Mojave River Dam
Key Takeaway
Mojave River Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 200 ft (taller than 94.6% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 179.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 215 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 105,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10021 |
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
USACE - Los Angeles District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Grass Valley
San Bernardino, CA
High Hazard 35 ftCedar Springs
San Bernardino, CA
High Hazard 249 ftLake Gregory
San Bernardino, CA
High Hazard 90 ftLake Arrowhead
San Bernardino, CA
Significant Hazard 190 ftNew Lake Arrowhead
San Bernardino, CA
High Hazard 225 ftDevil Canyon Second Afterbay
San Bernardino, CA
Low Hazard 40 ftAmethyst Basin
San Bernardino, CA
High Hazard 46 ftGreen Valley Lake
San Bernardino, CA
Low Hazard 56 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mojave River Dam?
Mojave River Dam 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 Mojave River Dam?
Mojave River Dam is owned by USACE - Los Angeles District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mojave River Dam built?
Mojave River Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Mojave River Dam?
Mojave River Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Mojave River Dam?
Mojave River Dam has a dam height of 200 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 Mojave River Dam last inspected?
Mojave River Dam was last inspected on April 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.