Red Lake
Key Takeaway
Red Lake is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1924 and is 102 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 | 35 ft (taller than 38.2% in CA) |
| Dam Length | 1,920 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 85 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1924 (102 years old) |
| NID ID | CA00631 |
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
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
State Government
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Low Hazard 74 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Red Lake?
Red 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 Red Lake?
Red Lake is owned by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Red Lake built?
Red Lake was completed in 1924, making it 102 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 Red Lake?
Red Lake serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Red Lake?
Red Lake has a dam height of 35 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 Red Lake last inspected?
Red Lake was last inspected on June 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.