Palo Verde
Key Takeaway
Palo Verde is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 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 | 67 ft (taller than 71.5% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 758 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 39 acres |
| Drainage Area | 54 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00789 |
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
Palo Verde Ranch Homeowners
Private
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 33 ftBlossom Valley Reservoir
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High Hazard 161 ftCorte Madera
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Low Hazard 16 ftChet Harritt
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High Hazard 200 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Palo Verde?
Palo Verde 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 Palo Verde?
Palo Verde is owned by Palo Verde Ranch Homeowners (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Palo Verde built?
Palo Verde was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Palo Verde?
Palo Verde serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Palo Verde?
Palo Verde has a dam height of 67 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 Palo Verde last inspected?
Palo Verde was last inspected on May 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.