of 184 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 Little Grass Valley last inspected?
Little Grass Valley was last inspected on August 22, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.