Putts Lake

Blue Canyon Cr· Placer, California· Built 1916· Earth· 19 ft tall
High Hazard Other Irrigation Water Supply Private

Key Takeaway

Putts Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 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 19 ft (taller than 14.1% in CA)
Dam Length1,025 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage249 acre-ft
Surface Area34 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1916 (110 years old)
NID IDCA00540

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 2, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

GW Investments

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Putts Lake?

Putts Lake 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 Putts Lake?

Putts Lake is owned by GW Investments (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Putts Lake built?

Putts Lake was completed in 1916, making it 110 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 Putts Lake?

Putts Lake serves the following purposes: Other, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Putts Lake?

Putts Lake has a dam height of 19 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 Putts Lake last inspected?

Putts Lake was last inspected on November 2, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.