Prado Dam
Key Takeaway
Prado Dam is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 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 | 106 ft (taller than 83.4% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 2,280 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 295.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2,255 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 181,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | CA10022 |
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
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High Hazard 54 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Prado Dam?
Prado 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 Prado Dam?
Prado 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 Prado Dam built?
Prado Dam was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Prado Dam?
Prado Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Prado Dam?
Prado Dam has a dam height of 106 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 Prado Dam last inspected?
Prado Dam was last inspected on June 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.