Lower Sardine Lake
Key Takeaway
Lower Sardine Lake is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is water supply.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 17 ft (taller than 11.1% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 162 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 280 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 38 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00038 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
State Government
Nearby Dams
Upper Sardine Lake
Sierra, CA
Low Hazard 23 ftPacker Lake
Sierra, CA
Significant Hazard 11 ftUpper Salmon
Sierra, CA
Significant Hazard 13 ftSnag Lake
Sierra, CA
Significant Hazard 8 ftMilton South
Nevada, CA
Low Hazard 30 ftLong Lake
Plumas, CA
Significant Hazard 12 ftJamison Lake
Plumas, CA
Low Hazard 15 ftJackson Meadows
Nevada, CA
High Hazard 196 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lower Sardine Lake?
Lower Sardine Lake is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lower Sardine Lake?
Lower Sardine Lake is owned by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lower Sardine Lake built?
Lower Sardine Lake was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Lower Sardine Lake?
Lower Sardine Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lower Sardine Lake?
Lower Sardine Lake has a dam height of 17 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 Lower Sardine Lake last inspected?
Lower Sardine Lake was last inspected on November 1, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.