Mammoth Pool

San Joaquin River· Madera, California· Built 1960· Earth· 411 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Mammoth Pool is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 411 ft (taller than 99.4% in CA)
Dam Length820 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage122.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage120.0K acre-ft
Surface Area1,100 acres
Drainage Area995 sq mi
Max Discharge235,000 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDCA00443

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 29, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Safety of Dams

Ownership

Southern California Edison Company

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mammoth Pool?

Mammoth Pool 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 Mammoth Pool?

Mammoth Pool is owned by Southern California Edison Company (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mammoth Pool built?

Mammoth Pool was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Mammoth Pool?

Mammoth Pool 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 Mammoth Pool?

Mammoth Pool has a dam height of 411 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 Mammoth Pool last inspected?

Mammoth Pool was last inspected on August 29, 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.