Rancho Seco
Key Takeaway
Rancho Seco is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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 | 58 ft (taller than 66.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 3,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 165 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00825 |
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
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Public Utility
Nearby Dams
Hamel
Sacramento, CA
Significant Hazard 26 ftArroyo Seco
Amador, CA
High Hazard 67 ftSchneider
Sacramento, CA
Low Hazard 22 ftBeggs
San Joaquin, CA
Low Hazard 40 ftJohn Orr
Amador, CA
Low Hazard 20 ftVan Vleck
Sacramento, CA
Significant Hazard 26 ftPond K
Amador, CA
Low Hazard 22 ftCsp Mule Creek
Amador, CA
High Hazard 51 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Rancho Seco?
Rancho Seco 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 Rancho Seco?
Rancho Seco is owned by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Rancho Seco built?
Rancho Seco was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Rancho Seco?
Rancho Seco serves the following purposes: Tailings, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Rancho Seco?
Rancho Seco has a dam height of 58 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 Rancho Seco last inspected?
Rancho Seco was last inspected on November 10, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.