Pilarcitos
Key Takeaway
Pilarcitos is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1866 and is 160 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 | 103 ft (taller than 82.8% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 520 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 109 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1866 (160 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00128 |
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
City and County of San Francisco
Local Government
Nearby Dams
San Andreas
San Mateo, CA
High Hazard 107 ftSpencer Lake
San Mateo, CA
High Hazard 87 ftCrocker
San Mateo, CA
High Hazard 45 ftLower Crystal Springs
San Mateo, CA
High Hazard 149 ftJohnston
San Mateo, CA
Low Hazard 31 ftCanada Road
San Mateo, CA
Low Hazard 52 ftLaurel Creek
San Mateo, CA
High Hazard 40 ftNotre Dame
San Mateo, CA
High Hazard 51 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Pilarcitos?
Pilarcitos 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 Pilarcitos?
Pilarcitos is owned by City and County of San Francisco (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Pilarcitos built?
Pilarcitos was completed in 1866, making it 160 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 Pilarcitos?
Pilarcitos serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Pilarcitos?
Pilarcitos has a dam height of 103 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 Pilarcitos last inspected?
Pilarcitos was last inspected on January 25, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.