Loon Lake Auxiliary

Gerle Creek· El Dorado, California· Built 1963· Rockfill· 90 ft tall
Significant Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Loon Lake Auxiliary is classified as significant hazard in California. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 90 ft (taller than 79.3% in CA)
Dam Length910 ft
Dam TypeRockfill
Max Storage69.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage51.0K acre-ft
Surface Area1,450 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge15,300 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDCA00820

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 28, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Loon Lake Auxiliary?

Loon Lake Auxiliary is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Loon Lake Auxiliary?

Loon Lake Auxiliary is owned by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Loon Lake Auxiliary built?

Loon Lake Auxiliary was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Loon Lake Auxiliary?

Loon Lake Auxiliary serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Loon Lake Auxiliary?

Loon Lake Auxiliary has a dam height of 90 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 Loon Lake Auxiliary last inspected?

Loon Lake Auxiliary was last inspected on August 28, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.