Priest
Key Takeaway
Priest is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 168 ft (taller than 92.3% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 46 acres |
| Year Completed | 1923 (103 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00124 |
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 Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Local Government
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High Hazard 585 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Priest?
Priest 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 Priest?
Priest is owned by San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Priest built?
Priest was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Priest?
Priest serves the following purposes: Other, Hydroelectric, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Priest?
Priest has a dam height of 168 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 Priest last inspected?
Priest was last inspected on February 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.