Mill Pond

Alder and Maple Creek· Mendocino, California· Built 1885· Earth· 33 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Mill Pond is classified as low hazard in California. It was completed in 1885 and is 141 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 33 ft (taller than 35.9% in CA)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage72 acre-ft
Surface Area9 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1885 (141 years old)
NID IDCA01139

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 14, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Mendocino Railway

Private

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mill Pond?

Mill Pond 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 Mill Pond?

Mill Pond is owned by Mendocino Railway (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mill Pond built?

Mill Pond was completed in 1885, making it 141 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 Mill Pond?

Mill Pond serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mill Pond?

Mill Pond has a dam height of 33 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 Mill Pond last inspected?

Mill Pond was last inspected on June 14, 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.