Lopez
Key Takeaway
Lopez is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 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 | 166 ft (taller than 92.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,120 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 52.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 950 acres |
| Drainage Area | 68 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00887 |
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
San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lopez?
Lopez 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 Lopez?
Lopez is owned by San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lopez built?
Lopez was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Lopez?
Lopez serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lopez?
Lopez has a dam height of 166 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 Lopez last inspected?
Lopez was last inspected on January 26, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.