Paicines
Key Takeaway
Paicines is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1912 and is 114 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 29 ft (taller than 29% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 3,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 170 acres |
| Year Completed | 1912 (114 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00847 |
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
San Benito County Water District
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Paicines?
Paicines 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 Paicines?
Paicines is owned by San Benito County Water District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Paicines built?
Paicines was completed in 1912, making it 114 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 Paicines?
Paicines serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Paicines?
Paicines has a dam height of 29 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 Paicines last inspected?
Paicines was last inspected on May 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.