Nimbus
Key Takeaway
Nimbus is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 87 ft (taller than 78.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,093 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 8.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 8.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 540 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,898 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 300,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10174 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Willow Hill Reservoir
Sacramento, CA
High Hazard 24 ftHinkle
Placer, CA
High Hazard 20 ftMount Stoneman
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Low Hazard 43 ftFolsom
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High Hazard 275 ftBlodgett
Sacramento, CA
Significant Hazard 19 ftMiners Ravine Detention
Placer, CA
Low Hazard 23 ftLower Pond / Pond 1
Sacramento, CA
High Hazard 40 ftFreshwater/Runoff Pond
Sacramento, CA
High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Nimbus?
Nimbus 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 Nimbus?
Nimbus is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Nimbus built?
Nimbus was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Nimbus?
Nimbus serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Nimbus?
Nimbus has a dam height of 87 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 Nimbus last inspected?
Nimbus was last inspected on September 17, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.